The University of Belize and ILS Phoenix Foundation today signed an agreement that will see the current Miss World Belize, Noelia Hernandez Segurea receiving her Master's in Business Administration while promoting the school. She will be UB's brand ambassador, working alongside them by visiting secondary schools and featuring on flyers to increase enrollment. Today at the signing, the president of the university as well as Miss World Belize spoke to us about the partnership.
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, UB
"I think it will help tremendously. You know, young people like to see other young people like themselves succeed. Here we have Miss World Belize telling us to come to UB, or telling us that she's a graduate from UB."
"She has a bachelor's degree from UB. So particularly our young students, young prospective students will see it as an opportunity. I want to come to UB, too. So I think we should benefit at the enrollment because of her."
"Their mission is one of women with purpose, women on a mission. It's not a brains, it's not a beauty thing. It's brains and beauty. So we embrace it. I think it's a wonderful collaboration. And it's not just one term."
"When we have a next queen, Miss World Belize, I would like to offer the same thing to that new person. I think it's a good opportunity."
Noelia Hernandez, Miss World Belize
"I was extremely excited because I've always wanted to do my master's degree in the first place, right?"
"And then when the opportunity arise, I was like, oh my gosh, I'm actually gonna do it, you know? And then plus being an ambassador. So it's something exciting since I already have the background as well."
"Since Dr. Vincen already said, yeah, I come from UB. So I was ready for the challenge. And it is a challenge indeed, but I think I'm ready."
Reporter
"Why would you encourage people to come to the University of Belize?"
Noelia Hernandez Segurea, Miss World Belize
"Because as I mentioned in my speech, I also believe they focus on the students that they believe also not only focus about just getting involved in their university, but also care about the student. Well, personally, I looked at in that school that they actually care for the students and they actually help us become better."
"So that's something that is very beneficial as a student."
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