Miss Cabo Verde International is in the process of taking pride of place in Cape Verdean society and making a lasting impact. Founded in 2017 by Nereida Lobo, this initiative has been dedicated to transform lives through education and opportunity. The competition is evolving in a modern way, adapting to the new challenges of today. Khary Hoppfer Varela, Director of Operations, before moving on to other functions within the institution, gives us a glimpse through her words of her strategy for efficiency with tangible results. She welcomes us to her favourite site overlooking Kebra Kanela beach.
Interview by Franck Olivier Kra
X @franckokra
Question: Would you introduce yourself?
Answer: I am Khary Hopffer Varela, a passionate advocate for empowerment, cultural pride, and creating opportunities for young Cape Verdean women. I am an eternal optimist, full of joy and positivity, and I genuinely wish for absolute happiness for all people. I believe in the power within each of us to transform our own lives, and I know that with support and unity, this journey becomes even easier. Collaboration and community are at the heart of my philosophy, I firmly believe that when we come together, we can change the world.
As the Operational Manager for Miss Cabo Verde International, I embrace the transformative power of representation. Through this role, I merge organizational excellence with a deep love for my culture, working to elevate the visibility, talent, and potential of Cape Verdean women on the global stage. My mission is to empower, uplift, and inspire, always striving to open new doors for the next generation.
Q. As the Director of Operations, what Miss Cabo Verde International stands for?
A. Miss Cabo Verde International is a movement, not Just a Pageant Miss Cabo Verde International is more than a beauty pageant, and it’s a movement. It stands for empowerment, cultural pride, and social impact. Our mission is to create opportunities for young Cape Verdean women to amplify their voices, become role models, and proudly represent the diversity and resilience of our nation, both locally and internationally.
We are committed to fostering leadership, community engagement, and global representation for our contestants. Our platform provides young women with the tools, training, and confidence to not only compete but also to inspire, lead, and make a difference.
“Miss Cabo Verde International is more than a beauty pageant, it’s a movement. It stands for empowerment, cultural pride, and social impact.”
Q. Why Miss Cabo Verde International Matters
A. Miss Cabo Verde International is a game-changer for young women in our country. It provides a platform for growth, confidence, and impact. We celebrate beauty, and also intelligence, talent, and the ability to create positive change. This initiative contributes to
– Elevate the global recognition of Cape Verde’s rich culture and values.
– Inspire younger generations to dream big and pursue their goals.
– Provide a network of support and mentorship that helps our contestants thrive beyond the competition.
“It provides a platform for growth, confidence, and impact. We celebrate beauty, and also intelligence, talent, and the ability to create positive change”
Through Miss Cabo Verde International, we are shaping future leaders and positioning Cabo Verde on the global stage in a meaningful way.
Q. Last year you participated in different international competitions, can you tell us a bit about your experiences and the way you went through all this?
A. It was about a global representation, and our journey in international pageants in 2024, saw our representatives proudly competed at:
Miss International in Tokyo, Japan – With our Miss CVI 2024 winner representing us.
Miss Earth in Manila, Philippines, with our first runner-up carrying our nation’s flag. These prestigious platforms allowed us to showcase the beauty, intelligence, and cultural richness of Cabo Verde.
“Through Miss Cabo Verde International, we are positioning Cabo Verde on the Global stage in a meaningful way.”
We can mention that the key achievements are:
2022: First Runner-up at Miss International and Winner of Miss International Africa was Jasmine Jorgensen.
2024: Miss Tourism Ambassador and Miss International Africa, one more time, at Miss International. The same year, our candidate was in the Top 8 Finalist at Miss Earth. That remarkable achievement proved the strength and preparation of our candidates, and Akysanna da Veiga is the reigning Miss Cabo Verde International.
One of my proudest moments was discovering that Miss Cabo Verde International is the only national pageant that mirrors the format of Miss International, demonstrating our high production standards and commitment to excellence. While sponsorships and high costs remain challenges, our dedication, teamwork, and belief in our mission help us overcome them. The recognition of Cape Verde on the global stage is growing, and this only fuels our determination to keep elevating our presence internationally.
Q. Let’s talk about the Little Crowns Foundation
A. The Little Crowns Foundation is “Small Actions, Big Changes”
Behind Miss Cabo Verde International, there is a bigger mission which is our Little Crowns Foundation. Since its founding in 2017, this initiative has been dedicated to transforming lives through education and opportunity.
“While sponsorships and high costs remain challenges, our dedication, teamwork, and belief in our mission help us overcome them”
Our Impact Areas are:
An educational support by distributing school supplies and renovating schools in underserved communities.
A holistic care by providing food and basic resources so children can focus on their education.
A community engagement by working with parents, teachers, and local leaders to create lasting, sustainable change.
The Little Crowns Foundation is more than a charity, it’s a promise to empower the next generation of African leaders.
Q. What are the prospects for the year 2025 for Miss Cape Verde International?
A. 2025 is meant to be a year of expansion and innovation
2025 will be a transformational year for Miss Cabo Verde International! Our goals include:
– Expanding our international partnerships to create even more opportunities.
– Increasing community engagement through impactful initiatives.
– Launching sustainability-focused projects that align with global movements.
– Hosting cultural showcase events worldwide to further promote Cape Verde’s rich heritage.
– Investing in contestant development programs to equip our participants with even more skills and opportunities.
Our ultimate vision is to solidify Miss Cabo Verde International as the leading platform for empowerment and representation for Cape Verdean women,a global force for change, pride, and excellence.
“Behind Miss Cabo Verde International, there is a bigger mission,our Little Crowns Foundation with impact areas like the Educational support, Holistic Care, and Community engagement”
If I may add a final thoughts it would be my mission and Legacy
At my core, I am a woman who believes in the power of people, the strength of culture, and the magic of opportunity. Every step I take, whether in pageantry, philanthropy, or leadership, is driven by the desire to uplift others, celebrate resilience, and build a legacy of empowerment.
Cape Verdean women deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated, and I will continue to dedicate my life to ensuring that happens.
Together, we are changing lives, shaping futures, and putting Cabo Verde on the global map, one empowered woman at a time.
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