KINGSTON, Jamaica — A humanitarian partnership has been formed between Miss 30+ Jamaica contestant Shanakaye Edwards and Harmony for Humanity Foundation Inc to support Project Bloom, an initiative aimed at empowering children on the autism spectrum and strengthening support for their families.

The foundation committed to supporting the project following a two-day leadership training programme for contestants in the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant, where Edwards’ initiative was selected after an assessment of the needs of parents and families in Jamaica.

The training was led by Dr Onika Campbell-Rowe and Dr Sanett Hanniford, who identified Project Bloom as an initiative with the potential to make a meaningful impact.

For Edwards, the project is deeply personal. As the mother of a son on the autism spectrum, she said she understands the challenges many families face.

“I know what parents of autistic children face, and I am committed to providing as much assistance as is necessary, starting with the school my son attends, Little Sprouts Learning Academy, whose principal is Miss Tanya Murray,” she said.

Shanakaye Edwards, 39 y-o Contestant in the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant

Through Project Bloom, Edwards plans to host educational sessions, promote autism awareness and advocacy, encourage greater community inclusion, and strengthen collaboration among parents, educators, healthcare professionals, community organisations and volunteers.

Dr Hanniford, who will oversee the initiative, said the project is focused on fostering more inclusive communities.

“Every child deserves to be understood before they are judged and supported before they are limited. Project Bloom is about creating inclusive communities where children with autism are celebrated for their unique strengths while equipping parents, educators and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to help them flourish. Together, we can create environments where every child has the opportunity to bloom,” she said.

The collaboration between Harmony for Humanity Foundation Inc and Project Bloom represents another milestone in the foundation’s humanitarian work, reinforcing its commitment to child development, inclusive education, mental wellness, family empowerment, and sustainable community impact throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

The partnership emerged from the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant’s executive leadership programme, held under the theme, “Diplomacy in Pageantry for Mature Women: Celebrating Leadership, Legacy, Culture and Service”. The programme was designed to equip contestants with leadership, communication and advocacy skills while preparing them to serve as ambassadors for Jamaica and champions of social change.

Shanakaye Edwards, 39-y-o Contestant in the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant

The virtual sessions were facilitated by Dr Campbell-Rowe, chief global peace ambassador to the United Nations representing the Canadian International Chaplaincy Association, and Dr Hanniford, a global peace ambassador, educator, human rights advocate, and specialist in child psychology for the Implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (IUDHR).

Rather than focusing solely on pageantry, the programme challenged participants to view the Miss 30+ Jamaica crown as a symbol of leadership, public service and national representation. Contestants explored topics including community advocacy, cultural preservation, public speaking, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, communication, relationship building and nation-building.

“A crown should never simply recognise beauty; it should recognise character, wisdom, integrity, compassion, and the willingness to serve. Every woman participating in Miss 30+ Jamaica brings a lifetime of experiences, resilience, and leadership. This academy was designed to refine those experiences into purposeful influence, preparing contestants to become ambassadors who uplift communities, inspire future generations, and represent Jamaica with excellence,” Dr Campbell-Rowe said.

Dr Hanniford added that emotional intelligence is central to effective leadership.

“Leadership begins with understanding ourselves before we seek to influence others. Emotional intelligence enables women to communicate with empathy, respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally, build stronger relationships, and lead with resilience and authenticity. These are life skills that extend far beyond the pageant stage,” she said.