Michelle Dee among the top 10 silver finalists for Miss Universe 2023 'Voice for Change' category
Michelle Dee is among the top 10 silver finalists in the Miss Universe 2023 “Voice for Good” category—where she echoed her advocacy about autism awareness and empowerment.
The announcement was made during the pageant’s preliminary competition on Nov. 16 in El Salvador. According to Fred Mouawad, executive of luxury jewelry brand Mouawad—the official partner of Miss Universe—the “Voice for Change” category enables delegates from around the world to showcase their character and magnify the social causes they believe in.
He also added that this allows pageant fans to support their beauty queens in a “more holistic and multi-faceted perspective,” where they get to see not only their beauty, but also their intelligence, integrity, and culture.
In partnership with the educational platform CI Talks, Mouawad added that the category aims to “amplify the voice of all the delegates on the platform that is designed to educate, inspire, and catalyze change around the 17 sustainable development goals as defined by United Nations.”
He stressed that that this is not just a one-time event, but “a commitment to make a lasting impact” on the nations they represent.
In Michelle’s “Voice for Change” campaign video, she amplified her advocacy about autism awareness, where she highlighted three pillars of “acceptance, inclusivity, and empowerment.” She also shared the community's accomplishments over the years, serving as an ambassador of the Autism Society of the Philippines.
Inspired by her two siblings in the spectrum, the 28-year-old Filipina beauty queen has been passionate about serving the community by helping hone their skills and presenting opportunities for their career advancement, support system, and life coaching, anchoring on SGD 8’s “decent work and economic growth.”
Other candidates included in the silver finalists are Angola, Brazil, Chile, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. Three gold winners will be announced in the final competition happening on Sunday, Nov. 19 (Philippine time).
Three winners will receive a cash prize worth $12,000 (over P600,000) and will collaborate with CI Talks in making campaign videos to spark positive change.
Michelle is competing against 83 delegates vying for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown. Pinoy pageant fans can watch the final competition for free via ABS-CBN platforms A2Z Channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC.