Following the successful staging of its third 30+ Fashion Show and Expo, Compass Communication has officially launched the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant, which it touts as a dynamic new platform designed to celebrate the beauty, strength, confidence and continued evolution of mature women in Jamaica.

“After the curtains closed on one unforgettable event, the voices of mature women grew louder with one clear message, ‘We’re not done yet… give us more,’” said Compass Communication founder Stephanie Elliott-Gunning. “I immediately went into action and started planning the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant.”

The pageant is a natural progression from the success of the 30+ Fashion Show and Expo, which highlighted the growing movement of women embracing life, purpose and visibility beyond the age of 30. The upcoming competition will further amplify that message while creating opportunities for empowerment, personal growth and representation.

“The message remains the same, we are beautiful at every stage of our lives,” Elliott-Gunning explained. “But a mature woman who embraces her flaws and ventures out to become all she can be, that is exemplary. It also sends a powerful message to our youth. Unlike many women of our generation who grew up doubting ourselves, we want younger women to know not to wait to believe in themselves.”

Stephanie Elliott-Gunning, CEO of Compass Communication (Media)

Applications are already being received for the highly anticipated event, which is scheduled to take place in August 2026. According to organisers, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with women expressing excitement about the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and fulfill lifelong dreams.

“Applications are coming in from enthusiastic contestants who believe this platform will help them in various areas of their lives,” Elliott-Gunning shared. “Whether it is to finally live out a dream, overcome shyness or simply embrace a new chapter, these women are excited to begin the journey.”

Among the contestants already creating excitement is 37-year-old Shanique Anderson from Clarendon, who says the experience represents far more than a pageant title.

“Being a contestant in the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant means a lot to me because it gives me the opportunity to inspire other women and show that age is just a number,” Anderson said. “Beauty, confidence and purpose do not fade with time. As women, we can still pursue our dreams, passions and goals no matter the challenges or obstacles we may face in life.”

She added that the platform symbolizes empowerment and perseverance for women who may have experienced setbacks or self-doubt.

“This pageant represents strength, resilience and self-belief. It reminds women that even when life knocks us down or makes us feel less than enough, we can always rise again stronger and more determined. I want to be an example that it is never too late to shine, grow and become the woman you were always meant to be.”

Anderson also highlighted the personal impact the competition is already having on her life.

“One of the biggest challenges this experience will help me overcome is my fear of being shy and my tendency to procrastinate,” she explained. “It is pushing me outside of my comfort zone, helping me build confidence, discipline and believe in myself more. I see this journey not only as a competition but as a personal transformation.”

The public will also play an active role in the competition, with opportunities to vote for their favorite contestants throughout the pageant season.

Interested applicants can access the official application form online through the pageant’s social media platforms on Instagram and TikTok: @miss30plusjamaica.

“We expect a successful first staging,” Elliott-Gunning added. “Mature women are owning and honing their place in society and are no longer receding into the background.”

The Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant promises to be more than a competition, it is a movement celebrating resilience, reinvention, confidence and the undeniable power of mature women.

“We’re reaching out to countries in the Caribbean too to be franchise holders in this Pageant, as there’ll be a Miss 30+ Caribbean Pageant,” added Elliott-Gunning.