From left: Teneka T. Arthur, Bisa D. Smith, and Sabrina J. Penn. The Virgin Islands (VI) will be well represented at the 2025 Mrs Globe pageants, with three accomplished women set to showcase their talents and advocacy on the international stage. Photo: Facebook

From left: Mrs Curve Sabrina J. Penn, Mrs Classique Bisa D. Smith, and Mrs BVI Teneka T. Arthur will be the delegates representing the Virgin Islands at the 2025 Mrs Globe pageants. Photo: WIN BVI

Mrs Classique Bisa D. Smith is no stranger to pageantry in the Virgin Islands; however, the upcoming Mrs Globe 2025 Pageant may be her last major pageant. Photo: WIN BVI/Facebook

Mrs Curve, Sabrina J. Penn, hailing from the island of Anegada, is a business owner and advocate for self-worth, depression, and anxiety awareness. Photo: WIN BVI/Facebook

Mrs Teneka T. Arthur, Mrs Bisa D. Smith, and Mrs Sabrina J. Penn were officially crowned at a prestigious coronation event organised by WIN BVI at Maria’s by the Sea on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Mrs Arthur, who secured the title of Mrs BVI, will compete at the Mrs Globe Pageant in Shenzhen, China, from April 4 to 13, 2025, meanwhile, Smith, crowned Mrs Classique, and Penn, named Mrs Curve, will take center stage at their respective Mrs Globe Classique and Mrs Globe Curve competitions in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, California, from June 17 to 22, 2025.

The three titleholders sat down for an interview with Cathy O. Richards on JTV on January 29, 2025, where they shared their personal journeys, advocacy platforms, and aspirations as they embark on this transformative experience.

The Delegates

Teneka T. Arthur

Mrs BVI, Teneka T. Arthur, is a dedicated professional in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), working in the Accounts Unit. A mother of one, Arthur has a deep passion for creative writing and the arts. She expressed her excitement about the journey ahead and the positive support she has received.

“I got nothing but positive energy and encouragement from my community; I’m looking forward to bringing a positive change, particularly to women, and motivating them through my platform.”

Bisa D. Smith

Mrs Classique, Bisa D. Smith, a retired professional and longtime advocate for women’s empowerment, highlighted her mission to help women live fulfilling lives. A former educator, she was instrumental in founding the UPA (United Powerful Ambitious) group at a local high school, dedicated to fostering young women's development.

“My platform is about mental health and wellness,” Smith explained.

Expounding further, she said, “In a world where challenges can be overwhelming, it is crucial to create a nurturing environment for all minds and bodies; Through my work with WIN BVI, I aim to empower women to prioritise their mental well-being.”

Sabrina J. Penn

Mrs Curve, Sabrina J. Penn, hailing from the island of Anegada, is a business owner and advocate for self-worth, depression, and anxiety awareness. She shared her personal struggles with self-esteem and body image, emphasising her commitment to helping others build confidence and embrace their individuality.

“As someone who has struggled with self-esteem, I want to encourage women to love themselves and know their worth; Through this journey, I aim to involve Anegada in more conversations, conferences, and initiatives that uplift and support women and young people.”

For all three delegates, the Mrs Globe competition is more than just a pageant but rather, an opportunity to make a lasting impact on their communities with the event provides a global platform to highlight social issues, raise awareness, and connect with like-minded advocates.

Challenges

Asked about the challenges of balancing their personal and professional lives with their new roles, the delegates remained resolute in their commitment.

“I have two children and a supportive husband who encourages me to chase my dreams,” Penn shared, adding, “This journey will allow me to represent Anegada and show young girls that they can achieve anything.”

Mrs Arthur added that her participation in pageantry aligns with the RVIPF’s broader efforts to foster leadership and empowerment among women.

“We also have pageantry within the police force, such as the Miss RVIPF competition; I see this as an extension of my service—to inspire women within my department and the wider BVI community.”

Last major pageant for Smith

Meanwhile, Mrs Smith, who will be competing in the Mrs Classique category and is no stranger to pageantry, acknowledged that this may be her final competition, but she remains committed to using the platform for advocacy.

“At 50, I see this as my last major pageant,” she said.

“But age doesn’t define when we should stop advocating for women’s empowerment. This platform continues to open doors for women of all backgrounds, and I’m honoured to be part of it.”

Global Stage

With the countdown to their international pageants underway, the representatives are in intense preparation mode, Mrs Arthur has embarked on rigorous fitness training and poise classes to ensure she is at her best for the global stage while Mrs Smith said, she is also refining her presentation skills, recently conducting a time management workshop in Virgin Gorda as part of her advocacy for mental wellness.

Mrs Penn, on the other hand, is focused on expanding her reach, working with WIN BVI to develop programmes that will uplift women in Anegada and beyond.

“This experience is about owning it, walking in it, and winning with it,” Smith declared, a mantra that all three women have adopted.

Community Support

As they prepare to represent the VI, the delegates are calling on the public to rally behind WIN BVI and its initiatives.

“The WIN organisation is doing incredible work in empowering women, and we need more awareness and financial support,” Mrs Smith affirmed, adding, “Women are the backbone of our communities. If we are not okay, our families and society as a whole won’t be okay.”

Mrs Penn echoed similar sentiments, urging more engagement from the public telling host, Ms Richards, “I’m looking forward to mingling and socialising with the community at upcoming events; The more we come together, the stronger our impact will be.”