10Jul2025

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Home Posts Tagged "empowerment"

Tag: empowerment

162
INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
March 24, 2024

An Orphan who became a Miss World

Miss World Venezuela – Ivian’s Story

OAround the globe, stories of orphaned children overcoming adversity and achieving greatness remind us of the extraordinary power of resilience. One such story is that of Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, a Venezuelan woman whose journey from loss to global recognition continues to inspire.

Ivian was orphaned at the age of 8 and spent five formative years in a convent in Cojedes, Venezuela, under the care of nuns. During this time, she was so moved by their dedication and compassion that she once dreamed of becoming a nun herself. However, as she grew older, Ivian realized that she was also drawn to the world of modeling—seeking not just fame, but a platform to inspire and make a difference.

In 2010, Ivian competed in the Miss Venezuela pageant, representing the state of Amazonas. Her striking presence and inner strength quickly caught attention, earning her the Miss World Venezuela crown as well as the Most Beautiful Face Award. Just a year later, on November 6, 2011, she captured the world’s attention when she was crowned Miss World 2011 in London. Ivian also placed as third runner-up in the Beach Beauty competition and fifth runner-up in the Top Model category—impressive achievements that underscored her versatility and determination.

In 2010, Ivian competed in the Miss Venezuela pageant, representing the state of Amazonas. Her striking presence and inner strength quickly caught attention, earning her the Miss World Venezuela crown as well as the Most Beautiful Face Award. 

Just a year later, on November 6, 2011, she captured the world’s attention when she was crowned Miss World 2011 in London. Ivian also placed as third runner-up in the Beach Beauty competition and fifth runner-up in the Top Model category—impressive achievements that underscored her versatility and determination.

Yet what truly sets Ivian apart is not just her outer beauty, but her heartfelt commitment to making a difference. In her post-win speech, she shared:

“This has taught me that life, although it may be bad, doesn’t have to end badly. Although I no longer have my parents, it has taught me to be stronger… I want to help people like me.”

Today, Ivian continues to advocate for vulnerable communities through initiatives like Beauty With a Purpose, a cause closely tied to the Miss World organization. Her life stands as a powerful reminder that being orphaned does not mean being defeated. Instead, it can be the beginning of a journey shaped by courage, dreams, and service.

At our foundation, we are proud to celebrate orphans like Ivian who rise above their past and use their voice, talent, and heart to light the way for others. Her story reminds us that it’s not where you start—it’s the strength with which you continue.

By admin
Eleanor 1
INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
October 20, 2021

From an Orphan to First Lady

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

Eleanor Roosevelt (The First Lady and an orphan)

 

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The longest serving First Lady in US history, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, was born on October 11, 1884. At the early age of 8, Eleanor Roosevelt lost her mother, Anna Hall Roosevelt, due to diphtheria in 1892, while her father, Elliott Roosevelt, died of alcoholism.

Eleanor lived with her maternal grandmother, Mary Hall, who sent Eleanor to Allenwood School, a progressive girls’ boarding school in London, England, in 1899.  Ms. Marie Souvestre, Allenswood ‘s Director, recognized Eleanor’s keen intellect, improving her self-confidence. As a result, she became a well-liked leader at a young age among her classmates.

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Eleanor lived in the life of politics as her uncle, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the brother of her father, who assumed the 26th presidency (1901-1909) right after President McKinley was assassinated. She was then involved in different charity programs and contributed to volunteer settlement houses and social work, activities that reflected the service’s philosophy of the time spent at the Allenswood ‘Girl’s Boarding School, which molded Eleanor to appreciate and develop deeper insights into politics.  During this time, she fell in love with her fifth cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who later became the 32nd President for four terms from 1933 and 1945.

Eleanor Roosevelt is commonly appraised as one of the influential American women of the 20th century.  In addition to serving as the First Lady of the United States for 12 years, she was a newspaper columnist, author, diplomat, and a great contributor to the League of Women Voters.   President Truman appointed her as the delegate of the United Nations General Assembly. In 1946, she joined as a member of the Human Rights Division, further cementing her position as one of the inspirational voices in the modern world.

 

Our Foundation is pleased to recognize the incredible ‘life celebrations of Eleanor Roosevelt.  Although she became an orphan young, she championed noble causes that embodied gender equality movements to be accepted worldwide.  In acknowledgment of her invaluable workaround ‘for women’s and human rights, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by President Kennedy, among others.

By admin