Editors Note: This article was originally published in the Aug. 16, 2023 issue of the Chronicle Progress. Some information may be outdated.
And so her reign continues.
That is to say, Shiane Works has upgraded her crown. Originally crowned Miss Utah in the United International Elite program, Works recently took the national title.
She flew back to Atlanta, Georgia at the end of June to compete.
“Where do I even begin? It was one of the most uplifting things I’ve ever been a part of,” Works said. “Everyone was just so kind the whole time and cheering everybody on.”
Works was one contestant in a pool of others, ranging in ages from six to 86, all vying for the top crown in their respective categories.
“There’s a wide range of people, from all walks of live that have been there, done it all,” Works said. “Everybody is so kind. I can’t express how phenomenal it was.”
Interestingly, Works was the only contestant in the Miss category. The other contestants dropped out at the eleventh hour, due to scheduling conflict or illness.
“I was the only one,” Works said. “Which is the first time this has happened in this system.”
One other queen told Works that fate seemed to have a hand in her crowning.
“She said ‘this never happens… it was obvious for you to have this title. It’s going to impact you and you’re going to impact others,’” Works said. “It was kind of crazy.”
Despite being the sole contestant in her category, Works still set her sights on other awards. She swept 13 optional competitions, namely Top Model, a competition based on fashionability and poise.
She took that award, too. Now, she’ll get to walk it the runway in New York’s Fashion Week. She’ll be in the Big Apple Sept. 6 to Sept. 12.
Besides displaying haute couture, Works has attended other pageants within the UIE circuit. She accompanied a contestant in the national competition for the Miss Amazing Pageant—a system crafted for women with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities or physical impairments—in Chicago.
“That was one of the most empowering moments in my life,” Works said. “I wish the world could have their attitudes towards hardships.”
She plans to help with charity projects within the state, starting with the No One Fights Alone first responder appreciation night on Aug. 23.
She also plans to be an ambassador of self-empowerment to the younger generations.
“I want to go to the schools and speak about finding confidence in yourself. You never know you have a dream until you try it,” Works said. “That’s how this experience has been. I never thought I’d be doing this, and then it felt like a dream come true.”
Works said she’s happy to help with service projects around the county. And of course, traversing the country helps.
Works will hold her title as Miss United International Elite until the next national competitions. She encourages young women seeking new opportunities to try the program. Preliminary competitions for the Miss Utah UIE title start next month, on Sept. 29 and 30. Visit www. uiepageants.com/registration for more information.
Works is also happy to answer any questions herself. She can be contacted at 435-406-1724.
