**Miss Wales 2025: Meet the Winner and the 29 Trailblazers Shaping the Future**
A new Miss Wales has been crowned for 2025, with 20-year-old Helena Hawke, a student nurse and Royal Air Force cadet, securing the coveted title in a dazzling competition that saw 29 extraordinary women vying for the chance to represent Wales on the Miss World stage. This year’s contest once again proved that the Miss Wales platform is about far more than beauty—the diverse finalists are community leaders, trailblazers, and advocates with stories that resonate well beyond the catwalk.
Helena, who studies nursing in Cardiff, expressed her joy in not just winning the title but also in the friendships and experiences she gained throughout the competition. Speaking with pride, she described the final event as “one of the most empowering spaces” she’d been in, highlighting the camaraderie that defined the three-day final hosted across Cardiff and Newport from 1–3 May. Contestants found themselves bonding over challenges ranging from walking barefoot over glass to delivering confidence-filled catwalk performances—a true test of resilience as well as poise.
The new Miss Wales’ route to the crown has been remarkable. Helena’s journey began at 14 as the only female in her local RAF Air Cadets squadron. Determined to open doors for others, she took it upon herself to host open evenings to encourage more girls and women to consider careers in the military. Her initiative, now dubbed Hawk’s Horizons, is flourishing and, as Helena noted, “You won’t guess how many skills you learn in cadets—it really has changed my life.”
Balancing her studies, community work, and now her Miss Wales duties is second nature for Helena, who is quick to call herself “a busy bee.” Alongside her studies and military engagement, she volunteers locally, coaching young children in sport and immersing herself in the wider message of “Beauty With A Purpose”—the official Miss Wales charity. This commitment to service and mentorship will be strengthened, she promises, as she prepares for the global Miss World competition in 2026.
Of course, Helena’s triumph is only one chapter in an inspiring broader story about Welsh women making a difference. This year’s finalists hail from every corner of the nation and from all walks of life. From Seren Clark, a 17-year-old student and artist overcoming her own struggles with anorexia, to Jaz Cuggy, a 23-year-old entrepreneur from Monmouthshire running a sustainable fashion business, the field demonstrated the power of determination and vision.
Among other notable contestants, Ellie Corcoran has raised £24,000 for her local children’s hospice, while Chloe Evans uses her experience studying international finance and kickboxing to shatter stereotypes in male-dominated industries. Eleri Evans, an activist and geography student, has raised awareness around mental health and women’s safety both at home and abroad, whilst 25-year-old Lauren Evans has channelled her experience in clinical psychology into championing more compassionate healthcare.
There was also no shortage of advocacy for inclusivity and diversity. Romilly Evans-Powell, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, campaigned for better understanding of neurodivergent women. Meanwhile, Xantia Hobrough, a veterinary science student and black belt taekwondo champion, is committed to animal conservation and championing the cause of women in science and sport.
The stories of the finalists highlight serious contemporary issues—body positivity, disability advocacy, environmental action, and the pursuit of careers in STEM are common threads. The event provides a platform to challenge enduring stereotypes about pageantry. As the contestants themselves articulate, their participation is about “empowerment, community, and driving positive change,” not just the pursuit of a crown.
Looking ahead, Helena and each of the 28 other finalists serve as role models for a generation. The competition is not simply a springboard to international stages like Miss World, but an opportunity to shine a light on the strength, resolve, and togetherness of Welsh women today. As this year’s story closes, it is clear that Miss Wales is evolving fast—redefining what it means to lead, to serve, and to represent the nation, both at home and on the world stage.