Thirty‑Seven Years of Culture, Competition, and Community: Virgelia Productions Marks a Milestone
At the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in November 2025, Virgelia Productions hosted its 37th Anniversary Pageant. Thirty-one delegates from across the globe competed in national costume, swimsuit, and evening gown categories, representing countries from Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The night reinforced the organization’s core mission: celebrating diversity, heritage, and the achievements of immigrant women.
More Than a Pageant: A Platform for Immigrant Identity
In today’s climate of polarization and political division, cultural spaces like Virgelia Productions stand as beacons of inclusion and empowerment. For nearly four decades, the organization has elevated immigrant narratives, showcasing the talent, beauty, and leadership of women too often sidelined by mainstream standards.
The pageant is not just about crowns and gowns—it is about reclaiming identity. Every category—from the embroidered silks of national costume to the empowering energy of the swimsuit competition—is a vehicle for women to assert pride in who they are and where they come from. In a society where immigrant stories are often reduced to headlines or statistics, this event restores dignity, agency, and celebration.
Winners and Highlights
Mekyla Lee (China) — Miss Asia USA 2026, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Popularity, Global People’s Choice
Su Hee Kang (Korea) — Miss Asia USA International, Best in National Costume, People’s Choice, Miss Congeniality (tie)
Jaynie Jindarat (Thailand) — Miss Asia United States, Miss Friendship, Miss Congeniality (tie)
Valencia Kwan (Indonesia) — Miss Asia USA Global
Michelle Ho (Vietnam) — Miss Asia USA America
Nicole Hahn (Korea) — Miss Asia USA California
Jazlyn Bao Chau (Vietnam) — Miss Teen Asia USA
Andrea Huynh (Vietnam) — Mrs. Asia USA 2026, Best in Evening Gown, Mrs. Congeniality
Kim Del Fierro (Philippines) — Mrs. Asia USA International, Mrs. Fitness
Michelle Villamaire (Thailand) — Mrs. Asia USA Universe, Mrs. Friendship
Hang Nguyen (Vietnam) — Mrs. Asia USA California
Amaya Andrea Franco (El Salvador) — Miss Teen Latina Global
Yahaira Kolb Arauz (Nicaragua) — Mrs. Latina Global
Mary Kaminski (Spain) — Miss Europe Global
Michelle Llegaria (Philippines) — Mrs. Entrepreneur
Ariana Afzali (Afghanistan) — Miss Global Ambassador
Kim Delevett (Vietnam) — Mrs. Global Ambassador, Humanitarian Award
Mikayla Estrada (Philippines) — Miss Photogenic
Martha Torrico (Bolivia) — Mrs. Photogenic
The Immigrant Magazine extends heartfelt congratulations to all winners, participants, and organizers who made this night unforgettable. Every delegate who stepped onto that stage carried more than a title—they carried history, community, and the dreams of generations. To the sponsors, including International American University and Ive Medical Spa, your support ensures that these stories continue to shine.
Virgelia Villegas: The Vision Behind the Legacy
This global celebration would not exist without the quiet force behind it—Virgelia Villegas. Born and raised in the Philippines, Villegas immigrated to the United States at 16. Her journey began in the hospitality industry, where she worked tirelessly, climbing from humble beginnings to become a senior catering manager at prestigious hotels.
But Villegas’s vision extended far beyond banquet halls. In 2003, she secured the license for Miss Asia USA and founded Virgelia Productions—a cultural platform designed to reflect the stories, dreams, and strength of immigrant women.
Her work is rooted in a deep belief: that immigrant women deserve not only recognition but also celebration. Under her leadership, Virgelia Productions has evolved into one of the most culturally diverse and empowering pageant organizations in the country. The pageants are not designed to fit women into a mold—they exist to honor their individuality and heritage.
Miss Korea—Award Winner
At The Immigrant Magazine, we are proud to stand beside visionaries like Virgelia Villegas—immigrants whose courage, imagination, and cultural stewardship are what make America truly great. Her work uplifts not only women but entire communities, changing the landscape of representation one story at a time.
Icons of Impact: A New Chapter
This year, Virgelia Productions introduced a new segment titled Icons of Impact, honoring entrepreneurs, media figures, and nonprofit leaders who create meaningful social change. The segment reflects a natural evolution of Villegas’s mission—recognizing that the power of representation must go beyond the stage.
Presented by past queens Angela Kung, Fabiola Mort, and others, Icons of Impact underscored the message that cultural pride and community service go hand in hand.
Global Relevance, Local Roots
Afghanistan
In an era where migration defines much of the world’s human story, the mission of Virgelia Productions resonates far beyond the stage. It’s a space where women from El Salvador to Afghanistan can wear their identities proudly. It’s a celebration that reminds us: representation is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
The ripple effect of such platforms is generational. Former titleholders have gone on to launch nonprofits, serve as cultural ambassadors, advocate for STEM inclusion, and speak to young women navigating multiple identities. This is the legacy Villegas has built—not just an event, but a movement.
Looking Ahead
With applications already open for 2026 contestants, Virgelia Productions continues to serve as a stage for global representation and immigrant excellence. For many participants, this pageant is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of identity and community.
Visit virgeliaproductions.com or call 1-800-831-9880 to learn more.
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