HAYLANI KURUPPU, THE FIRST TO REPRESENT SAMOA AT MISS GLOBAL
"I truly believe that I am here to empower women, especially my Samoan women, that they can achieve absolutely anything in life." - Haylani Kuruppu, Miss Global Samoa (Photo: @cliffirvine)
In a landmark moment for Samoa, Haylani Kuruppu has etched her name in history as the very first Samoan to grace the stage at the esteemed Miss Global pageant. Crowned as Miss Global Samoa 2023 by Vodafone Samoa in September, Haylani is currently capturing hearts and attention as she competes in the Miss Global 2023 competition, proudly carrying the hopes and aspirations of her island nation.
Beyond her captivating beauty, Haylani is an accomplished individual with a diverse portfolio, excelling as a social worker, fitness trainer, and the author of 'Haylanni: The Journey to Miss Samoa.' Her journey is one of triumph, marked not only by her diverse talents but also as the first Miss Samoa to publish a book during her reign, showcasing her intelligence, determination, and commitment to breaking barriers.
The significance of Haylani's participation goes beyond the realm of pageantry titles, including Miss Samoa 2022, Miss Melbourne 2022, and First Runner-Up in Miss Pacific Islands 2023. At the Miss Global 2023 sashing ceremony, Haylani delivered a poignant introduction, expressing her immense pride in representing Samoa on the global stage and emphasizing her role as the pioneering Samoan entrant.
Adding to her accolades, Haylani has been making waves in the fan vote, securing a spot in the Top 30. Recognizing her popularity and achievements, she was recently featured on Hype Pageantry's independent Top 20 ranking for Miss Global 2023. It's noteworthy that Hype Pageantry is an independent organization not affiliated with the Miss Global Organization, further underscoring Haylani's individual merit.
Haylani's journey unfolds as a beacon of empowerment for Samoan women, and she sees her presence at Miss Global as a platform to inspire others. During the ceremony, she shared, "I truly believe that I am here to empower women, especially my Samoan women, that they can achieve absolutely anything in life."
As she competes for the coveted title at Miss Global 2023, Haylani aspires to be the next Miss Global, not only for personal achievement but to amplify her advocacy for empowering women to be their best selves. This historic moment signifies more than an individual triumph; it opens doors of opportunity for future Samoan participants on the global stage.
The coronation night of the 10-year anniversary of Miss Global is eagerly awaited on January 21, 2024, in Cambodia. Haylani Kuruppu, with her grace, intelligence, and groundbreaking presence, stands as a trailblazer, marking the beginning of a new era for Samoa in international pageantry. The Miss Global 2022 titleholder, Shane Tormes of the Philippines, will pass on her crown, and Haylani hopes to make history once again as the first Samoan Miss Global.