Congratulations, Zozibini Tunzi, Miss South Africa and the 2019 Miss Universe. Ms. Tunzi epitomizes authenticity. When this beautiful and poised activist was recently told that she should wear a wig during the pageant, her matter-of-fact response was “I didn't believe that living authentically means you can't wear a wig or a weave. It's more about making choices for yourself, instead of society or anyone else.” Well said, Ms. Tunzi! Thank you for demonstrating to others that authenticity is real and alive today. It is our uniqueness that draws the attention of most and drives away the attention of some. Either way, being who we are yields a heightened level of power which in turns speaks volume.

Ms. Tunzi’s decision to emphatically take a stance for the authentic self makes her the ideal receipt of the stunning “Power of Unity” crown. I would argue that the “Power of Unity” crown was made with Ms. Zozibini Tunzi in mind. The creators of the crown stated that it was designed to symbolize the winner’s complexity, diversity, unapologetic ambition, and strength.  As she travels over the next year representing these attributes and more, I hope that we will all remember that we are stronger together than apart, irrespective of the differences that make us unique. I would encourage us to embrace the sweet flavor of our unique selves, ultimate giving the world the opportunity to experience the reality and power of our true authentic selves.