Short introduction
Hi, I'm Sawinah!
A creative soul, storyteller and artivist who believes every voice has the power to create change. My journey into pageantry started as a joke, but turned into something I could never have imagined. Along the way, I discovered the power of identity, self-expression and the stories that connect us.
Through The Art of Pageantry International, I use creativity, coaching and storytelling to empower others to find their voices. And with You're the Voice International, I dream of creating a platform where the next generation doesn't just get heard, but gets the opportunity to turn their ideas into change.
IMPACT FOR THE YOUTH BY THE YOUTH
BEHIND THE BRAND: YOU'RE THE VOICE
The Story of You're the Voice
You're the Voice International didn't start with a name. It started with a purpose.
For years, I had already been using my voice, creativity and experiences to empower young people, create spaces for self-expression and inspire positive change. I just never had a name that brought it all together.
That changed in 2026, when my journey with Miss Voluptuous, WorldPride in Washington, D.C., and Pride Amsterdam brought everything into perspective.
Suddenly, all the pieces started falling into place. What had grown from local initiatives into national impact was now reaching an international community.
And somewhere along the way, I realised I wasn't starting something new. I was finally giving a name to something I had been building all along.
You're the Voice International was born.
Not as the beginning of my purpose, but as the next chapter of its impact.
BEHIND THE BRAND : The Name
Sometimes, a song says everything you've been trying to put into words.
During Pride Amsterdam, You're the Voice, performed by Tara McDonald, was the official anthem. I had the opportunity to spend time with Tara, who shared the deeper meaning behind the song and what it represents to her as an artist and artivist.
That conversation inspired the name You're the Voice International. It perfectly captured what I had been working towards for years: empowering young people to discover their voices and use them to create positive change.
Because it's not about being the voice for others. It's about helping them find their own.
Every voice matters. Every voice has a purpose.
BEHIND THE BRAND: The logo
Our logo tells a story of resilience, self-expression and the power of change.
The phoenix was a natural choice, as it was already part of the visual identity of The Art of Pageantry International following its rebranding last year. For me, it represents something deeply personal. My journey into pageantry began at one of the lowest points in my life, but became a journey of rediscovering myself, finding purpose and rising again.
The water is another personal touch. It represents Zeeland, the Dutch province where I grew up, surrounded by water. But it also symbolises our ambition to make waves and create a ripple effect of positive change. A reminder that where we come from can inspire where we go.
The colourful sound waves represent the diversity of voices, stories and identities that make our world so special.
I believe we all have our own unique purpose, but that purpose can grow, evolve and change over time. We are allowed to reinvent ourselves, discover new passions and rise again as many times as we need.
Because finding your voice is only the beginning. Discovering what matters to you gives you a reason to use it.
BEHIND THE BRAND: The Background
Woven into the Fabric
Our denim-inspired background is more than just a design choice. It's a symbol of identity, diversity and connection.
The inspiration came during WorldPride in Washington, D.C., where the theme Fabrics of Freedom and Levi's involvement with Youth Pride made me reflect on how fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression.
But why blue?
Before my journey into pageantry, I was a theatre maker and comedian. One of my most meaningful pieces was called Blauw is een hele mooie kleur (Blue Is a Very Beautiful Colour). So choosing blue also became a little tribute to my artistic roots and the stories I was telling long before I ever wore a crown.
Denim comes in different colours, shades, shapes and sizes. Just like us. And what makes denim special is that it's created from individual threads woven together into something stronger.
I believe the same goes for people. We all carry our own stories, identities and experiences. We don't have to look alike, think alike or follow the same path to belong.
And just like denim changes over time, so do we. Our experiences leave their marks, our identities evolve and our stories continue to unfold. Because it's our differences that make the fabric of our community so beautiful.