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Angelina Usanova: Philanthropic Pursuits and Global Impact

Singer and philanthropist Angelina Usanova, a 26-year-old Ukrainian beauty queen, has charted an impressive course through her charitable endeavors. Apart from her linguistic prowess - she speaks seven languages, including French, German, and Japanese - Angelina has attained certification as a yoga master in Austria and India, and pursued studies in nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (USA). With a longstanding commitment to supporting funds and orphanages in Ukraine, Angelina is also actively involved in the establishment of her own charity foundation and the creation of recreation centers aimed at aiding individuals in post-war recovery.

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As a digital cover star of L'Officiel, Angelina's achievements shine brightly. Her captivating presence was felt at the Miss Universe competition in El Salvador in November 2023, where she mesmerized the audience with her grace and national costume portraying the image of a Bereginya - the Mother with a child - a symbol dedicated to mothers awaiting the return of their children from war. This portrayal vividly encapsulated the true aspirations of this remarkable young woman. Beyond her pageant success, Angelina's talents as a singer, yoga master, and sound healer are dedicated predominantly to charitable causes, where she tirelessly assists both children and animals without hesitation.

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Angelina, it appears that your dedication to charity knows no bounds. What motivates you, and what are your aspirations within the realm of philanthropy? Could you share any upcoming initiatives you're currently pursuing?

For me, charity work is an essential part of life because there is so much suffering in the world. It's a personal need to lend a hand, to make a positive impact on people's lives, especially the most vulnerable among us—children. Children are the essence of life, our future. They bear no responsibility for the hardships they face. I always strive to do more, and it pains me when I'm unable to help. If I were to cease my efforts, it wouldn't be true to who I am.

On March 23, I'll be hosting a charity musical event in Vienna, where tickets are available for purchase. I'll be performing alongside the globally renowned Georgian singer, Nino Katamadze—it promises to be an unforgettable evening. Additionally, I'll be debuting my original songs on topics close to my heart, such as peace in Ukraine and worldwide, ecology, and love. The proceeds from this event will support children from the front-line regions of Ukraine. Even before that, on March 20th, I'm launching the #SM4GOOD initiative on Instagram, aimed at using social media for benevolent purposes. It will be a flash mob to bring joy to Ukrainian children by fulfilling their toy wishes.

As it falls on the International Day of Happiness, what better occasion to bring smiles and warmth to children's hearts?

Children in Ukraine endure the ravages of war; their childhoods are far from ordinary. No one deserves such hardships. Hence, it's crucial to provide these children with the emotional support they need during these trying times.

I'm thrilled that my friends, who hold Miss Universe 2023 titles in their respective countries, have joined me in realizing this initiative. I extend a warm invitation to everyone to follow my personal account @usanova.life to stay updated—it will be a truly magnificent display of beauty and love!

Furthermore, I urge you not to remain indifferent—whether by gifting toys through local foundations or making a small donation, together we can amplify the good in the world on this day. It's a significant contribution to peace, for by fostering kindness, we shape our lives and the destiny of society as a whole.

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Angelina, your endeavors reflect a deep sense of spirituality and ecological consciousness. You're a vegan and have even authored a children's book promoting a healthy, vegan lifestyle and environmental awareness. How long have you been committed to this, and what future paths do you envision in this direction?

Reflecting on it, I often jest that if I had known how profoundly yoga would transform my life, I might have hesitated. It's a reminder to choose the path of light carefully (laughs). Prior to yoga, I was a different person altogether. It altered my perspective, making me more enlightened and balanced. It taught me to embrace my body and soul, fostering self-acceptance. The journey was challenging yet transformative.

Yoga offered me a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of our world. We are all intertwined; not a single person's joy or sorrow is isolated from the collective. This realization unleashes an unprecedented flow of love that defies description. I'm grateful to experience this and to have the opportunity to ignite and share sparks of goodness.

My involvement in charitable endeavors predates my participation in the Miss Universe selection process. During the full-scale invasion, I organized charity concerts, raising funds for humanitarian aid and supporting those affected through yoga and meditation. Alongside a friend, we provided shelter, food, and medicine to Ukrainian refugees across Europe, ensuring their safety and well-being.

To me, ecological and charitable concerns are intertwined. We inhabit a world that demands conscientious stewardship. Our planet, its inhabitants, and ecosystems are interconnected. Every living being deserves compassion, and humanity must adopt a holistic approach to all its endeavors.

You have translated your dedication to charity and ecology into tangible establishments, such as the groundbreaking retreat centers. Could you share more about this?

Certainly, I'd be delighted to. The inspiration for this initiative stemmed from recognizing the profound emotional toll inflicted by war. Many Ukrainians residing in conflict zones may not even realize the extent of their stress. My vision is to provide a sanctuary for healing, embodied in the concept of establishing retreat centers. The first of these centers will debut this year in the Carpathian Mountains. Here's a little insider information—it's a captivating design featuring mirrored buildings nestled within the forest. It embodies a deeply spiritual concept, fostering harmony between one's inner and outer self, the individual and nature, promoting tranquility and wholeness. I'm excited to welcome individuals to a space where they can rediscover inner peace and rejuvenate their spirits.

Angelina, many draw comparisons between you and top model Adriana Lima, yet some liken your appearance to actresses such as Brooke Shields and Carre Otis. Your next venture involves a beauty contest centered on ecology. What lies ahead for you? How do you envision your personal growth, and what role does your family play in shaping your journey?

Indeed, in April, I'll be stepping onto the international stage for a beauty contest focused on environmental preservation. I'm thrilled to once again utilize beauty as a platform to convey a vital message to the global community, representing Ukraine. As for myself, I've always been just a girl who never aspired to wear a crown, bear a title, or carry the label of "Miss" in society. I was nurtured on the ethos of kindness, harboring a passion for helping others since childhood. I graduated from the "School of Peace," and have served as an ambassador for numerous charitable initiatives. Hailing from a family of educators in Kyiv, both my parents and grandmother are teachers, with my grandmother holding the esteemed title of Honored Teacher of Ukraine. Our family history even boasts a unique tradition—my grandmother revived an ancient Ukrainian carpet embroidery technique, establishing a family business in which I and my younger brother lent a hand during our childhood. I hold my family dear, grateful to my parents for the gift of life, and to my family for nurturing my musical aspirations. Music, for me, serves as an outlet for expressing femininity, a source of solace, and a platform for professional growth. Prior to the onset of full-scale invasion, I harbored a dream of gifting my beloved Kyiv with a fountain. On the day of my coronation in the Kyiv Botanical Garden, this dream materialized into reality. Named "Renaissance," the fountain stands as a symbol of peace. Its creation was made possible through the proceeds from my charitable musical performances across Europe. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a Renaissance of better living conditions and love to permeate the hearts of my native Ukraine and the world at large.

Credits

Telent: Angelina Usanova @usanova.life

Stylist: Nesterenko Sophiia @sophiians

Hair: Kasay Tatyana @hair_kass

Mua: Kiktenko Anna @annet.k_makeup

Photographer: Malkina Mariia @malkina.art

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