MISS GRAND
Jamaica
Simone Gardner
INTRODUCTION
Simone Gardner is a Jamaican Attorney-at-Law, Managing Director, Data Protection Officer, philanthropist, singer, event host, and multifaceted creative who believes that true leadership is measured by courage, service, and self-discipline.
Simone is deeply passionate about youth development and domestic abuse awareness. Through her charity, ACTS Jamaica (Achieving Change Through Service), she uses her legal knowledge to educate people about their rights.
Simone loves pickleball, table tennis, yoga, travel, fashion, and spending time in nature.
Simone enjoys singing, acting, performing, and impersonations, using humor and creativity as ways to connect with people and express different facets of her personality.
Her favourite quote is from Rumi: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears,” which means that opportunities come when you have the courage to move forward.
Stop the War and Violence
I believe it is an ode to my younger self, who felt helpless witnessing and experiencing abuse in various forms. This campaign helps me educate others about the various types of abuse. Through this campaign, I have spearheaded domestic abuse workshops that pinpoint the various forms of abuse, from physical to psychological.
Through the “Stop the War and Violence” campaign, more women are now aware of the recourse available to them under the law, such as protection orders and occupation orders, which help provide safety through restricted access for their abusers.
As an advocate and educator, this campaign reminds me to honour my own right to dignity, freedom, and equality by demonstrating the courage to fight for it.
The 4Bs
It is the embodiment of my own values and ambitions as a business owner and fitness enthusiast. It is not always easy to stay up to date with modern laws and current affairs or work out in a hot Pilates studio. In fact, most times, it can be extremely boring or even taxing, but that is where discipline and reverence for the bigger picture come in.
The four Bs are a testament to both sacrifice and dedication, and to the skill of being able to package hardship in a beautifully packaged frame. (High heels sold separately, lol.)
PASSION TO BEAUTY PAGEANT
My Passion for Beauty Pageants
I am passionate about pageantry because it provides a platform to spread awareness about domestic abuse and advocate for women and girls in vulnerable circumstances. Pageantry, particularly Miss Grand International, is a positive act of rebellion against traditional precepts of modern beauty. It is exciting to be a symbol of this message and to be the vehicle that promotes the expansion of our capabilities as capable, competent, and beautiful women.
SKILLS
Cooking, Speaking, Legal, Writing, and Reading.