Michelle Dee continues to make waves at the ongoing 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.
She especially made her mark in the competition's Voice for Change category, an initiative of the organization in collaboration with Mouawad and CI Talks that requires candidates to share in a three-minute video their personal crusades.
Michele earned the most number of nods in the category.
As of November 9, 2023, she is leading the category with 208,837 votes, closely followed by Ukraine representative Angelina Usanova with 152,514 votes, and Nicaragua bet Sheynnis Palacios with 119,270 votes.
Michele's impassioned entry discussed her advocacy for the empowerment of individuals on the autism spectrum, revealing herself to be “a sister with two incredible siblings who are on the autism spectrum.”
In her words, “Today, I’m about to talk about something that is very close to my heart, and that is towards autism acceptance, inclusivity, and empowerment.
“Three foundational pillars to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. One in every 100 children is born with autism.
“I’m a sister with two incredible siblings who are on the autism spectrum, Adam and Mazenne."
Michelle proceeded to talk up the Autism Society Philippines' ASP Autism Works program for assisting individuals on the autism spectrum secure employment, further expressing her hope that more companies would join the effort.
She said, “For years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Goodwill Ambassador of Autism Society Philippines, Southeast Asia’s largest autism NGO.
“This family, my family, has dedicated its mission to empowering and supporting individuals with autism along with their families.
“In 2015, the ASP Autism Works Program was born, and has been a beacon of hope for hundreds of neurodiverse individuals.
“We’ve opened hundreds of positions across 53 enterprises, spanning 10 provinces diversified in a myriad of industries.
“Historically, they face lower employment rates up to 80% and higher rates of social isolation than others with disabilities globally, but together, we are rewriting that narrative— these remarkable individuals have found not just jobs but meaningful careers.
“It’s a testament to what is possible when we prioritize inclusivity and harnessing the untappable potential of these individuals.
"But we focus on creating sustainable careers for them while providing these individuals with the skills, support, and opportunities to continually thrive through their career development programs, support systems, and fundamental life coaching.
“But, it doesn’t stop there—for the employers, it’s also a strategic advantage for them as well.
“Individuals on the autism spectrum possess a unique skill set making them valuable assets in various roles, from technology and data analysis to creative fields as well.
“And by championing diversity, they could lead by example to promote a diverse and sustainable workforce."
Michelle urged everyone for a transformation towards a more diverse, empowering, and sustainable world, emphasizing the importance of being a voice for those who need it, and working together for positive change.
She stressed, “This is not about change; this is about transformation.
“As we work towards the sustainable development goal of creating opportunities for all, let’s remember that we are not alone in this journey.
“We stand united with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, and together, we can build a more inclusive, empowering, and sustainable world for all.
“Let’s be the voice for those who don’t have one; let’s be the reason why millions of lives become empowered, and; let’s be a true force for good, together.
“This is our voice for change, let us raise this together loud and clear as we continue to empower every individual on the autism spectrum, by giving them a chance to foster a world where every voice matters, every individual is celebrated, and no one gets left behind.”
The 3-minute video entries of the candidates align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations to address social issues and create positive changes in societies.
NETIZENS SUPPORT MICHELLE DEE'S ADVOCACY
The carefully crafted and moving entry of Michelle garnered varying reactions from netizens.
X user @araelric wrote: "A lot of M.U or pageant contestants usually just picked an advocacy because they need to. I like Michelle Dee's advocacy because it is something she really advocates and is present in her family. There's little to no voice regarding autism and people under the spectrum like us."
Another netizen with the handle name @DAarzadon became a fan after learning about Michelle's advocacy.
The X user wrote, "Before, di talaga ako fan ni MMD when she won MUPh 2023.
"But after viewing her Voice for a Change video, it tells a million meaningful stories. Syempre kapwa natin Filipino si Michelle Dee.
"Ang suporta natin ay para sa kanya sa Miss Universe 2023."
Meanwhile, @VloggerJujubee expressed, "Whatever the result is, proud ako na si Michelle nagrepresent sa Philippines dahil pinakikita niya na may class at breeding siya.
"Maganda rin advocacy niya for people with autism dahil alam mong di plastic at may pinaghuhugutan. A very good influencer."
Even before the entry was officially published, observant netizens had already taken note of Michelle's dedicated efforts for her advocacy, underscoring her sincerity for the cause.
In May 2023, Michelle visited 92-year-old Nanay Elvira and her daughter Ronalyn, who is on the autism spectrum, after learning about their inspiring story.
Despite her advanced age, Nanay Elvira is the primary caregiver of her daughter.
Teaming up with the Autism Society of the Philippines, Michelle provided groceries, mattresses, and various items to assist Nanay Elvira and her daughter.
@teomarbautista Kaka-starstruck makasama si Ms. Universe Philippines 2023,Michelle Dee? She deserves the crown! #deepatapos #michelledee #missuniversephilippines #makati #autismawareness #kmjs#kapuso#gmanetwork ? Over The Universe - Jessica Sanchez
Michelle's visit to Nanay Elvira and Ronalyn was also featured on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho in the same month.
During the segment, Dang Koe from the Autism Society of the Philippines praised Michelle's sustained efforts, recognizing the longevity of her commitment to the advocacy.
She said, "Nakakatuwa siya talaga kasi makikita mo yung pagdadala niya ng advocacy about autism and it's going to be lifelong...
"Kasi for her to be taking care of her own two brothers on the spectrum despite her busy schedule, saludo talaga kami sa kanya."
@onlymissuniverse In MMD I trust, solid advocacy, a beauty queen with a purpose ???? #missuniverse #michelledee #missuniversephilippines #fyp #foryou ? Silent - Silent
GUIDE ON HOW TO VOTE FOR MICHELLE
To support Michelle and her advocacy on Voice for Change, the public can cast their votes via the website of CI Talks until November 13, 2023.
Here's the link to Michelle's "Voice for Change" video
On the upper right corner, tap "Vote Now" and fill out the form.
Enter correct information, including email address, number of votes, and credit or debit card details, then select ‘Submit Vote’ before validating the vote through email.
A user is entitled to one free vote per valid email address and can vote once in 12 hours.
The three Voice for Change gold winners will be announced on the pageant's coronation night on November 18.
Netizens also have the opportunity to cast their votes to secure Michelle's spot in the semifinals.
To vote, download the Miss Universe App on the App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android users. Navigate to the "Vote" tab located at the bottom of the home page, leading you to the poll featuring all the candidates for this year's pageant. Scroll down to Michelle's photo and tap the star icon at the bottom.
Alternatively, you can cast your votes on your desktop through the Miss Universe Fan Vote website.
The first vote is complimentary, but subsequent votes will require payment through credit card on the platform.
Prices for additional votes are as follows:
- Three votes for USD1 (PHP56)
- 15 votes for USD4.99 (PHP279.18)
- 40 votes for USD9.99 (PHP558.93)
- 85 votes for USD19.99 (PHP1,118.41)
- 220 votes for USD49.99 (PHP2,796.87)
- 450 votes for USD99.99 (PHP5,594.29)
- 1,000 votes for USD199.99 (PHP11,188.74)
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