Judging Panel for Required Competitions
Amirillis Vang
Amirillis Vang is a multidisciplinary community leader whose work bridges culture, creativity, and community empowerment. Her experience spans youth development, cultural arts, social services, and education, where she designs programs that honor identity, elevate diverse voices, and strengthen belonging across AAPI and immigrant communities.
She has led cultural fashion shows, arts-based youth workshops, and community showcases that celebrate heritage and inspire creative expression. Through her work, Amirillis fosters literacy access, nurtures emerging leaders, and uses creativity as a catalyst for confidence, healing, and cross-cultural connection—uplifting communities while preserving cultural narratives for the next generation.
Grace Grell
Grace Grell brings over 10 years of pageantry experience at the state, national, and international levels, earning more than 18 titles throughout her journey. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communications, strengthening her work in advocacy and leadership.
A dedicated volunteer, Grace contributes over 600 hours annually to organizations such as Special Olympics and Make-A-Wish, reflecting her commitment to service through pageantry. Beyond the crown, she is also an artist, model, and chef who brings creativity and heart to everything she does.
Shajive Jeganathan
Shajive Jeganathan is an international model, technology leader, and community builder whose work spans fashion, innovation, and civic leadership. The titleholder of Mister South Asia 2025, he has built a global modeling portfolio with runway appearances at New York, Milan, and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks, with upcoming international showcases including Paris Fashion Week.
Beyond fashion, Shajive leads AI governance initiatives at Solventum and brings senior leadership experience across MedTech, e-commerce, FinTech, and legal technology with organizations such as Medtronic, Best Buy, and Wolters Kluwer. He is President and Co-Founder of the India Chamber of Commerce Minnesota, driving entrepreneurship through initiatives like Loon’s Lair, and serves in multiple leadership roles including Board Chair of the Lankan Professionals Network, Governor-appointed board member of Minnesota’s AELSLAGID board, host of the Prime Talks podcast, and honoree in Marquis Who’s Who in America.
Judging Panel for Optional Competitions
Grant Whittaker
Grant Whittaker is a Creative Director and Style Authority, recognized as a Twin Cities fashion icon since 2001 and nationally for his visionary approach to immersive, couture-forward event production. Originally from Germany, he brings European sophistication, bold storytelling, and logistical precision to every project.
As Founder and CEO of Grant Whittaker Creative, he has styled, produced, and hosted for leading brands and institutions including Target, Neiman Marcus, Mall of America, and Minnesota Monthly, with a career spanning Fallon Advertising, Twin Cities Luxury + Fashion, and Glamorama. A media personality and mentor, Grant is known for creating elevated fashion experiences that blend artistry, community impact, and unforgettable storytelling.
Modoh Wanda
Modoh Wanda is the CEO of African Fashion Week Minnesota, a first-generation American of Cameroonian-Nigerian heritage, and a descendant of Queen Modoh of the Tikar people. A graduate of the University of Phoenix with a degree in Business Management, she is also the founder of Modoh Fashion LLC and an accomplished runway model working nationally and internationally.
Modoh began modeling at age four and has since walked in major U.S. markets and New York Fashion Week, earning titles including Miss Lakeville USA 2022 and Miss Minnesota Supermodel 2023. Through her leadership and modeling career, she continues to break barriers, elevate African fashion, and inspire the next generation of creatives.
Wendy Zimmerman
Wendy Zimmerman is the Director of Community Life at Cedar Creek Senior Living, where she creates meaningful, engaging programs that enrich the lives of residents. With 15+ years of experience in the pageant world as both a competitor and a respected director, Wendy brings deep expertise in mentoring, leadership, and purposeful service to every stage she serves.
A proud mother of three, Wendy stays actively involved in her children’s hobbies and activities. She currently holds the title Mrs. Minnesota United International Elite and is excited to compete on the international stage this June.
In her spare time, Wendy enjoys gardening, baking, and sewing—creative pursuits that reflect her nurturing spirit both on and off the pageant stage.