Shiiannte Sterling finished in the top 15 of this year’s Miss Teen Mundial pageant held in El Salvador on Saturday, making history as the first Caymanian contestant to compete in the prestigious international event.
Colombia’s Valentina Navarro was ultimately declared winner at the live, televised coronation night. Josiane Sciotti of Peru secured the first runner-up title and Valeria Amaya of El Salvador took home second runner-up.
While Sterling did not secure a winning spot, the 17-year-old told the Cayman Compass the moment was surreal when she heard her name called in the top 15.
“Hearing ‘Cayman Islands’ being called as one of the top 15 gave me chills. It felt like all the work, sacrifice and preparation had paid off, and I was so proud to carry my flag forward,” she said.
The aspiring lawyer, who was named the first Miss Teen World Cayman Islands winner in 2024, graced the international stage in several segments, including swimwear and formal wear. She also displayed cultural pride during the national costume segment of the competition.
Her national costume translated “modern Caymanian elegance, reimagined”, according to an Instagram post.
As a tribute to her roots, Sterling donned a “contemporary national dress with a traditional thatch hat, honouring the craftsmanship, culture, and resilience that built the Cayman Islands”, the post noted.
In the lead up to the finale, Sterling also took part in the Mundial Beach Runway fashion show and an Electrolit drink commercial.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
For Sterling, stepping out on stage was a “rush of emotions, excitement and pride, but more than anything, I felt empowered. Representing the Cayman Islands on an international stage was a dream come true, and I carried my people and purpose with me every step I took.”
She said the experience was everything she hoped for and more.
“While I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I didn’t expect how much it would stretch me, strengthen me and surround me with so much love and support,” she said.
Sterling, who said she carried “the Cayman Islands etched on my heart”, documented her journey across her social media, which included cultural tours of the host country, media engagements and networking opportunities, as well as promotional campaigns for the competition.
“It was intense, inspiring and unforgettable. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities to grow … not just as a competitor, but as a person. I met incredible young women from around the world, each with their own stories and passions, and that made the experience truly meaningful,” Sterling said.
She said a highlight was the friendships she formed with her other pageant sisters from around the world.
“Those connections are priceless. I’ve learned lessons about self-discipline, cultural appreciation and the power of authenticity, and being in an environment that celebrates young women and their potential opened doors for future collaborations and leadership opportunities.”
‘Only the beginning’
Sterling returned to Cayman on Sunday and received a roaring welcome from family, friends and supporters at the Owen Roberts International Airport.
The local Miss Teen World organisation, under the direction of Pamela Ebanks-Small, said, “This is a groundbreaking achievement. Miss Teen Mundial is a very competitive pageant, and it was Cayman’s first time competing, so for Shiiannte to make top 15 is incredible. Shiiannte, you’ve represented our islands with such grace, confidence and passion, making us all incredibly proud!”
As for what’s next, Sterling said, this is only the beginning.
“I’m returning to the Cayman Islands with new inspiration and a bigger platform to continue empowering youth through my initiative, ‘Ignite Your Purpose’. I plan to keep advocating for mental health, resilience and leadership, and I’m excited to pour everything I’ve learned into my community and future opportunities,” she said.
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