Meet Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2018: Aniska Tonge

Born in Texas and raised on numerous islands in the Caribbean, Aniska considers herself a melting pot, curated and created distinctly by her experiences with those she has met and the places she has seen. Aniska is a recent graduate of Georgia State University, with a Master’s in Mass Communication, and continues to work there as a supervising producer for numerous GSU TV projects. This past year she also landed her very first job at her dream company, a major media cooperation in the US, and hope to use this year and her title as Miss Universe USVI to uplift, empower and encourage everyone to live in their light.

Quick facts…
Hometown: Charlotte Amalie, USVI
Current City: Atlanta, GA
Occupation: Supervising Producer/Satellite TECH Operator
Age: 27
Hobbies: Writing/Reading/Travel/Fitness/Outdoor
Favorite food: Salt Fish and Green Bananas
Favorite movie: The Handmaids Tale
Three words that sum you up: Resilient, Ambitious, Determined
Song you have on repeat right now: Naked by Ella Mai
Dream job: Executive Producer at my own production agency.
One thing you can’t live without: My sister.
Favorite quote: “Whatever Sparkle You See in Me, Is just a reflection of your own light.”- A. Tonge

Being Miss Universe US Virgin Islands must keep you pretty busy! What is a typical day like for you?

I work in the news so I’m on the news room floor just about every day! I love the fast pace of media and being Miss Universe USVI adds to that. A typical day almost always includes a full day or work, editing, writing and coordinating the few productions I’m currently working on, hitting the gym and of course a few hours of down time (with my phone turned off) after it’s all done.

What are you looking forward to the most at Miss Universe? 

I’m most looking forward to meeting and interacting with female leaders from all around the world. One thing we often forget is that contestants competing at Miss Universe are champions for causes that affect their countries and are leaders for future generations, hoping to carve out a world of acceptance and understanding. There is nothing more rewarding than leaving a competition with friends, sisters and international philanthropic resources that last a lifetime.

What are some things you are doing to prepare for the Miss Universe?

I’m laser focused on making sure I’m physically and mentally prepared. From meditating and making sure therapy is a routine fixture in my life, to working out, eating right and taking in lots of water. You perform at your best when you are at your best and for me that means making sure my mind is right and my body is ready. Alongside that, I’m training for every segment (interview, on stage etc.) and reading up on the news constantly. My team has been so impactful and stellar, so I’ve most certainly enjoyed this pageant process more than any other.

Lady Code has a focus on anti-bullying and women empowerment. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be victims of bullying?

There will always be people that have some not so nice things to say about you. The best thing to do is to find who you are, learn to love that person and drown out the voices of those that don’t. It comes with time and tolerance but once you are grounded and centered in who you are and the purpose you are called to, the negativity rolls of your back. It doesn’t get easier but how you handle it does.

Tell us about your platform:

My platform is centered around increasing mental health awareness and suicide prevention. After overcoming my own battles with both and seeing firsthand the experiences of others, I realized that understanding mental health and all its complexities is the first step to actively combatting suicide in young men and women. Throughout my year I hope to destigmatize mental health/suicide and develop safe spaces in which young people can be vocal about their struggles and find the help and resources necessary to overcome them.

What can Lady Code readers do in their communities to get involved? 

Anything and everything. Whether it’s volunteering at a local Boys and Girls Club or holding a highway clean up. There’s a misconception that now your work has to go viral or get a million likes for it to matter and that’s simply not true. Miss Universe is the girl that changes the world without having to leaving the corner of her home office and I think that girl lives somewhere in all of us.

In your free time, what do you enjoy doing?

I’m a foodie, so whenever I have a moment of free time you can find me eating or trying to cook. Lol I’m not the best chef but I’m most certainly the best food critique.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Don’t compare yourself to anyone. It’s so hard to do that in today’s current, social media obsessed climate, but it’s the most vital piece of advice I’ve ever received. Find who YOU are. Learn to love that person and remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. No one else can do you better than you can so don’t focus on anyone else being anything else. To be confidently beautiful is to be confidently YOU. Trust me, that’s more than enough.

Twitter: @aniska_t

Instagram: @aniska_t

Facebook Fan Page: @ItsAniska