Mrs. Guyana International 2023, Malika Manelva Blount placed in the top 15 among a bevy of married beauties at Mrs. International Pageant competition on July 21, at the Meadow View Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Blount, a former resident of Brooklyn, and whose parents are Guyanese nationals in an Instagram post, said “as my incredible journey at the Mrs. International Pageant ends, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the amazing experience I’ve had and the unwavering support I’ve received. Making it to the Top 15 is an honor that I will cherish forever, and it wouldn’t have been possible without all of you by my side.”

“I may not have taken home the crown this time, but I want you all to know that my commitment to the causes close to my heart remains stronger than ever. I am still Mrs. Guyana International, and I will continue to represent my beloved country and advocate for empowerment, breaking barriers, and creating a better future through the Blueprint Foundation Inc. throughout the rest of the year,” said the beauty queen.

“This journey has been filled with beautiful moments, inspiring encounters, and a sense of sisterhood that I will carry with me forever,” said Blount, a registered nurse, (BSN, RN).

“As I move forward, I am excited for what lies ahead and the opportunities to make a positive impact. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we will continue to change lives and create a brighter tomorrow,” she added.

The queen who strutted down the runway in an elegant beige gown, designed with a shoulder to floor length train, and completed with silver accents, a plunging V-Neck and thigh-high slit, matched the outfit with open-toe stilettos.

Founder of the Blueprint Foundation Inc., a non-profit that conducts medical missions to Guyana, Blount, when asked to explain her platform, articulated, “The most powerful thing to watch is a young person nurture their curiosity through my nonprofit blueprint foundation they’re equipped with the vital digital skills needed in this ever evolving world I’ve seen a student become a doctor I’ve seen a child be told they can’t but did as missus international I will keep my message strong that every child as there’s a chance to shape the world that they will inherit because this is more than a platform to me this is a lifeline to their future.”

She said, as the leader of the Blueprint Foundation Inc, “I developed a strategic plan, delegated tasks, and motivated the team through various obstacles for our medical mission trips and bi-yearly events in Guyana traveling from the United States. My leadership skills proved to be instrumental in achieving our goals and making a positive impact in the communities we serve. I’ve continued to lead teams on similar trips and remain passionate about this work for the last five years.”

The traveling nurse, who also participated in other categories of the pageant, was crowned Miss Guyana International earlier this year in Tennessee.

According to the website, the Mrs. International Competition has been developed to promote today’s married women, their accomplishments, and commitment to family and marriage.

Around the world women are finding this system to be the opportunity to work with their husband and family to become positive role models, states the website.

Being the premiere pageant for married women has given Mrs. International a chance to open doors for married women around the world.

The focus behind Mrs. International is to showcase women 21 to 56 years old, married at least six months and a resident of the state or a citizen of the country she represents. Each contestant competes in Interview Competition, which is valued for 50% of her overall score, Evening Gown, valued for 25% and Fitness Wear for 25%.

Each contestant can select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting. Husbands are a direct part of the show, escorting their wives in the Evening Gown Competition, and the husband crowns his wife title holder, states the website.