Sand Creek girl wins 2025 rodeo title: “We need to create safer spaces to empower young Indigenous women to chase their dreams” — Miss Rupununi Rodeo

Newly crowned Miss Rupununi Ranchers 2025, 20-year-old Miralisa Gomes of Sand Creek Village, believes in the importance of creating safer spaces to empower and uplift young Indigenous women, helping them pursue their dreams and build self-confidence.
“Many young indigenous women today face teenage pressure and struggle due to lack of parental support. While there are many job opportunities out there, I believe that due to a lack of confidence and interest, some girls don’t seize them. As such, we need to create safer spaces to empower and support young Indigenous women to chase their dreams and believe in themselves,” she told Guyana Times days after winning the title.

During her one-year reign, she plans to collaborate closely with Government agencies and non-governmental organisations to launch initiatives aimed at building self-confidence among young Indigenous women, enabling them to fully realise and embrace their potential.
Gomes, also called Sakadina, which means “beginning” or “starting” in her Wapishana dialect, outshone her rivals to win the coveted title two Fridays ago. She is the eldest of three children and would have completed her secondary education at the Sand Creek Secondary School.
“I was born and raised in Sand Creek Village. It’s a beautiful place, rich in culture and tradition, and I’m proud to call it home,” she told this publication.
This was her first pageant, and she described it as an entirely new and exciting experience, filled with learning, personal growth, and connection. She was proudly sponsored by the American House of Fashion with focus on “Preserving Indigenous Culture and Traditions in the 21st Century.”

At the event, her plan was to do her best; but winning the title was the icing on the cake. She described the crowning moment as one filled with a whirlwind of emotions.
“As the names of the second and first runners-up were called, I felt my heart beating faster. When my name was finally announced, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I wanted to scream with happiness. It was a moment of pure magic and fulfilment,” she explained.
Gomes remains incredibly elated and deeply honoured to have represented her community well.
“I wasn’t just representing myself but my family, my sponsor, and my beautiful village of Sand Creek. It was a meaningful experience that taught me so many lessons and boosted my confidence in ways I never imagined. Winning this pageant reminded me of the strength that comes from staying true to yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone.”
The contest featured four female contestants, including Gomes, and five male participants vying for their respective titles but despite their differences, the experience fostered a genuine bond among them, where camaraderie prevailed over rivalry.
She recalled that her favourite part of the pageant was developing and advocating for her platform.
“It allowed me to be creative, hands-on, and to pour my heart into something I care deeply about. I enjoyed every moment of preparing, sharing ideas, and bringing my vision to life. It was both exciting and rewarding, and I genuinely had fun with it. It connected me even more to my roots and reminded me why preserving our identity matters.”
“This pageant helped me discover a whole new level of confidence within myself. I’ve spoken at school concerts and participated in public speaking before, but this was the largest audience I’ve ever faced. It was my biggest challenge and I conquered it. I’ll carry this experience for the rest of my life, knowing that I pushed past fear and believed in myself,” she said of her biggest takeaway from the experience.
Now as the new queen, she intends to continue her advocacy in preserving Indigenous culture and traditions in the 21st Century.
“I want to use social media to raise awareness and reach out to others who share the same passion. I’ll be connecting with elders, local artisans, and other resourceful individuals who can help pass on their wisdom, skills, and cultural knowledge. My hope is to create something lasting and meaningful that celebrates our identity.”

She believes that indigenous traditions still hold deep relevance in today’s society.
“They are not just history they are living knowledge, rooted in identity, respect, and sustainability. I want to highlight how we can carry these traditions forward, adapting them with modern tools while preserving their authenticity. It’s not about going back, it’s about moving forward with pride in who we are,” she added.
Further, she wants to work closely with all those who hold the cultural wisdom of her people.
“I want to document their knowledge and share it in ways that reach young people through workshops, social media, and school outreach. By valuing the voices of our elders and the skills passed down to us, I hope to inspire others to embrace and celebrate our culture with pride.”
She admitted that the journey ahead would not be easy, and while teaching can be demanding, she is committed to dedicating her time after school to advancing her advocacy while fulfilling her responsibilities as Queen.
“I believe in staying organised and setting priorities. With the right balance, I know I can fulfil all my commitments and still pour my heart into my platform. Being a rodeo queen doesn’t take me away from my commitments, it adds purpose to them.”
In fact, this attitude, she attributed to her father, who is her shining armour, and someone she will always admire.
“He is a very hardworking and honest man, and he’s been a guiding light throughout my life. He supported me through school, gave me advice when I needed it most, and showed me what it means to care for others. He always tells me, “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.” That’s a value I hold close to my heart. His character, his kindness, and his sense of responsibility inspire me every day. His kindness, friendliness and words of wisdom shaped me into who I am today,” she noted.
Most of all, he has taught her to be fearless, determined and to never be afraid to face challenges.
Meanwhile, the Sand Creek girl believes the standard of the pageant must be raised, even though this year’s delegates had the opportunity to travel.
“I believe that expanding travel opportunities for future contestants would make a big difference. Travelling allows us to meet new people, experience new cultures, and discover new ideas. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that help us grow and see the world in new ways. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met and the places I’ve seen, it’s something I would recommend for every young woman. You get inspired. You start to see the world from different angles and that helps you dream bigger and discover what you truly want to do.”
She, however, encouraged perspective delegates not to only join the pageant for the tours but to be open-minded and ready for an adventure and more so, challenges. “Every challenge is a stepping stone. Embrace them with courage, take things one step at a time, and grow in confidence. Believe in yourself and your purpose.”
What is next for the beauty queen after her reign? Even though she loves teaching, she also sees herself one day exploring the field of tourism.
“My family owns a small business that offers accommodation, my mom prepares amazing local meals, and guided tours, including horseback riding, mountain hiking, and river trips. I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing the beauty of our region with others. Whether through education or tourism, I want to serve my community and promote its richness,” she added.
In fact, she has already initiated the transition by going to new places and meeting new people during her leisure time. “Nature, adventure, and people all inspire me. Being out in the open, discovering something new, and creating memories is something I truly enjoy. It keeps me connected to the world around me while at the same time, define who I am.”