Eight young ladies from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, are competing for the title of Miss SoSci 2026.

The coronation takes place this Sunday, March 8 at the Faculty of Social Sciences lecture theatre.

According to Jermaine Francis, UWI Guild representative, the decision to relocate the pageant this year to a larger venue was strategic.

“This year, we made a deliberate decision to move to a larger and more professional venue. We wanted a space that better reflects the growth and prestige of Miss SoSci within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The new venue allows us to elevate the production quality, improve the audience experience and provide our contestants with a stage that truly matches the standard of excellence we are promoting,” Francis told Observer Online on Sunday at UWI’s Taylor Hall, during a rehearsal by the finalists.

The winner of Miss SoSci will receive $100,000 cash among other prizes and special surprises from sponsors.

“These rewards are designed not only to celebrate her achievement, but also to support her personal development, representation duties and continued impact within the Faculty of Social Sciences,” Francis shared, while giving an insight into what patrons can expect at the coronation on Sunday.

“Patrons can look forward to well-structured segments including talent, evening wear and thought-provoking question and answer rounds that highlight the contestants’ critical thinking, advocacy and leadership capacity.”

Corporate Jamaica has thrown its support behind the staging of the pageant this year.

Said Francis, “We have been intentional in building strategic partnerships with organisations that align with our vision of excellence, professionalism and youth leadership. Their support has significantly enhanced the overall production quality, and we have seen increased interest from partners who recognise the value of investing in student development and empowerment.”

Richard Barclay is the director for the Miss SoSci pageant. He explained how the finalists were selected.

“We had an interview process which comprised of a series of questions and then we made our selection. We saw several ladies from different departments within the faculty, and we decided to move ahead with eight of them. Ideally, we are looking for a well-rounded young lady who can represent the faculty well,” said Barclay.

Rheanna Williams, one of the competitors who is studying for an undergraduate degree in international relations and management, saw the competition as an opportunity to grow as an individual.

“I wanted to grow and expand on my horizons so that’s why I decided to participate, and it’s been a positive experience so far. I’ve learnt about sisterhood and time management. This has also allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone,” Williams told Observer Online.

Tourism Management student Melissa Downer is a past student at the York Castle High school in St Ann.

“My decision to enter was quite impulsive but I am enjoying the experience although it can be a bit hectic at times,” she said.

Summer Pottinger always had the intention of entering a pageant and Miss SoSci was the perfect choice for her at this time. The second-year marketing student who attended Westwoood High in St Ann, shared, “I always wanted to enter a pageant and this time I said, I wanted to represent my faculty, and I gave it a try.”

For Latania Townsend, leadership was always a top priority. The former Enid Bennett High student who is a third-year Human Resources student, said: “I was interested in modeling, but I am a student leader, and we have to show up as leaders. This experience has been great so far; it has taught me a lot including how to walk properly.”

“The experience so far has been invaluable, and I have gained a lot,” said second year political science student Kelisha Francis.

The other finalists are: Lisa-Gay Mills, Jannel Watson and Leanne Williams.