MANILA, Philippines — Changse are coming to Miss Universe 2018 after the Miss Universe Organization announced that this year’s selection committee will be comprised of all-women panel.
The women-committee will include two Filipinas who are set to determine the next Miss Universe who will succeed Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.
Related Stories
The pageant organization named world-renowned bridal and fashion designer Monique Lhuillier and CEO of Platinum Skies Aviation and FitTech Casha me, Richelle Singson-Michael.
Filipino-American Lhuiller who was born in Cebu, designed creations worn by women including the first ladies of the United States of America. She is also a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Singson-Michael, also the daughter of former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson is the vice chairwoman of LCS Group of companies which led and oversaw the hosting of the 65th Miss Universe in the Philippines.
Aside from Lhuillier and Singson-Michael, Miss Universe 1988 from Thailand, Bui Simon, also joins the list of the all-women panel.
Also included in the roster of female judges are the following:
-
Janaye Ingram – 2017 Glamour Magazine Women of the Year and Miss New Jersey USA 2004
-
Michelle McLean – Miss Universe 1992 from Namibia. She was crowned in Bangkok and now the chair of the Michelle McLean Children Trust and Founding partner of the Business of Beauty.
-
Iman Oubou – Morrocan-American entrepreneur and former pageant ttile holder. She is also one of the CIO Magazine’s 2018 “Female Entrepreneur’s to Watch”
-
Lili Gil Valletta – World Economic Forum Young leader O.S. Hispanic Businessperson of the Year. She is also the 2018 Women of Excellence Award recipient and CEO of CEO of CulturIntel and CIEN+, among others.
This is the first time the MUO lodged an all-female selection committee.
“This new format will allow our selection committee to really get to know each of the contestants in the coming days,” MUO President Paula Shugart said in a release.
“Each committee member is an inspiring woman who reflects our commitment to improving opportunities for our titleholders personally and professionally year-round, and are role models to these young women who are our leaders of tomorrow,” she added.
The seven pageant jurors started overseeing the preliminary competition of Miss Universe on Thursday evening.
They are also set to choose from 94 beauties from all over the world in the finals round and coronation night set to be held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday.
Philippines will be represented by 24 year-old Catriona Gray.