Miss Guyana 2019

DONOR WALL OF GRATITUDE

• Regional Democratic Council #6 – $50,000
• Ms. Savita – $25,000
• Conway’s Consultancy – $120,000
• STEM Girl Glow Gala Attendees –$102,000
• Natasha Martindale –$200,000
• Travon Barker – $45,000
• Contributions – In-Kind -$285,250

In high school, when I was in third form, I wanted to go into the Technical stream. Some of my teachers told me it was primarily for boys, so I didn’t pursue it. Instead, another opportunity came knocking, and I joined the Science stream. It was a challenge I took gracefully and have never regretted. Back then, it didn’t seem like a big deal for a girl to be in the Science stream, at least in Guyana. My female friends and I never faced the stereotype that “Science is unfeminine.”

However, at university, this changed. University is the phase of life where decisions impact all your tomorrows. I was looked down upon because of my age. People often said, “You’re young,” “Take a break,” “Live life a little.” These phrases were taunting, and many times I wanted to agree with them. If it wasn’t my age, it was their perception of me. For instance, I was called a “nerd” or heard guys say, “You’re beautiful + smart.” These lines, as small as they seem, were hurtful. Being called a nerd made me feel unattractive due to society’s portrayal of nerds in the media. Wearing glasses in reality didn’t help either.

Hearing “You’re beautiful + smart” felt like being told, “You can’t be both.” Why not? I am just as human as guys are, with the same capabilities. These repeated phrases forced me to not want to wear glasses and to dress up and wear makeup to avoid being perceived as a nerd or someone who studies Science.

Lastly, I heard, “It’s time you get married,” “You’re of the age,” “Your biological clock is ticking.” While these phrases were funny rather than hurtful, they highlighted societal pressures. My future as a wife and mother is as important as my academics and career. I believe I can have both, as I see in my home through my mom, one of my role models.

In America, women make up only about 27% of STEM career holders. These statistics result from girls being told the same lines I was and am being told, forcing compromises or even causing them to quit. Through STEM Girl Glow, I aim to change this narrative and empower more girls to pursue and thrive in STEM fields.

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to hop across to my tab. Here, you can gain insight into who I am and my journey as Miss World Guyana 2019. You’ll also learn more about my Beauty With A Purpose Project, “STEM Girl Glow,” and the inspiration behind it.

Age: 20 | Height: 160cm
LECTURER | UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA
DEGREE | CHEMISTRY

I believe that a girl can be whatever she wants to be, regardless of her age, ethnicity, race, size, family background, or financial status. For too long, girls and women have been victims of the stereotype that they cannot or should not pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields and jobs. This stereotype has defined us, but it’s time for that to change. There should be more girls, more women in STEM; we have ideas too!

I am dedicated to using my platform as a role model to show my fellow Guyanese queens and princesses that we are more than what the statistics say. We are more than our outward appearance. We can excel in STEM studies, research, and policy-making. By doing so, we contribute to the progress and development of our Motherland, united as one people, one nation with one destiny. This is why I should be Miss World Guyana.

CIRCUITRY: Miss World Guyana’s gown represents the beauty and advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in her BWAP, STEM Girls Glow campaign through an exciting innovative techy motherboard custom design pattern. The gown has a mermaid silhouette with a slit up the middle of the front and is complemented by an A-line layer tulle overlay. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline constructed like a bustier and embellished with an illusion of patterns floating on Miss Guyana’s chest. These patterns run down her arms to create long illusion sleeves. The gown has a low plunging back which introduces a voluminous skirt housing thousands of LED lights to represent the bright career paths that STEM promises us in the future. The skirt of the gown also has a medium-length train to top off the details of the gown. Thousands of rhinestones create futuristic patterns of brilliance, beauty, and elegance in the form of a motherboard. This is Miss Guyana in “Circuitry.”

Gown Color: Primarily white with an iridescent finish created by rhinestone details in a motherboard-circuit-inspired pattern
Fabric/Material: The evening gown, Circuitry, is made of white sequin fabric with an interlock lining. The overlay skirt in the back is made of one layer of iridescent organza housing thousands of LED lights under several layers of tulle.

Type: Tech Sculpture

With the ever-growing advances in S.T.E.M, the need to introduce and involve every young individual is vital for our future. This piece of art, in unity with Miss Guyana 2019, aims to bring awareness to S.T.E.M’s importance and the necessity to harbor its potential in young girls and women. Each aspect of the sculpture represents the categories of S.T.E.M, as well as Miss Guyana’s torch which highlights ‘STEM Girl Glow’. This invites the affirmation that once there is a torch to light the way, a spark and a glow, despite who we are or where we come from, we can contribute our extraordinary talents for a more advanced and much brighter future.

Talent 

Type: Contemporary Interpretative Dance
Title of the Music: Footprints in the Sand
Artist: Leona Lewis

Choreographed by Miss Daniels & Marissa Primo, the song depicts any girl or young woman who needs to rely on that inner presence to guide them on their chosen path, finding their purpose against all odds, and glowing in the light of it all. This dance is a personal message from me to every young girl who wants to follow in my footsteps and take careers in STEM. I want every girl to be guided by light and glow beyond stereotypes.

Mother Reacher, also known as Mami Lang Arms. This character symbolizes the unification and advancement of the Guyanese people towards economic growth, progressive culture, and STEM dominance.

Mother Reacher – Mami Lang Arms: Mother Reacher is a mythical being of Guyanese heritage, born in the 25th century in the Common Era of the Gregorian calendar. She emerges from the unified identity of the Guyanese people, carrying the mystical torch of technological and scientific advancement. Her mission is to transform and grow the nation through dignity, integrity, and purpose. With long, radiant arms, she reaches deep into the hearts of every Guyanese, reigniting core values and illuminating the path towards progress and unity.

Cultural Significance:

• Folklore: Mother Reacher (Mami Lang Arms)
• Origin: Guyana, South America
• Cultural Representation: Masquerade (new character)
• First Appearance: Miss World Dance of the World

Mother Reacher’s presence aims to re-engineer culture, reignite core values, and give purpose to her people while discarding old traditions that hinder future growth. Her beauty, light, and joy are reflected in her long arms that touch souls, sparking progress and transformation.

Vision and Mission: Mother Reacher, through Joylyn Conway, strives to put the Guyanese people on a path to transformation, emphasizing progress, integrity, and unity. She focuses on the nation’s bright future, leveraging STEM advancements and cultural pride to guide her community toward a prosperous future.

Impact and Role: Joylyn Conway, as Mother Reacher, plays a vital role in promoting STEM education and cultural pride within Guyana. Her leadership and advocacy efforts aim to foster a progressive society where technological and scientific advancements are embraced, and cultural heritage is celebrated.

Creative Myth Concept – Natasha Martindale
Designed by Randy Madray

.