What a morning! Just hours after being crowned Miss Universe Bahamas 2026, Shawndra Henfield joined us on Bahamas at Sunrise to share her excitement and vision for the year ahead. 

The adrenaline hasn’t worn off for our newly crowned queen, who admitted to possibly not sleeping for two days. "I am so humbled and grateful for this moment," Shawndra shared. "I worked so hard, and I just all thanks be to God." When asked if she felt she would win, Shawndra revealed she was completely surprised by the outcome. Her focus wasn't on the crown but on giving the audience a show they would remember. "My aim when I went on stage was to give everybody a show. I wanted people to feel the emotion and all the hard work that I put into this 10 weeks." 

Pageant coordinator Aliyah emphasized that Shawndra's education, confidence, and beauty made her stand out. But Shawndra believes it was something deeper. "I think it was my heart. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I showed up every day, I put in the work, I fought through pain, tears, and I kept going." 

Shawndra’s platform, The Open Doors Project, focuses on educating Bahamians about affordable housing options—a cause deeply personal to her. "A few years ago I would have struggled with my own housing crisis, and I had anxiety, stress, I didn't know what to do. I felt like there were no doors to turn through," she explained. "The Open Doors Project is about equipping people with the keys that they need to really secure themselves and get that basic need of shelter."

With the 75th annual Miss Universe competition being held in Puerto Rico later this year, Shawndra is already preparing for the international stage. "I know the journey ahead of me is long. I know there [is] lots to learn, but I'm excited, and I'm willing to do the work," she said. "Everywhere I go, I will always rep the 242, and I want to put us on the map." 

Aliyah revealed that this year's program is different from previous years. Beyond international pageant preparation, Shawndra will receive a talent management contract that includes social media management, networking opportunities, and potential appearances at New York Fashion Week and other international stages.

As a big sister to two little girls and now to the entire Bahamas, Shawndra's message is simple but powerful:

"Keep showing up for yourself, keep believing in yourself, you will attain anything you put your mind to."