Andrea King, a 26-year-old Guyanese native, is more than just a beauty queen; she is a beacon of change and a dedicated servant to her community.
Miss World Guyana, Andrea King [Photo: Miss World Guyana]
Raised in South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, Andrea’s upbringing, which encompasses Christian values, laid the foundation for her life’s mission – to serve others.
HER IMPACT GOES BEHIND HER PROFESSIONAL CAREER
I was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, in the village of South Ruimveldt Park. Historically, this area was a sugar plantation before it was converted into a residential area. I was raised in a loving Christian family of six. I am the second of four children, and my parents are very well-known pastors and community leaders.
Andrea and her mother, Deborah King, won the Middle Category of the Mother and Daughter Pageant in 2006.
She boasts a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management Administration from the University of Guyana (UG). Furthermore, she currently serves as an IT Product Manager at a telecommunications company in Guyana. But her journey to impact goes far beyond her professional career.
THE JOURNEY TO MISS WORLD
Andrea, a sports car enthusiast, is Miss World Guyana 2022/2023. She relayed that it was her childhood dream that led her to participate in Miss World, where she now proudly represents her country as an ambassador for change.
In 2006, King and her mother, Deborah, emerged as winners in the Junior Category of the prestigious Mother and Daughter Pageant.
I entered Miss World to fulfil a childhood dream that I had. And now, I get to represent my country as an ambassador for change and I get to be a change agent in my community, by doing beauty with a purpose project and contributing to humanitarian efforts.
Since being crowned in 2022, this avid food lover has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in the area of financial literacy.
Andrea on the Miss World International stage [Photo: Miss World Guyana]
Recognising the impact of generational poverty in Guyana, Andrea launched her National Beauty with a Purpose project, ‘Financial Literacy Orientation (FLO): Learning Money Before Earning Money.’
I created my own financial literacy organisation, which is the first of its kind in Guyana, and I also presented my beauty with a purpose project and represented Guyana at the World Literacy Summit in Oxford, United Kingdom.
According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), only 42% of adults in Guyana have a basic understanding of financial concepts. This highlights the urgent need for education in this area.
Andrea’s return from India, where the Miss World was held
Project FLO not only addresses the gender equality gap in financial literacy but also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating poverty.
My years of volunteering helped me to see a different side of life by serving persons and helping others with things we might take for granted like being literate, having food, clothing and shelter. And this has helped me to be more compassionate and empathic towards others.
Beyond her advocacy work, Andrea has diverse interests. A food enthusiast, she seeks out new culinary experiences that reflect Guyana’s rich food culture. She also enjoys playing tennis.
To this end, the beauty queen reaffirmed her commitment to living a purpose-driven life. Her motto, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, you can achieve,” drives her to make a difference daily.
Through her work, she not only breaks barriers but also inspires others to lead with compassion and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The most important thing to me, is fulfilling my divine purpose. I believe every gift within us was meant to help those around us and this is what keeps me going. I am determined to live a life of purpose, leading with a life of compassion.
