Guizza Maria Steenvoorde, the reigning Miss Teen Aruba, is making waves not just with her beauty and grace but with her powerful message of inclusion and empowerment. As a young woman with autism, she is using her platform to show others that they are not alone and that their differences make them unique and strong.
Guizza has always found comfort and connection on stage. For her, the spotlight is not just a place of performance, but a universe where she truly feels at home. It is where she embraces her true self, proving that autism is not a limitation but a strength that allows her to shine.
“Being on stage gives me a sense of belonging,” Guizza shares. “It’s where I feel connected, where I can express myself without barriers. I want to show others with autism that they are capable of achieving their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.”
Through her reign as Miss Teen Aruba, Guizza hopes to raise awareness about autism and encourage self-acceptance among young people worldwide. She is actively involved in initiatives that promote inclusion and understanding, ensuring that no one feels isolated because of their differences.
Guizza is also the founder of Bo No Ta Bo So, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the resilience of all teens and children who feel different. Through this initiative, she works to create a supportive community where young people can embrace their uniqueness and build confidence in themselves.
With aspirations to study law, Guizza dreams of becoming the first female judge in Aruba. Her goal is to change laws to better protect the rights of children, ensuring a more just and inclusive society. Her journey is a beacon of hope, reminding others that they, too, can rise above obstacles and reach for the stars. She is determined to use her voice to break stereotypes and prove that autism does not define a person—it is merely a part of their beautiful, unique story.
More Than a Stage
A beauty contest is more than just a stage and a performance; it is a platform to showcase important issues and drive meaningful change. For Guizza, pageantry is not only about elegance and competition—it is an opportunity to amplify voices that need to be heard. Through her title, she is determined to advocate for inclusivity, resilience, and the empowerment of young people who feel different. Her mission is to use this stage to make a difference, proving that beauty is not just about appearance but about the impact one makes in the world.
A Message from Guizza
“I see the world in colors bright,
A different shade and a different light.
The way I feel and the way I see it
May not be the same, but it is ME.
I have autism, and now I share,
Not for pity nor to compare,
But rather to show the world that in our way, we shine, we rise, and we find our way.
Some may say it is a barrier, a wall too high,
But I see wings, I know I’ll fly.
It is not a limit, nor a chain,
It’s my strength, not just my name.
I stand today, I take my place…
With courage, love, and with endless grace.
Teen Universe, I am here to show
That nothing stops the light you glow.
To every child, to every friend,
Who’s felt alone…know this is not the end.
You are seen, you are strong,
You have belonged here all along.
So let the world see and let them know,
That Autism shines, it doesn’t glow low.
Different and unique, but never less,
Because a heart that loves is a mind that’s blessed.”
