Sierra Leonean albinio model and activist Daniella Boima Garrick has been crowned the first-ever Miss Albinism Africa at the inaugural Mr. and Miss Albinism Africa pageant held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The 21-year-old beauty queen and advocate stood out among contestants from across the continent to clinch the prestigious continental title.
The pageant, which took place in June 2025, brought together young men and women living with albinism from different African nations to celebrate beauty, talent, and advocacy. Organized under the theme “Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Identity.”
The event is aimed to combat stereotypes and discrimination faced by people with albinism and amplify their voices in society.
Daniella Garrick, who hails from Freetown, is not new to advocacy. She serves as the National Youth Leader for the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) and the Ambassador and Gender Welfare Officer of the Sierra Leone Association of Persons With Albinism (SLAPWA).
She has long used her platform to fight for equal rights, access to education, and representation for people living with albinism.
In her victory speech, Daniella expressed gratitude to her country and people with albinism, saying, “This crown is not just mine. It is for every child born with albinism who has been made to feel invisible. Today, we are seen, we are heard, and we are proud.”