LaToya steers a course for Miss Universe

Trinidad and Tobago may be a relatively small country and is more associated with Carnival more than anything else, but this twin-island nation is a beauty powerhouse. The Trini (as Trinidadians are affectionately called) government even recognised the excellence of the country in the field of beauty pageants. Lately, things were not well as expected as Peter Elias, the legendary National Director, called it quits citing lack of government support. Now he is back in action as a coach with the new organising body who promise that Miss TT LaToya Woods will be in good hands. Expect the Trinis to shine once more.

Q: Some people call Miss Universe disrespectful of women; convince them that they’re wrong.

A: It took lots of urging for me to enter the process and from the outside it does not seem to be what it is. Working towards a goal with a team and recognising that my efforts can yield an outcome of a greater good, has been an amazing awakening. The pageant presents positive opportunities for women and requires that one must be savvy, goal oriented, socially aware, and must have a deep desire to improve her professional and personal life. Miss Universe is an independent thinking leader for her generation!

Q: If you have to change one thing about your past, what would that be?

A: Both the positive and negative experiences of my past have helped to shape the person I am today. My mom was the most amazing example to us growing up…but I sometimes wonder the difference my father’s presence may have made in having both parents.

Q: What makes you blush?

A: Lots of things…as any young woman who receives a genuine compliment, this makes me feel special and I can’t help but blush.

Q: What is the most precious gift you have given to someone?

A: Learning to let go of past hurts and genuinely forgive a family member has allowed me to recognise that in loving, one must be able to forgive and understand. This awakening has been like receiving a precious gift as well.

Q: If you could choose what time period to be born and what sex to be, what would you choose and why?

A: I would want to be a female; we are compassionate and able to juggle many, many things and with one hand (smiles). I wish to be in the time where medicine has been able to cure HIV/AIDS and cancer. To witness mankind moving beyond superficial issues like gender, race and age as a means of determining someone’s value and status.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in your life?

A: I love a challenge and believe that in constantly being challenged, I keep striving to be the best I can. My biggest challenge is yet to be; I’m still on that course. To live a full life, with excellence, humility, being a responsible parent…and at the end of it all to have been regarded ‘a good person’…this would have been my greatest challenge achieved.

Q: What is your definition of success?

A: I believe that we all are constantly chasing success. In achieving particular goals and objectives allows for new journeys or chapters in one’s life. I feel really good about being able to recognise and acknowledge accomplishments made and be ready to face what’s next!!

Q: What is the one lesson you learned as a child that still affects your life today?

A: My mom always encouraged and supported us to be involved and give our very best in anything that could benefit our development. I was captain of the cricket team at school, I was in brownies (Girl Guides), I studied dance, and there were lots more activities. Entering the Miss Universe pageant process is another experience that has already been a positive opportunity in my life.

Q: Do you believe men or women have it easier in life and why?

A: Each gender has the pressures of society’s expectations. Women are still socially required to have particular roles and generally have more to manage on their plates…so it may be more difficult for women though we generally manage very well I think.

Q: In many parts of the world, obstacles still exist that impede women from achieving their goals in some corporations, what can women do to overcome this?

A: Self belief and harnessing one’s desires to stay the course in achieving one’s goals is the fundamental impetus for the continued evolution of thought and consciousness.

Credits:

Photos by: Calvin French

Hair: Bally

Make-Up: Sandra Hordatt

Stylist: Peter Elias