Not just another Jamaican beauty

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

Miss Jamaica World 2009 finalist Lesa-Gayle Wee Tom's ultimate goal is to open an orphanage for children born with birth defects.

This is also her pageant platform and an important cause which she passionately advocates.

The 21-year-old beauty queen, also know as Milan, is set to represent Jamaica in the Miss International Pageant 2010 which will be held at Sichuan Province Gymnasium in Chengdu, China on November 7.

The pageant which is in its 50th year will see Milan vying with more than 80 contestants for the coveted title. Jamaica has not taken part in the pageant for over 20 years when Michelle Samantha Williams was the last representative.

Milan is, however, more than just a Jamaican beauty. She is also a soon-to-be author. In that first book Milan shares her pageant experiences and pageant secrets and tips to winning the crown, but most importantly she encourages young women to embrace themselves and to develop the confidence to become winners in their every-day lives.

Milan has competed in a number of pageants which include Miss Florida Caribbean, Miss Jamaica Caribbean World, Miss Jamaica Jamzone International, Miss Jamzone International, and Miss Jamaica International.

She was featured as a TV personality on Kariblink TV and BET J before she became a cast member of the popular BET reality show, College Hill: South Beach.

She has also appeared in many popular hip-hop and dancehall music videos for artistes such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Nelly, Yung Jeezy, Sean Garret, Flo Rida, Sean Kingston, Akon, Timberland, Kardinal Offishal, Munga Honorable, Plies, Trick Daddy, J. Holiday and Triple C.

Rumoured

The beauty queen, who is rumoured to be dating track and field superstar Usain Bolt is currently enrolled at Florida Atlantic University where she is pursuing a major in broadcast journalism with a minor in tourism/hospitality management.

Milan hopes to one day make her return to the big screen, but this time as the host of her own television show. A make-up and clothing line is also in the works and she is also eyeing the popular Dancing With The Stars series, indicating her desire to one day become a contestant.