Ten women. Ten countries. A new court entrusted to lead, inspire, and leave a legacy.
PHILIPSBURG:--- We are proud to announce the crowning of Dashaun Prince of St. Maarten as Miss Essence & Mind International 2026–2027. Held at Aleeze Convention Hall on Saturday, October 3, 2026, our Season 4 finale brought together ten contestants for an evening of competition and celebration under the theme, “The Reign of Excellence – Where Queens Lead, Inspire and Leave a Legacy.”
From a truly impressive field of contestants, three exceptional women emerged to form our 2026–2027 court:
• Queen: Dashaun Prince, Miss St. Maarten — 1,330 points
• First Runner-Up: Zaine Frederick, Miss Antigua and Barbuda — 1,298 points
• Second Runner-Up: Liberty Woodley, Miss St. Kitts and Nevis — 1,290 points
Prince, a 28-year-old model and professional dancer, captured the crown and earned top honors in Creative Pink Swimsuit, Patriotic Wear, and Glitz & Glam Swimsuit. Frederick secured awards for Best Identical Swimsuit and Best Identical Question and Answer, while Woodley finished as Second Runner-Up.
Additional honours recognised the qualities our delegates brought to the pageant experience. Miss Trinidad and Tobago received the Committee’s Choice Award, Miss St. Lucia was named Miss Congeniality, and Miss Guyana earned Miss Photogenic.
Together, these achievements reflected a season shaped by individual expression, confidence, and national pride. Our delegates represented St. Maarten, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Guyana, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, and the United States Virgin Islands. Each brought her own story to the stage, giving our theme meaning through her participation.
“Essence & Mind is built on the belief that a queen’s greatest impact reaches far beyond the night she is crowned. This season, ten women from ten countries brought their talent, courage, and ambition to our stage. To Dashaun and her court: your titles open doors, but how you lead, whom you inspire, and the opportunities you create for others will define your legacy. That is the reign of excellence we stand for,” said our Founder and Chairlady, Paula T. Gordon.
That belief also guided the competition's events. The finale followed a week of activities that connected our delegates with one another and with the people of St. Maarten. The program included a tea party at Sugar Mills Café, a meeting with the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, a press conference at the Motor World Showroom, and a public meet-and-greet at KFC.
Through these encounters, our delegates built friendships across borders, engaged with our community, and experienced our island's hospitality. This exchange is central to Essence & Mind’s vision: creating a platform where women from different countries and territories can celebrate their individuality while encouraging one another to grow and lead.
Bringing that vision to life required the dedication of our Essence & Mind Committee, whose planning and coordination supported both the stage production and the delegate programme. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors, partners, production team, volunteers, franchise holders, and chaperones for their contributions to Season 4.
To our contestants, thank you for representing your countries with pride and sharing your journeys with us. To everyone who attended, encouraged our delegates, and supported our vision, thank you for helping us create a season to remember.
As Dashaun Prince and her court begin their 2026–2027 reign, we look forward to the contributions they will make beyond the stage. We remain committed to celebrating women’s talents, supporting their voices, and creating opportunities for leadership and lasting impact.