Leanne Williams, an accounting major at the University of the West Indies Mona campus, achieved a remarkable victory on Sunday evening by clinching the prestigious Miss SoSci 2026 title. The coronation ceremony, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences lecture theatre, showcased eight exceptional contestants from the faculty’s student body.
Jermaine Francis, the current Social Sciences Faculty Representative for the Guild, emphasized the crucial role of corporate sponsorship in making the event possible. Major supporters included Lasco Curves, Best Dressed Chicken, Lifespan, Kotch, and Sophie Sam cologne store from Spanish Town. The event attracted substantial attendance from university students and family members of the participants.
The competition results saw Rheanna Williams securing first runner-up position after winning the Most Popular on social media category, while Jannel Watson earned second runner-up honors. The newly crowned queen demonstrated exceptional versatility by winning multiple sectional awards including Best Talent, Most Culturally Aware, and Best in Evening Gown categories. Additional awards were distributed to Lisa-Gaye Mills (Most Congenial and Most Poised) and Kelisha Francis (Best Community Project). Judging criteria encompassed talent presentation, evening wear elegance, and performance during the question-and-answer segment.
In an exclusive post-pageant interview, Williams revealed her personal motivation for participating. ‘My late grandmother consistently admired my physique and walking style, frequently joking about my potential in modeling,’ she shared. This familial encouragement gradually evolved into a deeper understanding that pageantry transcends physical appearance, encompassing confidence, vocal presence, and influential capability.
The accounting student from Burke Hill, St. Catherine, described her rural upbringing as fundamental to developing resilience and strong work ethics. Her educational background at St. Catherine High School further reinforced these values. Williams characterized the pageant experience as ‘genuinely amazing,’ highlighting the unexpected sisterhood among contestants that transformed the competition into a collaborative growth journey.
Her primary takeaway emphasized the significance of authenticity and purpose-driven confidence. ‘When you remain authentic to your identity and foundational values, optimal performance naturally follows,’ Williams explained. She additionally noted the reinforced importance of discipline, resilience, and communal support throughout the preparation process.
During her reign, Williams plans to implement a financial literacy initiative targeting Social Sciences students. Drawing from her accounting expertise, she aims to educate peers on practical financial management including savings strategies, credit understanding, investment fundamentals, and responsible approaches to major life expenses such as home ownership, vehicle acquisition, and student debt management. This project reflects her commitment to empowering young women through practical education and personal development opportunities.