A Global Mission Taking Root in America: Angelina Usanova's Bold New Era

1 min readCXO Interview

Angelina Usanova, the captivating figure who held the titles of Miss Universe Ukraine 2023 and Miss Eco International 2024, is channeling her extensive global experiences into a powerful new phase of advocacy. With a background that spans interactions in more than two dozen countries, she is now dedicating her efforts to uplifting vulnerable communities around the world, with a special emphasis on children. Her initiatives blend essential elements like education, heightened environmental awareness, and meaningful access to the arts, creating holistic pathways for growth and resilience in those who need it most.

Transitioning seamlessly from the glamour of international pageantry to the impactful realm of full-time philanthropy, Usanova is spearheading the establishment of a charitable foundation headquartered in the United States. This organization is designed to champion environmental sustainability while driving significant social change. Drawing from her Ukrainian roots and a diverse education across various European institutions, Usanova is crafting long-term programs that echo her personal journey and the expansive outreach she has pursued in recent years. The foundation, which is in the process of formal registration within the U.S., serves as a unifying platform for the wide array of philanthropic endeavors she nurtured and amplified during her reign as Miss Eco International. These efforts have already touched lives across multiple continents, including key projects in the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, demonstrating her commitment to bridging cultural and geographical divides for the greater good.

"The ultimate aim is to build something that endures and functions effectively over time," Usanova explains with characteristic passion. "We're developing structured programs that directly assist children facing challenging circumstances—offering them avenues for musical education, building their understanding of environmental issues, and providing crucial psychological or medical support to help them thrive." This vision underscores her belief in empowering the youngest members of society, equipping them with tools not just to survive but to lead in a rapidly changing world.

At the heart of Usanova's foundation are two deeply interconnected pillars: nurturing emerging young talents and fostering a strong sense of ecological responsibility. By intertwining these focuses, she aims to create a ripple effect of positive change. "Our guiding principle for transformation is straightforward yet profound: discussions about the planet's future are incomplete without actively involving the next generation," she asserts. This approach recognizes that true sustainability requires engaging youth early, instilling in them the knowledge and motivation to become stewards of the environment while honing their individual gifts.

Reflecting on the past year alone, Usanova has orchestrated and participated in over 40 public service initiatives that spanned four continents, showcasing her tireless dedication and ability to mobilize resources on a global scale. These activities have not only raised awareness but also delivered tangible benefits to communities in need, illustrating the practical side of her advocacy.

For instance, in the sunny coastal town of Oceanside, California, she facilitated an engaging storytelling and arts workshop tailored for children. Utilizing her own illustrated book, \My Home\, as a central tool, Usanova introduced concepts of sustainability in a fun, interactive manner that resonated with young minds. The workshop encouraged creativity while subtly teaching lessons on resource conservation and environmental harmony, leaving participants inspired to think about their role in protecting the planet.

Venturing to the picturesque islands of Hawaii, Usanova played a key role in organizing a beach cleanup effort in Olowalu, Maui. This initiative came at a critical time, following the region's heartbreaking wildfires, and was conducted in collaboration with the respected Surfrider Foundation. Her involvement helped restore natural beauty to the area while educating locals on the importance of ongoing environmental protection. During her time in Honolulu, she extended her compassion to the medical front by visiting Shriners Children’s Hospital. There, she spent quality time with young patients, sharing stories, offering encouragement, and presenting personalized gifts that brought moments of joy amid their treatments.

Her commitment to supporting the vulnerable didn't stop at environmental or health-focused actions. In the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, Usanova made generous donations to a local food bank and an animal shelter, embodying her comprehensive view of service that encompasses human, animal, and ecological welfare. These contributions addressed immediate needs like hunger and animal care, while reinforcing the interconnectedness of community support systems. Additionally, she took part in the prestigious Clinton Global Initiative in New York, where she delivered a compelling address on the environmental fallout from the ongoing war in Ukraine. This topic remains close to her heart, and she continues to advocate for it on international stages, urging global leaders to consider the long-term ecological costs of conflict.

One of the standout elements of Usanova's advocacy has been her fervent campaign against plastic pollution, which she elevated to a core priority during her year as Miss Eco International. Recognizing the pervasive threat of plastics to oceans, wildlife, and human health, she organized and actively joined a series of cleanup operations along the historic Nile River in Egypt. These hands-on efforts not only removed waste but also sparked community involvement. Complementing the cleanups, she conducted educational workshops for schoolchildren, delving into practical alternatives to single-use plastics and exploring the ethical dimensions of environmental care. Her influence extends into the consumer realm as well; she is developing an innovative line of plastic-free women’s sportswear crafted from biodegradable materials, setting a new standard for eco-conscious fashion.

Usanova has been vocal about the necessity for systemic changes in industries that contribute heavily to pollution. "Plastic waste, particularly the insidious microplastics, poses a widespread danger to both human well-being and the diversity of life on Earth," she elaborates. "The fashion and beauty sectors bear significant responsibility and must lead the charge in adopting sustainable practices to mitigate this crisis." Her words highlight a call to action for businesses to innovate and prioritize the planet over profit, inspiring a shift toward more responsible production and consumption.

Throughout her tenure as Miss Eco International, Usanova's travels were nothing short of extraordinary: she visited 25 countries and 47 cities, covering an impressive distance of over 180,000 kilometers. These journeys included remarkable feats like summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, delivering speeches at high-profile global summits, and contributing to humanitarian relief in conflict-affected areas. In every endeavor, she consistently spotlighted the pivotal role of young people in forging a sustainable future, encouraging them to step up as agents of change.

Music holds a special place in Usanova's multifaceted approach, serving as a bridge to personal expression and empowerment. As a classically trained musician herself, she draws from her own experiences to inspire others. She is now launching Humankind Fest, an innovative mobile platform aimed at giving children from underserved backgrounds the chance to perform, showcase their creativity, and gain self-assurance through musical activities. This program is a natural extension of her foundation's mission to unlock the creative potential in every child, regardless of their circumstances. "Music profoundly shaped my own life path," Usanova reflects. "I am determined to ensure that talented children who lack opportunities don't get overlooked or left behind."

As she looks to the horizon, Usanova's plans are ambitious and forward-thinking. She intends to broaden environmental education curricula in schools worldwide, providing grants to support musically inclined youth, and offering sustained assistance to communities rebounding from natural disasters or prolonged conflicts. Her methodology integrates advocacy with artistic expression and direct action, all geared toward achieving enduring, measurable impact that benefits generations to come.

When questioned about the key messages she hopes to convey to policymakers, donors, and influencers, Usanova is forthright and unwavering: "While policies and funding are undeniably crucial, the real catalyst for transformation lies in persistent, hands-on efforts at the grassroots level. That's where authentic, lasting change truly takes root and flourishes."

Through her evolving work, Angelina Usanova exemplifies how personal passion, combined with strategic global engagement, can drive meaningful progress. Her foundation stands as a beacon of hope, poised to amplify voices, protect the environment, and nurture the leaders of tomorrow in a world that desperately needs such visionaries.