Iuliia Bazhan represented New York at the Ms. Globe USA Finals on June 21 in Palm Springs, California. The national event brought together delegates from across the United States for a week of rehearsals, public appearances, and live onstage segments, followed closely by pageant media and online audiences.
The finals were assessed by an international judging panel of nearly 20 judges, representing different countries and professional backgrounds. Their presence added a global dimension to the competition, with attention focused not only on appearance but also on composure, stage presence, and communication.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came during the evening gown segment. Iuliia wore a hand-crafted gown by Gianina Azar, distinguished by intricate detailing and a long train. Despite being one of the heaviest gowns presented that night, she moved with notable control and ease, earning a nomination for Best Evening Gown.
Another key moment unfolded during the onstage presentation segment, which allows contestants to speak directly to the audience. Iuliia chose to keep her remarks brief and personal. She shared that at the age of four, doctors told her parents she would never speak or attend a regular school. “And now I am speaking on a national stage,” she said. Several contestants later noted that the moment stood out, particularly because she had remained largely reserved throughout the competition week.
Many of them also approached her afterward, saying they hadn’t expected such vulnerability from someone so reserved.
Throughout the competition, Iuliia kept a low profile and had requested a private room to manage the social demands of the week. Most contestants stayed two per room and, but for Iuliia constant interaction can be overwhelming. When she finally opened up during her speech, it shifted perceptions of her for many contestants.
Reflecting on her title, Iuliia said: “A crown doesn’t change who you are, but it does change how people hear you. My words carry more significance now, and I want to use that to help others.”
For many in the audience, the moment shifted the emotional tone of the finals. It drew attention away from titles and rankings and toward the person behind the sash. What stayed with people afterward was the quiet strength with which Iuliia spoke and the sense that her presence conveyed a story larger than the competition itself.
Today, she focuses on raising awareness for autistic children and advocating for early developmental support. Iuliia believes every child deserves a chance to become valued in the world, and that chance often starts with the right guidance and opportunities early in life.
For Iuliia, this focus comes from personal experience rather than theory. She speaks about the value of understanding and early support in helping children on the spectrum build confidence and independence. By addressing this openly, she hopes to encourage greater awareness and more inclusive conversations beyond the pageant stage.
About Iuliia Bazhan
Iuliia Bazhan is an international fashion model who has appeared on runways at Paris, Milan, New York, and London Fashion Weeks and has been published in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Artells, Marylebone, Gizna, and other international outlets. Beyond modeling, she advocates for high-functioning autistic children, focusing on early developmental support and public awareness. Iuliia currently holds the title of Miss New York 2025 and received national recognition as Second Runner-Up at the U.S. pageant.
Readers interested in Iuliia Bazhan’s international modeling career and public initiatives can follow her on Instagram @bazhan_ulia, as well as explore her advocacy work for autistic children through @evoautism.
