By Even Though I’m Blind (ETIB) Media Network | October 19, 2026
NEWARK, N.J. — Under the official theme “Unbreakable,” the 10th Annual Ms. Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant celebrated a decade of confidence, talent, advocacy and blind excellence. Organized by Eyes Like Mine, Inc., the Newark event honored women who are blind or have low vision — and crowned a new titleholder, Lisa Jones, as Ms. Blind Diva 2026.
The two-day celebration began Friday, October 16, at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark and continued Saturday, October 17, at Weequahic Park in Newark. Even Though I’m Blind was there to document the people, performances and conversations behind the milestone.
A decade of the crown — and a broader mission
The pageant is a signature initiative of Eyes Like Mine, Inc., the Newark nonprofit marking 12 years of advocacy, community-building and opportunity. Founded by president Krystle Allen and co-founder and vice president Naquela Wright-Prevoe, the organization works to connect blind and low-vision people with resources and experiences while bridging understanding between the sighted and blind communities.
In an interview with ETIB, Allen explained why the pageant began: “I didn’t want to always be recognized only for my blindness.” She emphasized that blindness is one part of a person’s identity, not the limit of their roles, talents or aspirations.
The anniversary’s official “Unbreakable” theme reflected the resilience and leadership of blind and visually impaired women, honoring past and present titleholders while looking toward the pageant’s next decade.
The anniversary program put that message into action. Contestants and titleholders brought their talents, personalities and stories to the stage, while family members, advocates, community supporters and organizational partners reflected on a decade of progress.
Lisa Jones crowned Ms. Blind Diva 2026
The celebration reached its defining moment when Lisa Jones was announced as Ms. Blind Diva 2026. Shortly after the crowning, Jones told ETIB that she was excited to begin the journey and intended to wear the crown with pride. She spoke about honoring the women who came before her and using her platform to support people with disabilities.
For Jones, the title is more than a ceremonial honor. It is a public opportunity to lead with style, compassion, service and self-determination — the very qualities the pageant was created to recognize.
Independence, access and the Waymo conversation
The event also featured a conversation about accessible transportation. Waymo participated as a sponsor and showcased a self-driving vehicle, opening discussion about what greater mobility could mean for blind and low-vision riders.
Wright-Prevoe introduced the vehicle during ETIB’s coverage and described the promise of more independent travel. Monica, a Waymo representative interviewed at the event, discussed accessibility features including screen-reader compatibility and haptic cues designed to help riders locate a vehicle.
The demonstration was a reminder that access is not limited to what happens onstage. Transportation, technology and the freedom to move through a community matter to independence, too. ETIB’s full video coverage below includes the Waymo interviews and footage of the vehicle.
Celebrating the people behind the milestone
The anniversary also highlighted the work Eyes Like Mine carries on beyond the pageant. In interviews, organizers discussed programs including Dancing with the Blind, community baby showers and resource fairs — efforts aimed at building opportunity and practical support across the community.
Looking ahead, Allen and Wright-Prevoe spoke about expanding the reach of the pageant, connecting titleholders from different states and exploring future travel and service opportunities. They framed those possibilities as ambitions for the years ahead, not simply a celebration of what has already been accomplished.
After a decade, the Ms. Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant stands as both a celebration and a platform: one that invites the public to look beyond assumptions and recognize women for the full range of who they are. The crown marks a moment. The larger story is about confidence, connection and expanding what is possible.
Watch Even Though I’m Blind’s full event coverage
ETIB Media Network’s video features the crowning of Lisa Jones, conversations with Krystle Allen and Naquela Wright-Prevoe, Waymo’s accessibility demonstration, and voices from the anniversary celebration.
Watch on YouTube: Even Though I’m Blind Covers the 10th Annual Ms. Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant 2026.
Learn more about Eyes Like Mine and its programs at eyeslikemine.org.