Angelina Usanova A Queen’s Vision: Leading with Strength, Kindness, and Purpose for the Planet

A global advocate for environmental awareness, Angelina Usanova has captivated audiences worldwide with her multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to meaningful change. As a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Miss Eco International, and Miss Universe Ukraine, Angelina has harnessed her platform to champion sustainable living, social justice, and eco-conscious initiatives. Beyond her titles, she is also a singer-songwriter and dedicated yoga master, embodying versatility and a passion for personal growth.

Attending the 15th Anniversary celebration of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Italian branch in Rome, Usanova joined an exclusive circle of global change-makers led by Prince Albert himself. The evening embodied a refined fusion of environmental advocacy and sophistication, perfectly aligning with Angelina’s own mission and values.

In this exclusive interview, Angelina Usanova shares her impressions of the event, her appreciation for how deeply Prince Albert’s mission aligns with her own, and how her dedication to eco-activism — and her charitable work through the Angelina Usanova Foundation — drives her to make a lasting impact.

MW: As a guest at the 15th Anniversary event of the Italian branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, how did it feel to experience the event’s unique blend of elegance and purpose? Were there moments that left a lasting impression on you or inspired your work?

Angelina: Over the past year and a half, I’ve been very socially active and have attended, I think, a dozen or more major events, but the 15th anniversary of the Italian branch of the Prince Albert II Foundation was a breathtakingly unique experience, rich in beauty and meaning. I was profoundly moved by the elegance and genuine impact this event radiated, and the cause is, without question, the top priority for us all.

It was majestic — everything an event like this should be: high-class, elegant, and touching. Beginning with the conference, listening to what these dedicated Foundation members have accomplished over the past 15 years and where they’re heading — their plans and goals — then transitioning into a beautiful Gala Dinner and awards ceremony honoring the incredible work of these inspiring individuals, it was all truly moving. Witnessing their commitment firsthand was a powerful statement of how environmental events should be presented and, most importantly, taken seriously.

MW: Prince Albert II and his Foundation champion a remarkable vision for environmental progress. What resonates most with you about his commitment?

A: Protecting the environment is not just important — it’s urgent, for our children, future generations, and humanity itself. The time has come to scrutinize our daily choices and embrace change. At a recent event with Nobel Peace laureates in Mexico, a nuclear scientist emphasized, ‘Now is the time for all of us to be heroes.’ That message struck a chord with me, aligning perfectly with Prince Albert’s vision. We stand at a turning point; each choice matters. This is our moment to rise, act, and become heroes in safeguarding our world.

 

MW: With so many shared goals between Prince Albert’s Foundation’s mission and your projects, how do you see your initiatives evolving to support planetary health and sustainability?

A: To be eco-conscious, we must live in harmony with nature. We often forget that we are part of nature, not separate from it — and we never truly were. Our minds sometimes disregard nature’s power simply because it seems silent, but nature is far from silent; it holds incredible strength, a force we ignore at our own risk.

For me, being a role model for environmental change is a top priority. As a beauty queen, Miss Eco International, and UN Goodwill Ambassador, I reflect daily on my habits, from clothing and makeup to travel, to find sustainable choices. I am a committed vegan, and I know the effort sustainable living requires. Convenient choices are often the worst — like sugar, fast fashion, or cheap makeup. True harmony with Earth demands reflection and action.

I’m focused on inspiring change, unveiling truths, and showing that sustainable solutions already exist if we choose to seek them. My upcoming vegan lifestyle book furthers this mission, while my Mirror Retreats both in Ukraine and USA — a project blending nature and self-reflection — embody it, encouraging people to find peace within and with the world around them. Real change needs a united, deliberate commitment to refuse plastic, avoid harmful practices, and move beyond fossil fuels. That is my hope and my goal.

MW: What core values drive your mission through the Angelina Usanova Foundation, and could you share more about its activities and plans?

A: Music was my lifeline during a challenging childhood, and it changed my life completely. As a musician, I know firsthand how essential music is, especially during difficult times. It has a unique power to heal, to elevate, and to transport you beyond the moment. This is why music became both my passion and my refuge.

With my foundation, I’m committed to bringing that same transformative experience to children, helping them develop their talents, whether through singing, playing instruments, or composing. Children need this foundation of support and a spotlight for their creativity, as performing allows them to lead with their talents and discover who they are. For me, this mission is more than just helping children express themselves; it’s an investment in the future of Ukrainian culture and, I hope, in global music and arts. I want to bring happiness to children, giving them a stage to show the world who they truly are and what they love.

MW: As Miss Universe Ukraine 2023 and Miss Eco International 2024, how do you define beauty, and how does this influence your work in environmental and humanitarian causes?

A: I love saying that beauty is a strength to inspire, a kindness that uplifts others, and a purpose that drives change. Beauty is something deeply universal; in many ways, it’s very close to the word Love. I believe beauty is rooted in nature itself. Every person is beautiful — everyone. Our differences, like proportions or appearances, don’t really matter when compared to the true essence of beauty I described.

Beauty, at its core, is always about inspiration. It’s about bringing hope, light, smiles, and comfort to people’s hearts. Beauty is also about creating order; it brings harmony to chaos. For me, beauty is an inner foundation, a central part of my personality, something I inherited from my parents, and it goes far beyond the physical. It’s something that can be felt from a distance.

At the end of the day, everything I do — whether it’s environmental advocacy, humanitarian work, or helping children find their own voices — is rooted in a desire to make the world a better place for all of us. True beauty is about creating positive change, inspiring others, and building a legacy of kindness and purpose. I believe that’s something worth striving for.

Talent: Angelina Usanova

Photo: Sergei Ermoshevich

 

Enjoy even more @usanovalife @ermoshevich

Editor @ Monaco Woman