Solange Tuyishime Keita, a Rwandan-born leader and humanitarian, broke new ground by competing in Miss Universe 2025 at the age of 44. Her inspirational journey—from refugee camps to world stages—is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and transformation. Representing Rwanda, Keita uses the Miss Universe platform to advocate for gender equality, leadership, and global humanitarian causes.
Taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 1 to November 21, 2025, the 74th Miss Universe pageant features Keita as a prominent voice championing the idea that beauty and capabilities transcend age. She embodies the values of dedication, life experience, and purpose-driven action.
Solange Tuyishime Keita was born in Rwanda, where her life took a pivotal turn following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. At just 13 years old, she fled her home country, navigating refugee camps in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya before ultimately resettling in Canada. It was in Canada that she began a transformative new chapter in her life.
In Canada, Keita studied journalism and leadership, eventually establishing herself as a trailblazer. Today, she is the CEO and founder of Elevate International, a nonprofit organization uplifting women and youth to unlock their potential and drive societal progress.
Her humanitarian work does not stop there—Keita is also a UNICEF Ambassador for Canada, fiercely advocating for the rights of children and women on a global scale. In Ottawa, she is celebrated for championing gender equality and women's economic empowerment.
"In 2004, I defied the odds," Keita shared in an inspiring statement on her website. "I became the first Black woman to win the title of Miss New Brunswick and later the first from New Brunswick to win Miss Canada International. That moment marked the beginning of my leadership journey, paving the way for me to advocate on both national and international platforms."
She recounted using her first pageant scholarship award to complete her Master’s degree in Public Administration, further developing her leadership skills. Since 2005, for over 15 years, Keita has committed herself to advocating for children, channeling each beauty title she has earned into opportunities to raise awareness about humanitarian causes and empower women worldwide.
"Through my philanthropic efforts, I have helped raise over $3.4 million," she emphasized. "We’ve positively impacted 2.3 million women and children globally. These funds provided clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more than 4.3 million families."
Keita’s vision is clear: "Let’s showcase the power of women leaders! Let’s redefine the perception of beauty in competitions, focusing on leadership, philanthropy, and collaboration."
Her impressive experience in beauty pageants has deeply influenced her journey as a leader, philanthropist, and spokesperson for change. She continues to break barriers: "Let’s create more opportunities to celebrate women’s achievements and show how intelligence, leadership, and compassion work hand in hand."
Keita’s participation in Miss Universe 2025 repositions these pageants as platforms for advocacy and empowerment. Often using Instagram to share her message, she engages followers with initiatives promoting equality and uplifting women. On November 6, 2025, her impactful video before the Miss Universe judges garnered attention when it was shared on the competition’s TikTok page.
Her appearance in the global competition at 44 demonstrates the evolving culture of inclusivity in beauty pageants. Miss Universe now welcomes mothers, married women, and participants above 28 years of age, breaking archaic age barriers and fostering equal opportunities for all.
Keita, who often says, "Beauty is how you live, not how you look," finds joy in reconnecting with her Rwandan roots through baking, particularly making doughnuts and bread. Her participation made history for Rwanda, marking the first time someone of Rwandan descent appeared in Miss Universe.
Experts suggest Keita may have self-funded her Miss Universe participation, a process requiring registration fees ranging from $10,000 to $400,000 for smaller countries like Rwanda. This initiative further underscores her dedication to representing her nation internationally.
Miss Universe: Transforming a Beauty Pageant into a Women’s Empowerment Platform
Founded in 1952 in the United States as a promotional effort for Catalina Swimwear, the Miss Universe pageant has since grown into one of the world’s premier competitions. Celebrating not only beauty but also intelligence and potential, the competition has become a symbol of women’s empowerment.
Under the leadership of the Miss Universe Organization based in New York, it offers participants from over 130 countries a strong platform to advocate for causes and lead global movements.
Participants compete across categories like evening wear, swimwear, and intellectually challenging Q&A sessions, with winners becoming ambassadors for peace and gender equality. They collaborate with global organizations like UNICEF and other impactful partners.
In the competition's progressive turn in 2023, Miss Universe started welcoming married contestants, mothers, and women over 28, reflecting the broader realities of modern women’s lives.
For over 70 years, this competition has been empowering women to challenge outdated notions of beauty and potential. Trailblazers such as Sushmita Sen (India, 1994), Lupita Jones (Mexico, 1991), Pia Wurtzbach (Philippines, 2015), and Zozibini Tunzi (South Africa, 2019) continue to inspire future generations with their impactful advocacy work.
Solange Tuyishime Keita brings pride to Rwanda as the first Rwandan contestant in Miss Universe history.
At age 44, she embodies how beauty and leadership embrace every stage of life.
Her groundbreaking participation showcases her as a leader, philanthropist, and advocate for transformation.
Solange combines her humanitarian efforts with beauty to inspire change.