‘Small wings, big impact’: Celene Hall plans to use Miss Universe Jamaica crown for service

BY SANDENA JAMES Social media editor sandenaj@jamaicaobserver.com Newly crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 Celene Hall is hoping her reign will be remembered for more than what she accomplishes on the international stage, as the Portland native sets her sights on using the increased visibility of the crown to expand her philanthropic work across Jamaica. Hall, 25, who was crowned on Sunday after competing against 32 other contestants, told Observer Online that a major focus of her year of service will be expanding the work of her Hummingbird Effect Foundation and its education initiative, NEST — Nurturing Educational Spaces Together. “The work started before the crown, so it will most definitely continue after the crown and with the crown,” Hall said.

“I never underestimate the power of this platform, and what this is going to bring now is increased visibility, increased impact.” Through NEST, Hall said the foundation focuses on creating more conducive learning environments while helping to bridge essential resource gaps in schools. Its work has already begun in her home parish of Portland, including the most recent gifting an installation of fans inside her alma mater Boundbrook Primary, but the beauty queen is hoping to take the programme much further. “We have started in Portland already, but we want to eventually branch out across broader Jamaica,” she said.

“Jamaica itself is very invested in the development of education, so we think it’s a great opportunity to collaborate and see how much of an impact we can make together.” The Hummingbird Effect Foundation's work extends beyond education. According to Hall, it supports underserved communities and vulnerable individuals through outreach, youth empowerment and family support. The organisation has previously worked with the Jamaica Cancer Society, Portland Rehabilitation Centre and Portland Women's Centre.

Hall said the philosophy behind the foundation is captured in its motto, “Small wings, big impact”, inspired by Jamaica's national bird and the idea that seemingly small acts can create meaningful change. “I want to leave through my reign [the message that] Celene Hall never underestimated the power of what she can do with what she had,” she said. Hall's reign will also be about encouraging young women who may not see themselves as traditional pageant contestants to give themselves an opportunity.