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Advertising Feature | Posted on August 25th, 2026 | return to news

From Christchurch to Florida, and now the Galaxy

A former Christchurch resident has achieved a long-held dream after being crowned Mrs. Galaxy International 2027 at the Galaxy International Pageant finals in The Bahamas.

A former Christchurch resident has achieved a long-held dream after being crowned Mrs. Galaxy International 2027 at the Galaxy International Pageant finals in The Bahamas.

Joëlle Krinickas, originally from Christchurch before moving to Miami, Florida, took home the international beauty and style title this August. It came alongside an impressive three additional awards: Best in Interview, Best in Fashion and Best in Evening Wear.

But behind the crown is a fascinating story of resilience, an extraordinary return to pageantry after 14.5 years away and dedication to giving back to communities around the world.

A 14.5-Year Comeback

Joëlle’s journey with the Galaxy pageants began in the UK when she was just 18 years old winning the title Miss Bournemouth Galaxy 2011-2012. After competing as a teenager, she stepped away from pageantry and wouldn’t return to the Galaxy stage for many years.

In 2025, now living in the United States, Joëlle decided to make her comeback as Mrs. Florida Galaxy.

Her return, however, came at an unexpectedly difficult time. Just months earlier, Joëlle had suffered a snowboarding accident in Whistler, Canada, fracturing her spine in three places.

After focusing on her recovery, she was left with only around one to two months to properly prepare for the international competition.

Despite her injuries, limited preparation time and more than a decade away from the pageant stage, Joëlle went on to achieve 1st Runner Up for Mrs. Galaxy International and was subsequently crowned Mrs. North America Galaxy.

Rather than allowing coming so close to discourage her, she decided she would return the following year stronger, more prepared and determined to make the year in between count.

225+ Hours Dedicated to Giving Back

During her reign as Mrs. North America Galaxy, Joëlle completed more than 70 appearances across seven US states and eight countries, dedicated over 225 hours to volunteering and community service and travelled almost 60,000 miles since September 2025.

Her work included coastal and community cleanups, environmental initiatives, food and clothing drives, blood donations, children’s causes, animal welfare projects and disaster relief efforts.

Dorset on her Mind

Despite now living thousands of miles away, Joëlle has also continued giving back to the area where she grew up, completing multiple appearances and charitable initiatives in Dorset during visits home.

Environmental conservation has become an especially important part of her work, with Joëlle organising and participating in coastal cleanups both in the United States and internationally.

“Winning a crown is incredibly special, but I’ve always believed what you do with that crown matters so much more. I wanted my year as Mrs. North America to be one where I genuinely showed up, got involved and made a difference wherever I could.”

Breaking Stereotypes About What Women Can Be

Away from the gowns and glamour of international pageantry, Joëlle has another passion that might come as a surprise.

She is a licensed skydiver and avid kiteboarder, and also enjoys traditionally male-dominated and adventure sports. It’s a contrast she is particularly passionate about celebrating.

“I think women are so often made to feel as though we have to fit into one particular box. I love dressing up, embracing my femininity and walking across an international pageant stage, but I also love being out on the water kiteboarding, riding dirt bikes and challenging myself through extreme sports. Women can absolutely do both. Being feminine doesn’t mean you can’t also be strong, adventurous and fearless.”

Joëlle hopes her international reign will allow her to encourage more women and girls to step outside their comfort zones, challenge stereotypes and try things they may never have imagined themselves doing.

One Year Later, Her Name Was Called

This August, almost exactly one year after placing 1st Runner Up, Joëlle returned to the Galaxy International finals in The Bahamas.

This time she arrived as Mrs. North America Galaxy, with a full year of preparation, personal growth and international community service behind her.

And this time, her name was called as the winner.

Joëlle was crowned Mrs. Galaxy International 2027, alongside winning Best in Interview, Best in Fashion and Best in Evening Wear.

“Coming back after 14.5 years away and placing 1st Runner Up last year was already something I was incredibly proud of, particularly after everything that had happened. And I had a personal family matter happen just before finals this year so I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make it this year either, but my husband and entire family supported me and encouraged me as they know how hard I’ve worked.

So returning this and hearing my name called as Mrs. Galaxy International was a complete full-circle moment. It’s something I dreamed about and worked incredibly hard for, and I still can’t quite believe it has happened. I feel truly blessed and I am so excited to continue my work as Mrs Galaxy International 2027”

From Christchurch to the International Stage

Although Joëlle now calls Miami home, her connection to Christchurch remains an important part of her story.

She grew up and spent most of her life in the Dorset town, and her original journey into the Galaxy system began in the UK more than a decade ago.

“Christchurch will always be home to me and I’m incredibly proud of where I come from,” Joëlle said.

“To think that the 18-year-old girl who first stepped onto a Galaxy stage in the UK would eventually go on to become Mrs. Galaxy International is very surreal.”

Now, Joëlle plans to use her international reign to continue expanding her community and charitable work, both in the United States and internationally, while continuing to support causes back home in the UK.

For her, winning the international crown isn’t the end of the journey.

“The crown isn’t the finish line. It gives me an even greater platform to continue serving, creating positive change and hopefully inspiring other people to realise just how much they are capable of.”