This week on T-stance on Pageantry we get to hear from Miss Universe Barbados 2020, Hillary Ann Williams.

Hillary competed in the 2019 Miss Universe Barbados pageant where she placed First Runner-Up.

Due to the global pandemic, organizers Crown Events Inc. were unable to host their usual pageant.

As such, they announced Hillary as the new titleholder during a live two-hour telecast: Miss Universe Barbados 2020: The Making of a Queen.

While 2020 presented many challenges for the world, for Hillary 2020 gave her the opportunity to live out one of her dreams.

Without further ado, let's get to know Miss Universe Barbados 2020, Hillary Ann Williams.

1.She is Passionate About Ending Gender-Based Violence.

Hillary Williams: As a survivor of gender-based violence, I know my purpose in life was to represent the muted voices of the many women still fighting for their safety. I know first hand what many women are still struggling with, being demoralized, feeling weak, trapped, lost, and helpless - it was not an easy road to safety and finding my voice. Unlike millions of women across the world, I, thankfully, returned to safety with my friends and family's help., Everyone is not so fortunate. This is why I chose to use my voice and advocacy to create safe spaces for women to share their stories, seek assistance, and know that they are not alone in this journey. 

Safety is a right, not an option. What drives me every day is to ensure that the many women around the world who are not currently safe at home but are stuck at home are provided with the resources needed to no longer live their lives in fear and danger. If my story can save one person, if it can give one person the strength to seek support, that is enough.

2.She's an Aspiring Travel Food Blogger

HW: My dream job is to be a global traveling food blogger. It will combine my passion for traveling the world with my love for different cuisines and utilize my skills as a CEO of my own digital marketing company all into one beautiful experience. 

Food is the language of every culture, and I know that you can find your way to the heart of a country and its people by their cuisine and how they break bread with those they love. What a fantastic way to explore the world, by genuinely seeing people and their culture at its most beautiful core. 

In 2020, amidst COVID-19, I took a chance on myself and said yes to the opportunity of becoming the CEO of my digital marketing agency. I know I'm one step closer to achieving my dream job, and hopefully, in a post-pandemic world, with this step taken, I can reach my goal.

3.She's the CEO of Her Own Business

HW: Like many people in the world, I lost my job during the initial lockdown of COVID-19.  It was a job that I enjoyed, and honestly, I was great at my job.  But as they say, when one door closes, a window opens - and I took the chance to open that window!  For years, I have been toying with the idea of opening my digital marketing agency and becoming my own boss.  So with nothing to lose, I leapt and opened my business.  

Now I have clients at home in Barbados and across the world that I create incredible digital brand experiences for them and their clients.  If 2020 taught me anything, it is that growth happens outside your comfort zone.  That's the motto I grabbed onto this year, and I plan to let it continue to guide my path. While so many things about this pandemic have been horrific for all of us, becoming a CEO would have to be my greatest accomplishment.  

4.She Loves Listening to Podcasts

HW: I am obsessed with a good podcast because they are like my own digital books that I never lose and can listen to no matter where I am or what I'm doing. My current favourite podcasts are  "The School of Greatness" by Lewis Howes, a New York Times best-selling author, 2x All-American athlete, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. The School of Greatness shares inspiring interviews from the most successful people on the planet, world-renowned leaders in business, entertainment, sports, science, health, and literature to inspire you to unlock your inner greatness and live your best life. I also start each day listening to The Daily from the New York Times as I have been listening to Hillary Clinton's podcast.  Anything that can help me grow and learn - sign me up!! 

5.She's Learning How to Catch a Wave

HW: I am in the process of learning to surf!  You read that correctly...LOL, I am learning to surf!  I have always wanted to try the sport - it has always fascinated me. The relationship between surfer and nature is just mesmerising to me. And let's be honest, what is the point of growing up in one of the best places to surf on the planet and not learning?!  

So for 2021, I've decided to check this off my bucket list. Check-in with me in about three months to see how I am progressing and if I can catch and ride a wave as long as I've imagined I could.

Thank you to the Miss Universe Barbados organization, Crown Events Inc. and their queen, Hillary Williams.

Keep up with Miss Universe Barbados by following @hillary.ann.williams and @missuniversebarbados on IG.