FREETOWN, June 29, 2025 — Daniella Boima Garrick, a 21-year-old model and advocate from Freetown, has been crowned as the first-ever Miss Albinism Africa in a historic pageant held June 28 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Garrick competed against contestants from 18 African countries in a high-profile event organized by the Albinism Dare to Dream Initiative (ADDI), part of the continent-wide African Diversity Festival.
The competition, themed “Shining in a Rainbow Africa,” spanned a week of empowering workshops and advocacy training before culminating in the final crowning ceremony.
While crowd favorites from host nation Zimbabwe and Kenya led public voting, Garrick’s perseverance and eloquence earned her the crown. According to Pageant Vote Africa, she received 696 votes—enough to secure victory among a field of 31 contestants.
In her immediate reaction, Garrick described the win as transformative—not just for her personally, but for individuals with albinism across the continent.
She emphasized that the title brings a profound sense of purpose and responsibility to advocate for visibility, stigma reduction, and equality.
Harare’s Zim Now Magazine underlined the pageant’s broader mission: building confidence, dismantling harmful stereotypes, and empowering ambassadors for change—goals that align with Garrick’s own advocacy journey.
A feature on the “Witch Hunt” podcast series earlier this year spotlighted Garrick as both a model and youth leader, highlighting her intention to use opportunity to challenge misconceptions and support her community.
Garrick will now lead awareness initiatives, speaking engagements, and community programs to advance the rights of persons with albinism in Africa.
Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis and the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism have celebrated her win as testament to Sierra Leone’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.
Garrick’s victory marks a new chapter in continental advocacy, signaling hopes for expanded acceptance and deeper cultural change across Africa.
