Who will be the new queen?

It is that time again and Miss Universe Cayman Islands is ready to crown a new queen. On Saturday, September 2, with a beautiful backdrop at the Westin Grand Cayman, a new National Queen will be crowned.  A new era, a new crown and a new queen are all in the works and given the unprecedented year filled with highs and lows, it is just what is needed to usher in the new leadership of the Miss Universe Cayman Islands organization.  As the new Chairperson Catherine Tyson-Sewell has said, this one will be one for the books.  All five young ladies are beautiful, smart and poised and ready to represent Cayman in El Salvador come November.  Who that will be is your guess as well as mine.  Get to know the five contestants and get your tickets to support them. Tickets available at Funky Monkey and Event Pro.

Contestant #1, Mili Almaguer - Sponsored by Bogle Insurance

Mili Almaguer is 19 years old from the district of West Bay who accomplished the impressive feat of graduating from high school early through online education. She is currently doing an internship in the Anti-Money Laundering field and pursuing an accredited mental health certificate to explore different types of mental illnesses. 

Being a strong advocate for self-love, Mili firmly believes in the power of manifesting one’s life goals through a combination of hard work and determination.  She describes herself as an empathetic and compassionate leader. After experiencing and overcoming depression during her youth, Mili understands the importance of raising awareness and providing support to people suffering from depression and is committed to fostering resilience and assisting others in surmounting life’s challenges. Mili aims to lead by example while inspiring others to pursue their dreams and overcome any adversity that they are faced with.  Follow her journey on Instagram: @milialmag

Contestant #2, Ileann Powery - Sponsored by Haagen Daz and The Veterinary Clinic

Ileann Powery is 25 years old and proudly hails from West Bay. She is a National Volleyball Player and has traveled to 11 different countries and competed in 19 international tournaments.  Ileann is also a member of the Cayman Islands Folk Singers and feels honored to carry on one aspect of preserving Caymanian heritage through this platform. Ileann is the owner of iPow Creations, which provides photography and videography services. Through this venture, she connects with many people from different backgrounds while helping to bring their vision to life through a camera lens.  She graduated from John Gray High School and UCCI with an Associate’s Degree in Science.  She was also a 2016 Proud of Them honoree in the area of Sports.

Ileann prides herself in being a lover of God, self-development and all things Soca. One fun fact about Ileann is that she is the youngest of 26 grandchildren for her late grandparents Ella and Jude Powery!  Follow her journey on Instagram: @ileannpowery

Contestant #3, Sydonie Barrett - Sponsored by KARV Gym

Born and raised in George Town, 28-year-old Sydonie Barrett holds a Bachelor of Law with International Studies and a Master of Law in Professional Legal Practice. She was the first student to receive a full legal scholarship from local law firm, Harney Westwood and Riegels, Sydonie and went on to pursue legal studies in the United Kingdom. Currently she is a Policy and Development Officer advising on financial regulations.

In 2019, Sydonie became the first Caymanian to enter and win Miss Caribbean UK.  In 2021 she won the 1st runner-up title in the Miss World Cayman Islands pageant.  Beginning from high school where she was a member of Key Club and Book Mobile, she enjoys being active in her community and volunteers regularly with various organizations such as Meals on Wheels and NCVO.  While studying at the University of Surrey, she was an executive member of the People and Planet Society.

Sydonie was also a “Proud of Them” awardee in the Academics category and served as Leader of the Opposition in the 5th Youth Parliament in the Cayman Islands.  Confident that she would make a great Miss Universe Cayman Islands and a role model both locally and overseas, Sydonie has her eye on the crown and aims to reign with intelligence, grace and compassion. Follow her journey on Instagram: @sydoniebarrett

Contestant #4, Tracey Campbell - Sponsored by WizCay LTD.

Tracey Campbell is 18 years old from the district of Bodden Town.  She graduated from Cayman Prep and High School and plans to continue her studies to become a Real Estate Agent one day.  Tracey is a sports girl and can be found playing football and softball on the weekends. An avid footballer, Tracey has been playing the sport since she was 7 years old and travels abroad a few times a year to participate in tournaments.  Tracey is committed to feel better, eat better and look better and attends the gym regularly.    Always willing to learn a new sport, it is no surprise that PE was her favorite class in school.  She encourages everyone to start a sport, stay active and have fun!  In her down time, Tracey spends a lot of time reading and listening to podcasts on the lovely beaches of Cayman. Follow her journey on Instagram: @ky.tracey

Contestant #5, Ayana Woolery - Sponsored by Fashion Mart

19 year old Ayana Woolery is an Honors graduate of John Gray High School and  currently attending UCCI, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

For her age she has had experiences in many fields of work and has always been interested in exploring the working world in order to carve out a fulfilling career path for herself.  Ayana also owns and manages her own Security Company alongside her family members. 

Growing up Ayana was engaged in Sailing at the local sailing club and loves learning new skills such as motorized boat management.  She is a frequent volunteer with her local church and the Red Cross and is an active member of her community always willing to give when she sees help is needed in someone’s life.  A fun fact about Ayana is that she flew all the way to Italy by herself without a cell phone.  And she was only 15 years old. Follow her journey on Instagram:: @ayanaamoy