Jessi Kalambayi: The New Face of Congolese Beauty on the World Stage
*Miss Universe DR Congo 2026 carries the colours of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Puerto Rico.*
Being Miss is far more than wearing a crown. It is embodying values, inspiring through one's journey, and representing an entire nation with grace, intelligence, and commitment. Our new Miss Universe DR Congo 2026, Jessi Longwe Kalambayi, carries this mission with pride — and her story is one the world is only beginning to discover.
A Historic Coronation in Kinshasa
Jessi Kalambayi was crowned Miss Universe DR Congo 2026 at the grand final held in Kinshasa, succeeding outgoing titleholder Dorcas Dienda. The competition, now in its third edition, is organized by Cœur Africain, an NGO dedicated to celebrating African womanhood and cultural excellence. Her victory marks a milestone for the country: after 38 years away from the international stage, the DRC has made its full return to Miss Universe.
Her win came with a prize of 15 million Congolese francs (approximately US $6,550) — but far more significantly, it earned her the honour of representing the DRC at the 75th edition of Miss Universe, the pageant's Diamond Anniversary, to be held in November 2026 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Reflecting on the moment of her coronation, Jessi said the win was the realization of a lifelong dream: she had prepared for this moment her entire life, and now the real work of representing her country begins.
From Kinshasa to the World
Born in Kinshasa 27 years ago, Jessi's journey has been shaped by movement across continents. She grew up first in South Africa before continuing her path in the United States, where she built an international modeling career, working with globally recognized brands and appearing in prestigious publications, including *Vogue Italia*.
Though she was raised largely in an English-speaking environment, Jessi has spoken about her deliberate choice to reconnect fully with her Congolese roots — a decision that now allows her to carry her heritage proudly onto the world stage.
No Stranger to the Crown
Jessi Kalambayi is far from a newcomer to pageantry. Before being crowned Miss Universe DR Congo 2026, she represented the state of Colorado at Miss USA 2024, where she distinguished herself as a Top 10 semifinalist — a result that already marked her as one of the standout titleholders of her generation.
Purpose Beyond the Crown
Behind the sash and the spotlight is a woman driven by purpose. Jessi has served as a Program Manager at the University of Denver, where she supported refugee resettlement and employment initiatives through the Ready for American Hospitality Program — direct, hands-on work helping displaced individuals rebuild their lives.
Her academic path reflects that same commitment. She holds a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Africana Studies, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in International Studies and Migration, focusing on humanitarian assistance and the empowerment of displaced communities. Few titleholders bring this level of academic and professional grounding in humanitarian work to the crown.
She has also become a recognized voice promoting African women's natural hair and identity — encouraging embrace of afros, braids, and kinky textures as expressions of authentic African beauty.
Road to Puerto Rico
As she prepares to represent the DRC at Miss Universe 2026, Jessi Kalambayi steps onto the international stage with a rare combination: pageant pedigree, modeling experience on global runways and in international fashion media, and a deeply rooted commitment to humanitarian service and migration advocacy.
Her predecessor, Dorcas Dienda, remains a source of inspiration for her as she now writes the next chapter of this journey — one that will see her carry the DRC's flag, culture, and image before a global audience.
🇨🇩 *Puerto Rico, we are coming.*
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover more Congolese stories on our travel blog, explore Kinshasa — the vibrant capital where Jessi was crowned — or start planning your own journey with the DRC trip planner.
