Sharlene Rädlein Crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2015

Sharlene Rädlein was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2015 on Saturday night. The 25-year-old professional model, sashed Miss Eskay Catering, said her motivation for entering the pageant is to “inspire people with my story of perseverance and never giving up on your dreams.”

Rädlein of Jamaican-German-Scottish descent asserted that “I believe we all have a story to tell, and people to inspire and this will give me the platform to do so. We only live once, and we should make it count.” Rädlein studied at the Miami Dade College. “It would also be an honour to represent this beautiful land of my birth and be an ambassador of goodwill,” she revealed.

Today makes 7 years since my accident. For those of you who don’t know my story. I was walking across the street and struck by a car. I flew onto the windshield, slammed onto the hood and skid 5 feet. I woke up 20 minutes later and was helicopted to the trauma hospital. Last thing I remember was crossing the street with my two friends and I thought we had all made it across in one peace. I was released 8 hours later after being admitted. I left with a cast, 15 stitches on my head, and external wounds. I look back on my life today and so much has changed. I thought my dreams of becoming a model was something that would stay a dream and never become a reality. Here I am 7 years later. I took a leap of faith and moved to New York. Signed to @majormodelsny, and have had the privilege to work with so many incredible and talented people. My accident was a terrifying experience but it also was a moment of clarity. Life is short and after overcoming such obstacles and self doubt/worth. I know I can accomplish anything that life throws at me. Don’t give up in your dreams! Be patient, work hard, and stay humble. #BattleScar #iAmAWarrior #ScarsAreBeautiful #NeverGiveUp #HumbleYourLife

A photo posted by Sharlene Rädlein (@shargroovy) on Mar 25, 2015 at 1:45pm PDT

  Happy Mothers Day to the most badass mom and my best friend. Thank you for loving me, your words of wisdom, being my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me, and always keeping it real. You have influenced my life in so many incredible ways, I surely wouldn’t be the woman I am today without you.   A photo posted by Sharlene Rädlein (@shargroovy) on May 10, 2015 at 2:17pm PDT

Rädlein will represent Jamaica in at Miss Universe pageant in Shanghai, China in December.

Among the top 6, Tasmin Golding was named first runner-up; Shana Simpson, second runner-up; Michaela Ramlal, third runner-up; Kellon Williams, fourth runner-up; Rohannia Mooyin, fifth-runner up. Check out the twenty-five women who entered the pageant this year here.

Miss Universe Jamaica 2014, 22-year-old Kaci Fennell, took her final walk — an emotional one.

The pageant was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St. Andrew. These were the top 12 contestants.