Miss Grenada USA reflects on one-year-reign

Mickalia Forrester-Ewen, a young, fledging actress born in Brooklyn to a Grenadian mother, was crowned Miss Grenada USA 2023 in September of that year. She says winning the crown was “surprising and exhilarating,” she had no idea what would follow.

“But this achievement propelled me to become more deeply involved in my community,” she said, reflecting on her one-year reign in an exclusive Caribbean Life interview over the weekend.

“It gave me the confidence to overcome imposter syndrome and take control of my life and my goals,” added Forrester-Ewen, 26, who, two Saturdays ago, presented awards at the Nutmeg House on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn to students who participated in essay and poetry-writing contests, sponsored by the Brooklyn-based Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ Association, Inc. The contest was part of Grenada’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations. 

Since winning the Miss Grenada USA crown, Forrester-Ewen said she founded the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the creative arts and enhancing educational opportunities for Grenadians, both within the country and across the Diaspora.

“Our mission focuses on supporting schools, students, and educational organizations, with a special emphasis on preserving, promoting, and advancing Grenadian performing arts,” she said.  

Through this nonprofit, Forrester-Ewen said she had the privilege of sponsoring six students from St. Andrews Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) in Grenada to attend the 12°N, 61°W Film Festival’s Opening Night and Awards Gala last October in the “Spice Isle”.  

“These Form 4 and 5 students walked the red carpet, networked with professionals, and immersed themselves in the world of cinema – sparking creativity, cultural appreciation, and, perhaps, even future careers in the film industry,” she said.

Additionally, Forrester-Ewen said her nonprofit raised funds to assist nationals affected by Hurricane Beryl, particularly those in Petite Martinique and Carriacou, Grenada’s sister isles.

Forrester-Ewen said she also has been “fortunate to attend incredible events,” such as the Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebration at Gracie Mansion; the Regional Conversation on Climate and Health Justice through the Commonwealth; the National Democratic Congress (NDC) New York Chapter Awards (the New York chapter is an affiliate of the incumbent NDC party in Grenada); and the United Nations Grenada Mission, where, she said, she “had the honor of meeting Grenada’s Prime Minister” (Dickon Mitchell);  as well as attending many other Caribbean-focused events in New York City, “representing Grenada proudly.”

“It fills me with immense joy to know that I’ve been able to accomplish so much during my reign,” she said.

Looking ahead, Forrester-Ewen said she plans to continue growing her nonprofit by sponsoring more students from SAASS to attend this year’s 12°N, 61°W Film Festival’s Opening Night and Awards Gala on Oct. 24. She said she is currently raising funds to make this possible.

Forrester-Ewen said she plans to maintain strong ties with the Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ Association – “the organization that founded the Miss Grenada USA Pageant and opened the door to all these opportunities.”

As she closes her reign as Miss Grenada USA, she said she carries with her many “invaluable life lessons: Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being and encourage your growth; strive to be a leader in all aspects of your life; (and) continue to educate yourself in this ever-changing world, so you remain aware and informed.

“I look forward to continuing my journey, flourishing in this new community, and staying true to my mission of elevating Grenada’s presence through media and entertainment,” added Forrester-Ewen, a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in drama.

Her training includes the Experimental Theatre Wing, NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus, and Stonestreet Studios.

In addition to her acting career in New York City, Forrester-Ewen said she served as the producing artistic associate of the Affirmation Theatre Company and currently teaches theater to students in New York City. She balances her pursuits with a desire to inspire growth, excitement, and new experiences every day.

Last year, during the 28th anniversary of the beauty pageant, organized by the Brooklyn-based Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ Association, Inc., Forrester-Ewen snatched the crown from four other contestants before an ebullient, standing-room-only audience in the Founder’s Auditorium at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (CUNY).

She was crowned by the previous year’s inaugural Over 50 Queen, St. Lucian Sharon Eutrice Willie. The Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ Association, Inc., also organized that pageant.

On her way to attaining the coveted title, Forrester-Ewen, Contestant #5, also won Best Introduction, Best Swimwear, and Best Creative.