Staying grounded amidst attention and accolades comes from consistently reminding myself of my roots, values, and the journey that brought me here.
Seattle woman crowned Mrs grand international 2024 Jyothirmai Kanumuri
Jyothi’s journey from overcoming childhood bullying to winning Mrs. Grand International 2024 exemplifies resilience and purpose. Embracing her Indian roots while representing the U.S., she celebrates cultural diversity and inspires others to value their uniqueness. Her dedication to empowering women and supporting underprivileged children through Amarafoundationforlife and Plan India reflects her commitment to meaningful change. Balancing career, family, and pageantry with grace, Jyothi’s ability to transform adversity into advocacy mirrors my passion for merging innovation with impact. She is a role model, proving that persistence and authenticity can inspire global change and uplift countless lives.
What sparked your interest in pageantry, and how did your family encouragement help you take the first step?
From a young age, I was drawn to the world of pageantry and fashion. I admired the grace, confidence, and charisma that contestants radiated, dreaming of one day stepping onto the stage myself. However, growing up, I faced relentless bullying because of my dark skin. The taunts and negativity made me believe that I wasn’t beautiful or worthy, and for years, I struggled with self-doubt.
Despite this, my love for fashion and the dream of being in pageantry never left me. Over time, I realized that beauty isn’t defined by someone else’s standards—it’s about owning who you are and embracing your uniqueness. Today, I am driven to prove to everyone who doubted me that I am not only beautiful but also resilient and capable of achieving my dreams.
I couldn’t have come this far without the incredible support of my loved ones. My husband has been my rock, constantly reminding me of my worth and encouraging me to chase my dreams fearlessly. My son has also been a huge inspiration—his pride in me and unwavering belief in my abilities have pushed me to keep going even when I doubted myself. My friends have cheered me on every step of the way, offering unconditional love and encouragement. And my parents, who have always believed in me, continue to stand by me with their steadfast support.
With my family by my side, I have found the courage to step onto the stage—not just to compete but to inspire others who might be facing similar struggles. This journey isn’t just about proving my bullies wrong; it’s about proving to myself and the world that every shade of beauty deserves to shine.
Can you elaborate on your experiences with bullying and body shaming, and how those challenges shaped your self-perception and resilience?
Being bullied for my skin color deeply impacted my confidence, but it also shaped my resilience and self-awareness. Over time, I learned to embrace my uniqueness and reject societal beauty standards, finding strength in my individuality. This journey transformed pain into purpose, fueling my passion for advocating self-confidence and inclusion. Today, I see these challenges as a source of empathy and strength, driving me to inspire others to value themselves beyond external judgments.
How did you balance preparing for the Mrs.Grand International 2024 pageant with your job and managing household responsibilities?
Balancing preparations for the Mrs. Grand International 2024 pageant with my job and household responsibilities required a lot of planning, prioritization, and support. I started by setting clear goals and creating a detailed schedule to manage my time effectively, ensuring every aspect of my life received attention. Early mornings and late evenings became my dedicated time for pageant preparation, including fitness, practice sessions, and refining my platform.
At work, I stayed focused and efficient, often planning tasks ahead to minimize stress. At home, I leaned on the support of my family, who were incredibly encouraging and understanding. Delegating tasks when needed and being present in the moment—whether at work, home, or during pageant prep—was key to maintaining balance.
Most importantly, I reminded myself why I was doing it all: to inspire others and represent a cause I deeply care about. This purpose kept me motivated and helped me navigate the journey with resilience and grace.
How did it feel to win the title of Mrs. Grand International 2024 and represent the United States on an international stage, What were the challenges you faced to achieve this title?
Winning the title of Mrs. Grand International 2024 was a surreal and humbling experience, filled with immense pride and responsibility. Representing the United States on an international stage while embracing my Indian roots allowed me to serve as a bridge between two worlds. It gave me the unique opportunity to showcase the beauty of cultural diversity and celebrate the values of resilience, inclusivity, and unity that both nations embody.
The journey was not without challenges, and my most difficult one has been public speaking. Overcoming the fear of speaking in front of an audience has been a continuous process for me, and it remains a hard challenge that I am still working to conquer. I have tackled this fear through relentless practice, focusing on authenticity, and reminding myself of the importance of my message. Despite the nerves, each step forward has been a victory in itself.
Balancing my professional career, household responsibilities, and pageant preparation required meticulous planning and discipline. Moments of self-doubt and societal expectations were also hurdles, but I turned them into opportunities for growth.
Standing on that stage as a proud representative of the United States, with deep gratitude for my Indian heritage, reinforced my belief in the power of cultural harmony. This experience has been a testament to how persistence, authenticity, and embracing one’s roots can lead to remarkable achievements and inspire others on a global scale.
How do you balance your personal and professional life with your humanitarian work, and what advice would you give to others who want to make a positive impact?
Balancing personal, professional, and humanitarian work requires aligning your passions with your purpose, managing time effectively, and building a strong support system. Focus on causes that resonate with you, set realistic goals, and integrate impactful actions into your daily life. Delegate tasks and find synergies between your career skills and humanitarian efforts to amplify impact. Start small and stay inspired by connecting with the people you are helping—every consistent action contributes to meaningful change.
Your passion for education and empowering young girls is evident. Can you share more about your experiences sponsoring the schooling of underprivileged girls, and what impact you have seen from this initiative?
Through Plan India , sponsoring the education of underprivileged girls has been a deeply rewarding experience, enabling them to break cycles of poverty and embrace opportunities previously out of reach. Beyond academics, Plan India provides resources like school supplies and uniforms, ensuring holistic development and boosting attendance and performance. Many of these girls still continues to write letters to me and sharing their journeys, with some now pursuing higher education in various countries. Witnessing their transformation into empowered, independent individuals is a testament to the life-changing power of education.
Your experiences traveling the world and engaging with different cultures have clearly had a profound impact on your life and work. What lessons have you learned from your international experiences, and how do you think cultural exchange can foster greater understanding and empathy?
Traveling and engaging with diverse cultures has taught me empathy, adaptability, and the power of connection. Experiencing different ways of life broadens perspectives, fosters humility, and highlights the value of diversity in innovation and problem-solving. Cultural exchange breaks down stereotypes, builds bridges through shared stories, and encourages global thinking, ultimately promoting understanding and empathy. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of appreciating differences while celebrating common values like kindness and resilience.
How much potential you see in young Indian beauty queens.How they can achieve their goals in an international platforms?
Young Indian beauty queens have immense potential on international platforms, as they bring a unique blend of cultural heritage, intelligence, and grace. Their exposure to India’s rich diversity and challenges often shapes them into resilient and versatile individuals. To achieve their goals internationally, they should focus on refining their personal brand, embracing global perspectives while staying rooted in their cultural identity, and consistently honing their communication skills. Building a strong network, engaging in impactful social initiatives, and leveraging platforms like social media can amplify their influence. By exuding confidence, authenticity, and purpose, they can not only shine as role models but also inspire others on a global stage.
How do you plan to continue making a positive impact through your platform?
I plan to continue making a positive impact through my platform by focusing on meaningful initiatives that align with my values and passions. Through the Amarafoundationforlife and Plan India I aim to expand efforts in supporting destitute children and providing elder care in India, ensuring sustainable change by addressing education, health, and well-being. I also intend to leverage my professional expertise in AI, technology, and entrepreneurship to mentor and empower young talent, particularly in underrepresented communities. Additionally, by sharing personal stories of resilience and self-confidence, I hope to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their goals with determination. Collaboration and advocacy will remain at the heart of everything I do, amplifying the impact of every action taken.
What’s next for you after your reign as Mrs Grand International 2024?
After my reign as Mrs. Grand international 2024, I plan to focus on supporting Amarafoundationforlife, to make a larger impact on underserved communities. This includes scaling efforts to support destitute children and elder care in India. I also intend to continue using my voice and platform to promote self-confidence and inclusivity, sharing my journey to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. Additionally, I aim to explore opportunities for public speaking, mentorship, and advocacy, using my experience to empower others. Professionally, I will leverage my background in AI and entrepreneurship to mentor startups and create initiatives that bridge technology with social impact. This is just the beginning of a lifelong mission to inspire change and uplift others.
How do you stay grounded and humble amidst all the attention and accolades?
Staying grounded amidst attention and accolades comes from consistently reminding myself of my roots, values, and the journey that brought me here. I reflect on the challenges I have faced, which keeps me humble and grateful for the opportunities I now have. Surrounding myself with genuine people—family, close friends, and mentors—who hold me accountable and provide honest feedback helps me stay balanced. Engaging in service through initiatives like Amarafoundationforlife ensures my focus remains on giving back and creating a meaningful impact. Lastly, practicing mindfulness and gratitude daily helps me stay present and appreciate the moment without losing sight of my long-term purpose.
What role do you think pageants play in promoting women’s empowerment and social causes?
Pageants play a significant role in promoting women’s empowerment and advancing social causes by providing a platform for women to amplify their voices and influence. They encourage participants to break stereotypes, showcase their talents, and inspire confidence, proving that beauty and intellect go hand in hand. Many pageants emphasize advocacy, giving contestants the opportunity to spotlight important issues such as education, mental health, and sustainability, and to drive meaningful change through their platforms. By celebrating diversity and resilience, pageants empower women to take on leadership roles, inspire others, and become role models who leverage their visibility to create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
Are there any specific projects or collaborations you are excited about in the near future?
Yes, I am incredibly honored on supporting Amarafoundationforlife, focusing on new initiatives to support destitute children and elder care in India. One upcoming project involves creating sustainable education programs to empower children with skills for long-term success. Additionally, I am working on a joint venture between GoDash to develop the India–USA trade lane, which has the potential to impact businesses and communities on a global scale.
In the future, I am also considering starting my own foundation to broaden the scope of my impact, focusing on initiatives that align with my passion for education, inclusivity, and empowerment. Alongside these efforts, I am exploring collaborations in the technology and fashion spaces, blending innovation with purpose. These projects reflect my commitment to creating opportunities, fostering empowerment, and driving meaningful change across different fields.
What are your compliments for your mother?
My mother is my inspiration because of her unwavering strength, compassion, and belief in me. When I was bullied for my dark skin as a child, she became my anchor and guide. She taught me to see beauty in my uniqueness and instilled in me the confidence to embrace who I am. Her words of encouragement reminded me that my worth is not defined by others’ opinions but by my values, actions, and the way I carry myself.
Instead of allowing me to feel defeated, she helped me focus on my strengths and pushed me to rise above the negativity. She encouraged me to develop skills, express myself through creativity, and channel my energy into achieving my goals. Her unconditional love and support gave me the courage to turn those painful experiences into fuel for self-growth. Today, her lessons continue to inspire me to advocate for self-confidence and embrace individuality in others.
What is the secret of your fitness and natural smile always?
The secret to my fitness is consistency and balance. I focus on a combination of regular exercise, including Pilates, strength training, and cardio, along with a nutritious diet rich in whole foods and hydration. Beyond physical fitness, I prioritize mental well-being through mindfulness and meditation, which help me stay grounded and manage stress effectively.
As for my natural smile, it comes from genuine gratitude and joy. I believe in finding happiness in the little things—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, achieving a goal, or simply appreciating life’s beauty. Staying positive, embracing challenges with optimism, and focusing on spreading kindness all contribute to that effortless smile. It’s the reflection of a heart filled with purpose and contentment.
