Beatrice Akyoo’s colourful path to purpose

DAR ES SALAAM: AT 25, Beatrice Alex Akyoo is showing the world that true beauty lies in purpose.

The fifth runner-up at this year’s Miss Grand International has gracefully combined her love for art, creativity and advocacy to champion equal education opportunities for children with disabilities. Beatrice holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Design from the University of Dar es Salaam.

Her background in visual arts has shaped the way she sees the world full of colour, movement and meaning. Her days are often filled with sketching ideas, mixing paints or AN Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day.

When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before.

When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen: Dearest Wife, just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P.S. Sure is hot down here. capturing beauty through her camera lens.

She enjoys drawing, painting, photography and travelling, all of which inspire her creative spirit.

Her artistic side doesn’t stop there. Beatrice is also blessed with a beautiful singing voice, a talent she nurtures not just for entertainment, but as another form of storytelling.

In 2024, Beatrice was crowned Miss Grand Dar es Salaam, a title that opened new doors for her advocacy work. She used the platform to speak passionately about inclusive and equal access to education for children with disabilities, especially those growing up in underprivileged communities.

“Every child deserves a learning environment that understands their unique needs and abilities,” she says.

“When we make education inclusive, we give every child a fair chance to dream and achieve.” Her message is simple but powerful — education should empower, not exclude.

Through her work, she continues to challenge perceptions and promote compassion in classrooms and communities alike. Beatrice’s calm confidence and artistic vision make her stand out in the world of pageantry. Yet, behind her beauty and talent lies a deep sense of responsibility to make a difference.

Her experience in art and design gives her a creative way to tell stories of hope and inclusion. Whether through her brush, her voice or her crown, Beatrice uses every opportunity to remind others that kindness and awareness can transform lives.

She believes that when young people use their talents for good, they inspire others to do the same. “The best thing you can do with your gifts,” she says, “is to use them to make someone else’s life better.” Even after achieving success on the international stage, Beatrice remains grounded and focused on her mission.

Her goal is to expand her advocacy by working with schools, organisations and policymakers to create spaces that support children with disabilities.

Through art, she hopes to continue raising awareness about inclusivity and self-expression helping every child, no matter their ability, find confidence in who they are. With her vibrant smile, artistic touch and compassionate heart, Beatrice Alex Akyoo represents a new generation of beauty queens one where beauty meets empathy, and crowns come with purpose.