Misha Caleb is Miss Cosmo Guyana 2024 and will be competing this October in the inaugural Miss Cosmo Pageant, which focuses primarily on community service. This international event will feature contestants from over 82 countries. Previously, Caleb competed in Miss Universe Guyana, where she placed as the third runner-up.
“Pageantry is something that is not completely new to me,” Caleb expressed. She said she was cautioned about entering such a big pageant and was advised to enter a pageant on a smaller scale. Not too deterred, Caleb said she is innately confident and stuck with her decision to take part in the pageant.
Reflecting on her journey, Caleb shared that she initially felt excited after her Miss Universe Guyana experience, noting that participating in the pageant provided her with a platform to promote her non-profit, Advanced Guyana, which focuses on literacy. As the current Miss Cosmo Guyana, she is committed to continuing her advocacy for this cause. Shortly after Miss Guyana, she noticed the call for Miss Cosmo and decided to apply. Following a successful interview, she was chosen to represent Guyana in this global competition.
Caleb also spoke about her family’s residence in Onderneeming, Essequibo. Recognizing the lack of a nearby library in the community, she took the initiative to plan and create a small library. This space will allow children to visit, read, borrow books and even contribute their own, fostering a love for reading within the community.
Caleb explained that her interest in literacy has always been deeply rooted, inspired by her mother, who was an English teacher in Guyana and is now teaching in the United States. “I really wanted to share my love of literacy but also to build something productive in my community as well,” Caleb shared. “And then that just translated to me hosting literacy days with my non-profit, Advance Guyana. It really inspired me when I saw parents come and drop their kids off for a few hours during the literacy days. It brought me a lot of fulfilment and purpose and it tied me back to my homeland.”
Caleb, who migrated to the United States during her childhood, found that these literacy initiatives linked her back to her Guyanese roots.
Caleb’s hometown, Nabaclis, has been incredibly supportive, which has helped to ground her throughout her journey. She explained that the village rallied behind her when she participated in the Miss Universe Guyana pageant, and she expressed deep gratitude for having such a supportive network. Caleb noted that the village’s support was a true leap of faith, as it was her first pageant and she had not yet proven herself. “To see that they trusted me right off the bat was something I’m always in awe of and will always appreciate,” she shared.
Caleb shared that the pageant has helped her become more confident as a public speaker and has also helped to build her self-confidence. “Performing, being on stage in a bathing suit… that’s different. It is different from going to the beach and, you know, wearing a bathing suit. You have a whole audience looking at you and you’re the centre of attention and you’re being judged for every second you’re on stage so that definitely took a whole new level of confidence and I’ve been able to excel through that,” she expressed.
Another challenge Caleb faces is maintaining a work-life balance. However, she explained that this is made easier by having a supportive work environment that encourages her to pursue her dreams and goals outside of her professional career. Caleb also emphasised the importance of time management in getting all of her work done. Reflecting on her current approach, she noted that she is channelling her high school self, when she balanced college courses while still in high school and worked part-time. She credits this experience with helping her manage her responsibilities today.
Another responsibility Caleb holds dear is representation of Guyanese culture. She is working on getting her first book published and it is based on Guyanese folklore. She said she believes that being a part of pageantry has the potential to give her work more reach and build a community that is interested in Guyanese culture.
Community building was also important for Caleb during her time with Miss Universe Guyana. She recalled bonding with fellow contestants and said she was often up late talking with Kelcia Nelson (Miss Linden) and this helped her to “gain a sister” from this experience. She said not many people speak on the sisterhood that can form from pageantry especially amongst strong, confident and supportive women. She also made mention of Katifa Lester, who was another contestant and one of her supporters for Miss Cosmo.
Caleb believes there are misconceptions about pageantry, with some people viewing it as shallow and lacking substance. She noted that the swimsuit competition, in particular, often faces ridicule. According to Caleb, this criticism stems from a limited perspective on women, where they are not seen as multifaceted beings. “If you’re a human resource professional, then you shouldn’t be on stage in a bathing suit. The idea that women can only be one thing at a time is limiting,” she emphasised. “As a society, we should recognise that women are multidimensional, capable of achieving whatever they set their minds to.” She added that the women who participate in pageants are well-intentioned and aim to use their platforms to raise awareness for various causes. Reducing pageantry to just a beauty competition, she argued, undermines the positive impact it can have on a community.
The woman who has had the most positive impact on Caleb’s life is her mother. Caleb shared that her mother made significant sacrifices for their family, including joining the United States military to support them. “She has taught me to be tenacious in the face of fear and obstacles, and for that, I owe her so much,” Caleb said, expressing her deep gratitude and appreciation for her mother.
Outside of pageantry, Caleb enjoys planning events to bond with her friends and foster a sense of community. She is currently learning how to roller skate and hopes to try ice skating as well. Additionally, Caleb has a passion for sewing and loves travelling to different countries, where she can experience diverse landscapes and cultures.
Caleb hopes that people will recognise the positive impact her platform has had on her community, particularly in promoting literacy. She shared that her mantra is, “Don’t be afraid to be seen trying.” Caleb emphasised that public perception can often hinder our dreams, and being new to a field can be intimidating. However, she believes that when you aren’t afraid to be seen, you can exhibit a level of confidence that propels you closer to your goals. Caleb also noted that it’s easy for others who don’t share your vision to discourage you, or for fear of failure to hold you back, but she views failure as a form of learning. Caleb said she hopes that Guyanese can get behind her and show support for her during this pageant.
