Yasmina Zaytoun (Miss World Lebanon 2023): The Rising Star of Lebanon

Introduction

Yasmina Zaytoun is a name that has been making headlines in Lebanon and beyond since she won the prestigious title of Miss Lebanon 2022 on July 24, 2022. She represented Lebanon at 71st Miss World competition in Mumbai, India on 9th March 2024 where she finished as 1st runner up. But who is this young woman who has captured the hearts of many with her beauty, intelligence, and charisma? In this blog, we will take a closer look at her early life and education, and how she became the first Miss Lebanon in four years.

Early life and family of Yasmina Zaytoun

Yasmina Ismail Zaytoun was born on October 26, 2002, in Tyre, a coastal city in southern Lebanon. She is the daughter of Ismail Zaytoun, a Lebanese businessman, and Rania Al-Hajj, a Palestinian teacher. She has two younger brothers, Omar and Ali. Yasmina grew up in a loving and supportive family that encouraged her to pursue her dreams and passions. She has described her parents as her role models and her brothers as her best friends.

Yasmina Zaytoun has a mixed heritage, as her father is from Lebanon and her mother is of Palestinian descent. She is proud of her roots and considers herself a citizen of the world. She speaks Arabic, English, and French fluently, and is learning Spanish. She really enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures and foods. She has visited countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Instagram of Yasmina Zaytoun

Education and career

Yasmina Zaytoun has always been a bright and ambitious student who excelled in her studies. She attended the Saint Joseph School in Tyre, where she graduated with honors in 2020. She then enrolled in the Notre Dame University-Louaize in Zouk Mosbeh, where she is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She chose this field because she has a passion for writing, communication, and media. She hopes to become a successful journalist and a positive influence on society.

Yasmina Zaytoun is also a talented and creative person who has a flair for fashion, art, and music. She enjoys modeling, painting, and playing the piano. She has participated in several fashion shows and photo shoots, and has collaborated with local and international brands. She has also hosted an education show titled With Yasmina Show, where she interviewed Lebanese celebrities and discussed various topics related to education, culture, and entertainment.

Pageantry and advocacy

Yasmina Zaytoun entered the world of pageantry in 2022, when she decided to compete in the Miss Lebanon 2022 contest. She represented Hasbaya District, a region in southern Lebanon, and faced 16 other candidates for the crown. She impressed the judges and the audience with her beauty, poise, and confidence, and won the coveted title. She also received the Miss Photogenic award and the Miss Elegance award.

As Miss Lebanon 2022, Yasmina has the honor and the responsibility of representing her country at the Miss Universe 2022 and the Miss World 2023 pageants. She is the first Miss Lebanon to compete in both international competitions, as the previous winners only participated in one of them. She prepared hard for these events, as a result, she finished as 1st runner up at 71st Miss World. On 23rd February 2024, she was declared as winner of Head to Head challenge along with 4 winners at Miss World 2023 competition and earned the spot in Top-40 position of the competition. She also placed in Top-20 in Top model competition.

Yasmina Zaytoun is also using her platform to advocate for causes that are close to her heart, such as education, health, and women’s empowerment. She is an ambassador for the Lebanese Food Bank and the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon, and supports various charitable and humanitarian initiatives. She also established her own mentorship program to help young women achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. She believes that education is the key to success and happiness, and that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn and grow.

Advocacy and Charity Work

1. “Queens Without Filter” Campaign

Yasmina Zaytoun started a campaign called “Queens Without Filter” to help young people feel good about their special qualities and be more confident. She encourages self-love and acceptance, emphasizing that true beauty lies in authenticity.

2. “Yas Queen” Empowerment Course

Recognizing the importance of nurturing self-confidence from an early age, Yasmina Zaytoun initiated the “Yas Queen” course. This program empowers teenagers, equipping them with essential life skills and helping them embrace their individuality.

3. Forbes 30 Under 30

Yasmina Zaytoun’s influence extends beyond pageantry. Her presence in Forbes 30 Under 30 is a testament to her dedication and impact. She leverages her platform to raise awareness about critical issues and inspire positive change.

Beauty with Purpose project

Beauty with a purpose is one of the core values of the Miss World organization, which aims to empower women to make a positive difference in the world. Each contestant is required to present a project that addresses a social, environmental, or humanitarian issue in their country or region.

Yasmina Zaytoun, the Miss World Lebanon 2023, chose to focus on food security as her beauty with a purpose project. Food security is defined as the availability and access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all people at all times. According to the United Nations, more than 690 million people suffer from chronic hunger, and the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation.

Yasmina was inspired by her personal experience of witnessing the devastating effects of the economic crisis and the Beirut port explosion on the Lebanese people, especially the most vulnerable groups. She decided to use her platform to raise awareness and funds for the Lebanese Food Bank, a non-governmental organization that provides food assistance to families in need across Lebanon.

Yasmina Zaytoun’s project consisted of three main components:

A video presentation that showcased the problem of food insecurity in Lebanon, the work of the Lebanese Food Bank, and the impact of her project on the beneficiaries. The video also featured testimonials from the food bank staff, volunteers, and recipients, as well as Yasmina’s personal involvement in the food distribution process.
A fundraising campaign that aimed to collect donations from local and international supporters, as well as corporate sponsors. Yasmina used social media, online platforms, and media appearances to promote her campaign and encourage people to contribute. She also organized events and activities, such as auctions, concerts, and workshops, to raise funds and awareness.
An advocacy mission that aimed to influence policy makers and stakeholders to take action and support the cause of food security in Lebanon. Yasmina traveled to the United States and met with representatives from the United Nations, the World Food Programme, and other organizations. She presented her project and urged them to provide more humanitarian aid and assistance to Lebanon.

Yasmina’s project was a remarkable success, as she managed to raise more than $1 million for the Lebanese Food Bank, which translated into providing more than 2 million meals for more than 200,000 people in need. She also received recognition and appreciation from the Miss World organization, the Lebanese government, and the international community. She was selected as one of the top five finalists in the beauty with a purpose challenge, securing her spot in the top 40 of the Miss World 2023 competition. She was also honored by Forbes as one of the 30 under 30 listers, solidifying her status as the most famous beauty queen in the Middle East and North Africa.

Yasmina’s project demonstrated her passion, dedication, and leadership in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time. She used her beauty with a purpose to make a positive impact and to inspire others to do the same. She proved that beauty is not only skin deep, but also a powerful force for good.

Conclusion

Yasmina Zaytoun is a remarkable young woman who has a lot to offer to the world. She is not only a beautiful face, but also a smart, talented, and compassionate person. She is a role model for many girls and women who aspire to follow their dreams and make a difference. She is a rising star of Lebanon, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.