Hey, soul sisters!

For Continental Queens Chidimma Adetshina, Matilda Wirtavuori, Tatiana Calmell, and Chelsea Manalo, true sisterhood goes beyond crowns, sashes, and borders

By JOHN ROLAND LEGASPI

The Miss Universe platform has always celebrated beauty, talent, and advocacy, but with the introduction of Continental Queens, it takes inclusivity and global representation to a whole new level. 

During its 73rd edition, the pageant crowned its inaugural roster of Continental Queens: Chidimma Adetshina (Africa and Oceania), Matilda Wirtavuori (Europe and the Middle East), Tatiana Calmell (Americas), and Chelsea Manalo (Asia). They are the first-ever titleholders to represent their respective continents, bringing their unique cultures, voices, and perspectives to the international stage. 

GLEN Magazine sits down with these trailblazing queens as they share how they are redefining pageantry, championing inclusivity, and inspiring women around the world.

Continental Queen is a new addition to the Miss Universe platform. What do you think you and your sisters add to the pageant and its mission?

Tatiana: We are the first Continental Queens. It has been really exciting for us, and also totally unexpected at first. We represent each continent, our own cultures, and we share that with the whole world.

Matilda: It is a great way to bring forth womanhood from all over the world. I think it is inspiring for future contestants and for women everywhere to see us. I believe we bring a lot of heart and work ethic to the platform.

Chidima: It is all about inclusivity. It is beyond beauty. We contribute to inclusivity and social change because we all advocate for different causes. When we speak about them, we are not just sharing our own experiences, but we also inspire others.

Chelsea: Pageantry is a growing industry where everything is limitless—anyone can join if they have a dream. I think having Continental Queens opens many doors for women who have a dream to be part of Miss Universe’s mission. It is about individuality and letting people see themselves in you.

Do you have a lesson from home that you carry with you on this journey?

Tatiana: I learned from back home that it is important to be humble and resilient. As Peruvians, we’ve been through hard times, but we are always pushing forward to keep getting better and better.

Matilda: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to radically accept myself. I went through some struggles with my confidence when I was younger. When I understand that I’m at my most beautiful when I accept myself, when I take care of my well-being and my health, that’s when I glow the most.

Chidima: The power of resilience and not giving up. Nigerians are passionate and ambitious. Whenever we want something, we work hard for it, no matter the obstacle.

Chelsea: I’m an only child, and my parents always tell me to dream big—but remain humble. You need to keep your feet on the ground and have faith.

Do you think pageants continue to champion women?

Tatiana: As long as the main purpose of joining pageantry is because you want to help others or give the community something important, that’s what matters most. It is not just about you shining—it is more about the responsibility that you carry.

Matilda: What better way to empower women than to bring them to a global stage and provide opportunities to work? Around the world, pageants are providing jobs for women, amplifying their voices, and letting their stories be heard.

Chidima: Yes, it does. When people see us, they don’t just see beauty queens. They see brave and strong women. We are not just Continental Queens—we are role models for so many other girls out there.

Chelsea: For many women, pageantry is a jumping-off point. After being a beauty queen, one can be a teacher, a mom, or anything they want to be. Women are so much more, and pageantry helps empower them by allowing them to tell their stories.

If I am not a Continental Queen, I am: A Netball player
Beauty must-have: Lip gloss
Favorite travel destination: New Zealand|
Food from your country that people should try: Okra soup, and you eat it with oat fufu or eba.
Describe your fellow continental queens: Chelsea is talkative and fun, Tatiana is like the clown of the group, and Matilda is like the princess—always on time and cute.

If I am not a Continental Queen, I am: The beach girl
Beauty must-have: Face mist
Favorite travel destination: Hawaii
Food from your country that people should try: Definitely ceviche. That’s our main dish and it is super fresh.
Describe your fellow Continental Queen: Matilda is a sweetheart, Chelsea has a pure heart, and Chidima has a fun spirit.

If I am not a Continental Queen, I am: A shower singer
Beauty must-have: Perfume. Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia and Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy 
Favorite travel destination: Greece
Food from your country that people should try: Black sausage. It is a traditional Finnish food. We have it with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.
Describe your fellow continental queens: Tatiana is a fire queen with a heart, Chelsea is so playful and joyful, and Chidima is the lip balm lover. 

If I am not a Continental Queen, I am: Already a mom of seven dogs
Beauty must-have: Facial oil
Favorite travel destination: Mexico, before I competed. Now, I want to explore Spain. 
Describe your fellow continental queens: Tatiatna is my “ate”—she gives me good advice. Matilda is a prim and proper woman who knows what she wants. Chidima is smart and has so much substance. I see so much power in her.