2 months ago
22
WESTERN BUREAU:
When Dreanna Williams entered the room, the energy shifted.
At 6 feet 3 inches tall, with radiant dark skin and a quiet, commanding presence, she walked in “like a boss lady”, as one judge put it. But beneath that elegance was a young woman who had long battled insecurity, bullied for both her height and complexion.
“I haven’t always been able to embrace it like I do now,” she shared during her on-stage interview. “I was severely bullied for my height and my complexion. But today, I stand proudly in who I am, and I want other young women to know that if I can do it, so can you.”
On Sunday night, Dreanna Williams, a 22-year-old quantity surveying student at the University of Technology (UTech), did more than just stand tall, she soared to the top of a field of 14 contestants to claim the 2025 Miss Universe Jamaica Northeast crown. The grand coronation took place at the enchanting Lavender Moon Villas in Ocho Rios, St Ann.
Her closest contender was 18-year-old Crystal Sibbley, a vivacious and articulate teen who also won the hearts of the judges and was awarded the Best Interview sectional prize alongside Dreanna Williams. Sibbley also took home Best in Evening Gown and Most Photogenic.
SECTIONAL AWARDEES
Other sectional awardees include People’s Choice Karelle Griffiths and Leah Simms for Best in Swimwear and Social Media.
According to Karl Williams, co-franchise holder for Miss Universe Jamaica and judge for the pageant, the top two were evident from early on.
“One and two were pretty clear from prejudging,” Karl Williams said. “Dreanna has the height, beautiful skin, and she just walked in like a boss lady. She was a little nervous, but she opened up, she knew what she was about and expressed it clearly. That was the most important thing.”
Dreanna Williams’ powerful message of self-empowerment and body positivity resonated deeply with the judges and audience alike.
“I want to use my platform to promote body positivity. It’s something deeply personal to me. No matter your body type, no matter who you are or where you come from — you deserve to be celebrated,” Dreanna Williams noted in response to the question she pulled during the on-stage interview.
For Sara-Jade Kow, regional manager of the pageant and a former national first runner-up herself, Dreanna Williams’ victory was no surprise.
“From the very first day she walked into the audition, ‘winner’ was written all over her,” Kow said. “There’s something captivating about Dreanna, even she doesn’t fully realise it yet. I guided her, trained her, and helped bring out the best in her. She executed beautifully. I’m so proud of her.”
AUTOMATIC ENTRY
Kow, who organised and trained the contestants, said all 14 women will be eligible to audition for the national competition, but Dreanna will move forward with an automatic entry into Miss Universe Jamaica 2025.
“I’m extremely proud of myself,” Dreanna Williams said. “After everything I’ve been through in life, to be here today means so much. I’m ready to serve, to fulfil my duties, and to represent with purpose.”
And Dreanna Williams is no stranger to excellence.
She was a top Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination awardee in 2020 and made the Dean’s List in 2022 at UTech. Her ambition is to inspire others –particularly young women – and her life is a testament to that commitment. A passionate volunteer, Dreanna Williams has played an active role in her community, organising and decorating public spaces for Mother’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. She is also deeply committed to environmental awareness, having participated in turtle rescue efforts and other conservation initiatives.
From a bullied schoolgirl unsure of her place in the world to a queen crowned on her own terms, Dreanna Williams proved on Sunday that grace, power, and purpose can’t be measured by anyone else’s standards.
Tall. Bold. And ready.
English (US) ·