The finale of Miss Cosmo 2025 was more than a spectacle of glamour; it was the opening of a new chapter for young women aspiring to create tangible impact. In its second edition, the organization has firmly defined its ethos: diversity, humanity, and a commitment to enduring values.
We sat down with the newly crowned Queen, Yolina Lindquist (USA), and Runner-Up Chelsea Fernandez (Philippines)—two women with distinct stories but a shared vision—to discuss the evolving landscape of beauty, the weight of the crown, and the road ahead in Vietnam.
LAVYON Magazine: Welcome, Yolina and Chelsea. First, congratulations on your remarkable achievement. Yolina, let’s start with you. Often, representatives competing internationally for the first time gravitate toward legacy pageants. What drew you specifically to Miss Cosmo?
Yolina Lindquist (Miss Cosmo 2025): To me, Miss Cosmo represents a paradigm shift. It moves beyond external aesthetics to emphasize the long-term trajectory of its representatives. Here, the crown isn’t a finish line; it’s a launchpad. Contestants are encouraged to create sustainable impact well after the finale lights dim. I have always aspired to do work that brings meaningful change. Miss Cosmo’s values aligned perfectly with my own sense of responsibility. This wasn’t a random choice; it was a conscious commitment to a platform where I truly felt I belonged.
LAVYON: Chelsea, you are a veteran of the pageant world. Having competed on numerous major stages, what does the title of Miss Cosmo Runner-Up mean to you?
Chelsea Fernandez (Runner-Up): It’s true, I’ve embarked on many journeys in this industry, usually with the intent to learn. But with Miss Cosmo, the energy was different. I entered this competition with a sense of maturity, ready to fully express who I am at this stage of my life. Moreover, this is my first international competition of such scale. The opportunity to stay connected with Vietnam throughout my reign is something I hadn’t imagined. It has given me fresh perspectives—not just on pageantry, but on life and culture here.
LAVYON: Every pageant faces public scrutiny. Yolina, how do you respond to those who might question the results?
Yolina: Every woman who steps onto that stage carries the pride of her nation and deserves respect. While audiences are entitled to their opinions, the competition is guided by a fair and credible panel. The public sees the finale, but the judges see the closed-door interviews, the behind-the-scenes evaluations, and how we handle pressure. They believed I was worthy, and I share that belief. For those who still have doubts, I choose to respond through my actions. In time, my reign will speak for itself.
LAVYON: Chelsea, having seen it all, what defines a “perfect” pageant for you?
Chelsea: Focus. When a team works with dedication and seriousness, the results are undeniable. The Miss Cosmo organization invested wholeheartedly in this season, and that professionalism inspired me to make a personal commitment: to remain focused and give my absolute best.
LAVYON: The theme “Rising Dragon” is rich with symbolism. Yolina, as the new Queen, how do you interpret it?
Yolina: I see it as a reflection of resilience. We rise not to surpass others, but to break through our own barriers. We rise to show that our backgrounds or disadvantages are not limitations, but sources of strength.
LAVYON: Chelsea, Miss Cosmo is known for inclusivity, including the acceptance of transgender contestants. What are your thoughts on this?
Chelsea: It makes me incredibly proud. True female empowerment is about tolerance and the celebration of diversity in all its forms. Miss Cosmo embodies that spirit.
LAVYON: Yolina, what impressed you most about the organization behind the scenes?
Yolina: Their humanity. The team asks simple questions like, “How can we support you?” or “Do you need rest?” not as a formality, but with genuine care. They don’t treat us as a collective; they see us as individuals. That “say yes” mindset to our needs is rare in this industry, and it’s what makes Miss Cosmo distinctive.
LAVYON: Let’s talk about the production. Yolina, what was your reaction to the Grand Finale?
Yolina: Honestly, every day was a “wow” moment. From the choreography to the graphics, the execution was exceptional. When we saw the final stage, I was speechless. They keep raising the bar. I don’t know how they’ll outdo themselves next season, but I know they will.
LAVYON: Chelsea, you won “Best Evening Gown.” What are your thoughts on Vietnamese fashion?
Chelsea: Vietnamese designers have a unique vision—harmonizing aesthetics with cultural identity and sustainability. Wearing the Áo Dài and other designs felt like wearing a story. It was a meaningful connection to tradition told through a contemporary language. Vietnamese fashion truly deserves a bigger spotlight on the global map.
LAVYON: Yolina, your debate topic was “Courage Over Cancer.” Why is this personal to you?
Yolina: I’ve been advocating for this for two years. Cancer has deeply affected my family—my grandmother passed away from it, and my aunt recently underwent a double mastectomy. We must be the generation that ends this disease. My aunt’s fight is part of my “why.”
LAVYON: Chelsea, during the final Q&A, you spoke about breaking the prejudice that women cannot lead. How do you plan to act on that?
Chelsea: Dismantling prejudice begins with action, not just debate. Women don’t need to lead like men; we need to be recognized for our own qualities—empathy, adaptability, and steadfastness. At Miss Cosmo, empowerment is built into the system. It’s a space where we are heard and evaluated holistically. My goal is to embrace leadership in every project I undertake. When women are given trust, we create impact. That impact is the best answer to prejudice.
LAVYON: Finally, looking ahead at your time in Vietnam, what are you most excited about?
Yolina: I want to immerse myself. I want to learn the language, understand the customs, and feel the rhythm of daily life. I want to be the bridge between American and Vietnamese cultures. This is a rare milestone, and I want to welcome it with openness and gratitude.
Chelsea: This is my fourth time here, and there is still so much to discover. I visited Sapa recently and loved the highland life. My dream is to go back when it snows. I’ve never seen snow, and experiencing it in Vietnam would be a beautiful memory.
LAVYON: Thank you both. We wish you a brilliant reign filled with powerful, positive impact.