by Khaila Gentle

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 15, 2022

The Miss Universe Belize Pageant concluded on Saturday with 25-year-old Ashley Lightburn of Belize City emerging victorious as Miss Universe Belize 2022. Lightburn, who is an adjunct lecturer of mathematics at the University of Belize and is also

pursuing a Master’s degree in International Business Administration, will go on to represent the country at the 71st Miss Universe Pageant set to take place this December.

Lightburn has stated that during Saturday’s competition, she gave her heart and soul on stage. Her victory came after the participation of the contestants in swimsuit, evening gown, and question-and-answer segments. “I’ve always enjoyed challenges, and this experience has been no different. Fortunately, the judges saw my everything: my love, my passion, my authenticity, my vulnerability and even my flaws and still found me fit to represent our Jewel. I am forever grateful for this decision,” she said. Lightburn is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and she herself holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics. She has also hosted and participated in Belize’s Annual Mathematics Symposium.

Lightburn made her first public appearance as Miss Universe Belize on Sunday at the Belize City House of Culture for the Queen of the Bay Sashing Ceremony and Gala.

The first runner-up for the pageant was doctoral candidate Alina Scott of the Cayo District, while Placencia’s Samantha Singh, editor-in-chief of Bent Pin Press, was second runner up as well as Miss Popularity.