Marisa D. Mason-Smith named Miss Universe Bahamas patron

Marisa D. Mason-Smith has been appointed patron of the Miss Universe Bahamas (MUB) pageant. The role, according to MBU national director Anthony Smith, reflects Mason’s dedication to empowering women, promoting excellence, and leadership while supporting the advancement of Bahamian women on the national and global stages.

“Marisa will play a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring contestants as they prepare to represent The Bahamas on the international stage,” said Smith

In her capacity, Mason-Smith will work with the pageant’s national director and the Miss Bahamas Universe Organization to mentor contestants, provide strategic guidance, and support initiatives that promote education, leadership, and personal development.

“I am deeply honored to be named the patron of Miss Universe Bahama,” said Mason-Smith. “I am passionate about empowering women by sharing my years of experiences in leadership, professionalism, and education, helping them realize their full potential. I look forward to working with these incredible contestants participating in this prestigious Miss Universe Bahamas pageant and supporting them as they embark on this transformative journey,” she said.

The candidates are in the final stretch to compete for the 2024 Miss Universe Crown the “Yellow Elder” with the finale scheduled for Sunday, May 12, at Atlantis Paradise Island at 8 p.m.

Q. When you received the invitation to be this year’s patron, what did that mean?

A. Firstly, I am still in awe of the invitation and thought it was a prank and the invitation was sent in error. After receiving that the invitation was legitimate and the source was credible, I was lost for words, became teary-eyed, and began to pray thanking God for his blessings, faithfulness, and favor. I wanted to know why I was the privileged one and what did I do to deserve such a prestigious honor and recognition. For me it was humbling and one of gratitude.

Q. How do you wish to impact the contestants in this year’s Miss Universe Bahamas pageant?

A. My impact would be to encourage and empower the contestants. To provide them with nuggets on fulfilling their purpose, walking in their power, staying focused on their dreams, setting and realizing goals, and pursuing their true identity and inner beauty. Additionally, staying graceful, feminine and loving themselves the way God created them; the importance of building their faith in God, developing a prayer life, building a network of positive people, creating their brand and uniqueness, living a life with an excellent spirit; the power of love and forgiveness; developing the leader within, and how to overcome life challenges victoriously. I would like to be present in the contestant’s lives like that big sister and be available to mentor and coach them to achieve and maximize their full potential.

I have always believed that we are blessed to be a blessing. We are here to hold hands and bring others along to survive, thrive and become successful. Life has always been more rewarding to me when I can assist another woman to achieve her goals, overcome challenges, open doors of opportunity, encourage and support to empower them, and advance their purpose in life.

Q. Your extensive background in humanitarian work, education, and female empowerment has been a significant part of your life. How do you plan to bring these values to the beauty queen aspirants, particularly in an industry that has traditionally focused on aesthetics rather than substance?

A. For me, beauty lies within, having godly principles, good character, a positive attitude, honesty, integrity, a heart of kindness and love, strength, and courage to persevere when disappointments come, a pure heart, genuine care, and concern for people; simply peaceful and having a joyful spirit. Whether you are a beauty contestant or not, beauty should ooze from the inside to the outside. External beauty fades, so let’s promote the internal beauty that lasts forever and make the world a better place. Contestants should be confident and present themselves as ladies on or off the stage. You will be remembered for your legacy and how you treated and respected yourself and others. I salute the contestants for their courage to participate in pageantry, and think they are all beautiful young women.

Contestants should invest in their personal development and where necessary identify a mentor and coach to assist them for the public stage, be it oral and written communication, etiquette, appropriate dressing, human relations skills, health, and wellness, understanding the world of pageantry, common courtesies, and procedures, social skills and behaviors, personal grooming, and hygiene.

Q. Who, throughout Marisa Smith’s early years, inspired you to become the formidable woman you are today? And what are the necessary tenets from those years of guidance you wish to impart to this generation of young women?

A. My parents Keith and Mabel Mason have been the greatest influencers in my life. I have been blessed with godly parents who took their roles seriously and never wavered in their duties and responsibilities. My parents have been consistent in their commitment in raising my siblings and I. We were taught Christian values, discipline and the importance of faith in God, prayers and praying as a family, worshipping God as a family and doing everything together as a family. I am so blessed to still have my parents living, supporting, encouraging and praying for me. My parents will be married 69 years in a few weeks and to date, they are still my biggest cheerleaders. My village of my beautiful daughter Krysta Alicia, siblings, and supportive family are the wind beneath my wings.

Living out the values and godly principles are my guiding post. It is important to know who you are, and have an abiding faith in God. Living a life that is pleasing to God is important, and serving others for God’s glory is rewarding. Understanding my role is to contribute to the work of the Lord through service and love. Not to compete with others but to complement others in fulfilling the assignment for God’s glory. Trusting God has been a blessing and he has been so faithful to me. Let’s love more, be kind and embrace people regardless of their condition or position. We are all God’s children.

Q. Do you see pageantry as relevant? Why?

A. Pageantry has its role and I support pageants. Many times, we were able to identify hidden talents and gifts within the contestants. I believe where possible many of our contestants need exposure and more training and development to be more competitive. We need beauty and brains to represent The Bahamas.

Q. This year’s Miss Universe Bahamas theme is “Destination Bahamas,” chosen to emphasize the message that tourism is everyone’s business. How do you see this theme aligning with your role as the patron and the goals of the pageant?

A. The theme captures it all. The Bahamas is a leader in the tourism industry, and is a great promotion to the world. The Bahamas is the best destination in the world. Our country is beautiful and it complements the promotional campaigns of the Ministry of Tourism, the various agencies, and in general the pride and joy of the people of The Bahamas. Let’s celebrate our beautiful country and people.

Q. With all of the interests that you are involved in, what does downtime look like for someone like you?

A. My wind down time includes reading, listening to music, and watching the Game Show Network in particular my favorite shows, Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud.