San Antonio's very own Jenileigh Sawatzae is not just your average military spouse. She's been crowned Mrs. United World 2024, juggling the glamorous life of pageantry with a mission to serve those in uniform. Sawatzae, an aerialist who's performed in over 65 countries, brings a unique flair to a pageant platform that emphasizes confidence over conventional beauty standards.
In the statement obtained by KSAT, Sawatzae says, "When we do swimsuit and evening gown, they're not judging you on your body, they're judging you on your confidence." A sentiment that aligns with the Mrs. United World pageant's approach to inclusivity. As a queen that doesn't fit the typical pageant mold—and the first LGBTQ married queen at that—Sawatzae is a testament to the organization's commitment to diversity.
Apart from her duties as a pageant queen, Sawatzae also dedicates her time to Operation Gratitude, a non-profit that focuses on sending care packages to deployed troops—a cause close to her heart due to her spouse's military service. "My spouse is military so it’s one of the huge reasons why I got involved with the program," Jenileigh Sawatzae told KSAT. With her title, Sawatzae aims to complete at least 50 community service appearances, already having accomplished a whopping 25 shortly after her September win.
For those intrigued by the glitz of pageantry, Sawatzae encourages taking the leap. "If you're curious about doing pageants, I say go for it! Jump out because you never know what you’re going to learn about yourself," she advised in a sentiment echoed during her interview with KSAT. The United World Pageants organization lays out clear guidelines for potential contestants across various age groups, from Jr. Teen United World to Mrs. United World, with specific eligibility criteria spotlighting marital status and motherhood, ensuring there's a place for everyone who wants to sparkle on stage.
Congratulations aren't simply in order for Sawatzae but also for the titleholders in other divisions, including Tayla Westerman from Nevada, Danielle Luna from Texas, and the radiant Jasmine Correa, also from Texas. The organization's listing of queens and the divisional age and status requirements demonstrate a pageant world that celebrates a spectrum of womanhood within a framework that still values traditional pageantry parameters of not getting married or pregnant during one's reign or having posed nude in print or film. As these ladies strut confidently into their serving year, they bear the crowns of beauty, grace, and commitment to their causes.
