Belize knows her as Isabella Zabaneh, but we’ve come to know her as Bella, a kind-hearted young lady who is always doing something to bless others.

Bella, along with her sister, came to District Youth Leadership Camp in 2022. In a true “things come full circle” moment, her mom─Ms Liz Zabaneh─was our Director’s Camp Counselor when she went to youth camp.

We remember her as full of energy, great ideas, and ready to lead! Camp is only a week long, but we had they joy of keeping up with Bella through the years that followed.

We have had the pleasure of supporting a few of her initiatives. They were varied, not always huge, or ever about the spotlight being on her. Actually, they were often things people had no idea she was doing. One example is Bella gifting a package to a random young lady from each district, just cause.

When she stepped into the Miss Universe spotlight, our prayer was that people would see her heart. As with all events like these, the spotlight is on you at all times and you must “promote” the good things you’re up to, which is not really her style. We hoped that Belize would see the true heart behind the person she is and consider her past challenges (listen to her story), all she has overcome, and the real good she is doing.

Bella does not fit in, but neither does any of the other contestants. They each held a precious story and project, each one very unique. We were able to share something on our story highlighting each of them and their wonderful work. We really enjoyed the bond they shared as they experienced the Miss Universe life together. We hope that their example would encourage Belizeans, young ladies especially, to stand out and be true to their character and who God would have them be. We love what Bella shared during the contest:

“When you believe in who you are and what you bring to the table beauty is only skin deep and it becomes so much more when you truly become and walk in your purpose and who God created you to be. In this nation I believe that if people had a secure identity it would absolutely change the game.” – Bella

We congratulate all young ladies who brave these local and international stages. We also applaud the Miss Universe Belize team for raising the standard for this event. We have not enjoyed such coverage and overall experience of the event. You guys outdid yourselves.

Congrats Bella, can’t wait to root for you on the international stage! We also take this time to thank Bella and her family for always supporting young people in Belize and investing time and finances into seeing them be a success!