By: Alva Ree
In the world of beauty pageants, Melisa Gun stands out as a pioneer, transforming the traditional concept of pageantry into something much more meaningful. As the founder and CEO of Ms World, Melisa has created a platform that celebrates not only beauty but also empowerment, diversity, and global unity. In this exclusive interview, Melisa shares her journey, her vision for Ms. World, and what made the 2024 competition a landmark event.
Interviewer: Melisa, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us how you first devised the idea for Ms World?
Melisa Gun: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here. The idea for Ms. World came from my belief that beauty is so much more than just physical appearance. I’ve always felt that traditional beauty pageants were too focused on superficial qualities, and I wanted to create a platform that celebrated women holistically—beauty, intelligence, talent, and the ability to inspire others. I wanted a competition where women from all backgrounds could showcase their individuality and feel empowered.
Interviewer: Ms World 2024 was an incredible event. What do you think made it stand out?
Melisa: What made Ms World 2024 so special was how well we brought diversity and empowerment to the forefront. This year’s competition was a true celebration of global unity, with contestants from all over the world coming together to share their stories. Each woman was unique, and that’s what I love about Ms. World. We saw contestants from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and they all embodied modern womanhood—confident, capable, and compassionate. That diversity and a focus on empowerment make Ms. World different from other pageants.
Photo Courtesy: Aleksandra Kolesnikova
Interviewer: You’ve always been vocal about promoting diversity in the pageant world. Why is that so important to you?
Melisa: Diversity is at the heart of Ms World. When I started this journey, I knew I wanted to break away from the narrow beauty standards often promoted in media and fashion. Women come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, and I wanted a competition that celebrated that. Beauty isn’t just one thing—it’s found in the stories we tell, the challenges we overcome, and our positive impact on our communities. Celebrating diversity allows women to see themselves represented and know that they, too, are beautiful.
Interviewer: Ms World 2024 was not just about beauty but also about empowerment. Can you tell us how you integrate that into the competition?
Melisa: Absolutely. Empowerment is central to everything we do at Ms. World. It’s not just about crowning a winner; it’s about giving women the tools and confidence they need to continue their journeys beyond the competition. We partner with organizations that offer educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development. Ms World is a platform for women to elevate themselves, whether that’s through building their brands, starting businesses, or advocating for causes they care about.
For example, women are passionate about environmental sustainability, mental health awareness, and women’s education. They use the Ms. World platform to amplify their messages and drive real change, which makes this competition so meaningful—it’s about making a difference.
Interviewer: That’s amazing. Speaking of making a difference, who were some of the standout contestants from this year’s competition?
Melisa: There were many incredible women this year, but a few stood out. Ms. Classic Poland, Frommer Alina, was just breathtaking. At her age, she exudes grace and elegance like no one else. She is a perfect example of how beauty and confidence can transcend age. Then, there was Miss Colombia World, Rincon Juvinao Cynthia Valentina. Her performance was unforgettable—she lit up the stage with energy and passion, and her commitment to proudly representing her country was inspiring. Every contestant had something special, but these two left a lasting impression.
Photo Courtesy: Aleksandra Kolesnikova
Interviewer: It’s clear that Ms. World is more than just a pageant—it’s a movement. What’s your vision for the future of Ms. World?
Melisa: I see Ms. World continuing to grow as a global platform for women to showcase their talents, beauty, and intelligence while making a difference. I want to expand the competition internationally and continue promoting critical social causes like gender equality, environmental issues, and mental health. We’re always looking for new ways to empower women and give them the resources they need to succeed, whether that’s through education, business opportunities, or community leadership.
I also want to keep evolving the competition itself so it continues to reflect our changing world. We’ll always have the glitz and glamour, but we must stay true to our mission of celebrating women in a way that goes beyond traditional pageantry.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful mission. What would you say to women considering participating in Ms. World?
Melisa: I would say go for it! Ms. World is not just about winning a title—it’s about growth, connection, and discovering your true potential. The competition is a transformative experience, and it’s about more than just the crown. It’s about building lifelong friendships, learning new skills, and having a platform to amplify your voice and causes. We welcome women of all backgrounds, so if you have a passion for making a positive impact and want to grow, Ms. World is the place for you.
Interviewer: What has been your significant achievement with Ms. World so far?
Melisa: Honestly, my significant achievement is seeing how the women who have competed in Ms. World continue to grow and succeed after the competition. Seeing them using their platform to advocate for causes they care about, start businesses, or become leaders in their fields makes me incredibly proud. Knowing that I’ve been able to help create a space where women feel empowered to achieve their dreams is the rewarding part of what I do.
Interviewer: Melisa, what’s next for you and Ms. World?
Melisa: The future looks bright! We’re already planning for Ms. World 2025, and I’m excited to make it even bigger and better. We’ll be expanding our reach, bringing in new partners, and continuing to push the boundaries of what a beauty pageant can be. I’m always looking for new ways to empower women through Ms. World and beyond. I have a few projects in the works, but for now, I focus on continuing to build this platform and supporting the incredible women who come through it.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Melisa. It’s inspiring to hear about all the incredible work you’re doing.
Melisa: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Published By: Aize Perez
