TWENTY-YEAR-OLD economics major Allison Williams was crowned Miss UWI Mona 2019 at the Campus Assembly Hall, last Sunday evening.

She has had her share of challenges, having to split her time between caring for her ailing mother and school. Her mother was unable to attend the event at the University of the West Indies’ Mona campus.

“One of my main motivations to stick to the task ahead was my mother. Her strength is unmatched, next to none. Having been a breast cancer survivor for 10 years, she just recently became ill with further medical challenges. I had to juggle being with my mom when I could, and being at rehearsals. Yet, I was very determined and dedicated. I knew what I wanted and I had to make my mom proud,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer.

Dressed in an elegant black evening gown, Williams also won several sectional prizes: Most Aware, Most Photogenic, Most Involved and Most Poised.

The annual competition had 10 finalists with Desrie Markan taking first runner-up, while second runner-up went to Fiona Dacosta.

This was not Williams’s first pageant. She participated in Miss Aston Preston Hall at UWI and Miss Knox College, winning the latter. Her latest run holds most significance.

“Ever since I applied for the University of the West Indies, it has been a dream of mine. I knew that this was something that I not only wanted to do but I had to do. I love pageantry and will support any avenue that gives myself along with many other beautiful ladies the opportunity to showcase what it really means to be beautiful and powerful,” she said.

Williams is deputy cultural and entertainment affairs chairperson for Aston Preston Hall at the UWI. She plans to be a student advocate and start her own charity organisation to sensitise and support people affected by cancer.

“I plan to be visible on the Mona campus making my presence known in the different clubs and societies and also partnering with corporate Jamaica to get projects up and running. I would also love to get my charity initiative, We Survive Jamaica, off the ground,” Williams said.