Lalela Mswane created history as the first black woman in history to win the Miss Supranational title at the 13th edition of the prestigious international pageant held at a ceremony at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheatre in Nowy Sącz, Poland. And with over 10 days of her crowning glory, the queen is all set to begin her reign!

The 24-year-old crown winner is a dancer, model, and Law graduate, while 70 delegates from across the globe competed for the coveted crown Lalela bested them to win the title. During a recent interview with a news daily the newly-crowned opened up about her win and dedicated her victory to her country and women all over the world. “The crown is not just mine. It belongs to South Africa and to all the women all over the world who have felt small, who have felt unheard or unseen.

Being the first black woman to win this title truly affirms that all of our dreams are valid, and we are all capable of achieving anything we set our minds to, especially people who have felt like it’s not possible. In this industry, largely, there have been women of color who have felt excluded, and for me to achieve this, it’s something that reflects the power of our dreams and asserting yourself in places you feel like you belong,” she said.

Lalela who succeeds Chanique Rabe of Namibia will fulfill the goals and objectives of the Miss Supranational organization, which align with being an inspirational and aspirational woman. Being the first black woman to win the Miss Supranational crown, the diva encourages young aspirants to dream BIG. “My advice to young girls is to allow their feet to lead them to where their heart desires and insert themselves firmly in those places. If myself, a small village girl can be crowned Miss SA, come third at Miss Universe and be the first black woman to win Miss Supranational, then they can achieve anything and they should be relentless in pursuit of what they desire,” she concluded.