Who is Olivia Yace? Everything You Need to Know About The Cote D’Ivorian Beauty

As the lights blaze across the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Thailand, one name keeps rising above the noise: Olivia Yacé. Long before the final night wrapped, audiences, journalists, and pageant watchers across the globe were already placing the Ivorian star among the standout forces of Miss Universe 2025. 

The Miss Universe 2025 competition, held under the theme The Power of Love, has been one of the most dramatic editions in recent memory. Still, through the whirlwind of controversies, resignations, strong opinions, and emotional moments, Olivia’s steady presence has been impossible to ignore.

From the moment she arrived in Thailand, she became one of the most talked-about contestants, not just for her performance, but for the way she carried the hopes of Côte d’Ivoire and the wider African pageant community. While more than 120 contestants entered the race, Olivia quickly emerged as a front-runner, earning widespread admiration for her poise and ability to command attention without forcing the moment.

Even as debates raged around the competition from concerns about judging fairness to emotionally charged exchanges between organizers and contestants, she kept her focus sharp.

When the final placements were announced, Olivia secured her place in the Top 5 as fourth runner-up, becoming one of the most successful contestants in the history of her country and solidifying her role as a continental figure with her Africa and Oceania placement. 

Olivia Yacē’s journey in Miss Universe 2025 represents far more than another pageant milestone; it marks a significant moment for African representation on the global stage and reflects years of discipline, advocacy, and strategic preparation.

This edition of Miss Universe has captivated global audiences for its emotion, its intensity, and its unexpected twists, but Olivia’s rise stands out as one of the defining stories. Her ability to shine amid pressure, maintain grace while the competition heated, and stay grounded despite global attention has positioned the Cote d’Ivorian beauty as one of the most compelling personalities of the year. 

And as the world looks beyond the crown and into the purpose of each delegate, Olivia Yacé emerges not just as a beauty queen but as a leader, a voice for her generation, and a figure whose impact continues long after the stage lights dim.

Here is everything you need to know about the Ivorian model:

Early Life and Background

Olivia Yacé’s story begins in Abidjan, where she was born into a household known for leadership, service, and cultural pride. Growing up as the daughter of Jean-Marc Yacé and Yolande Eluh Yacé exposed her to a community where responsibility and integrity shaped daily life.

The model’s father’s role as mayor of Cocody from 2018 and his subsequent reelection in 2023 placed her close to civic engagement, and this early exposure influenced the values she developed as she matured.

Though she later became known globally, her origin in Côte d’Ivoire remained an anchor. Her upbringing in Yamoussoukro strengthened her understanding of Ivorian traditions, family structure, and community support systems.

Olivia Yace often speaks about the lessons she gained from observing the lives around her, lessons that later shaped the choices she made in her career and philanthropic work.

Education and Personal Development

Olivia Yace’s academic path reflects her determination to acquire skills beyond modeling. Olivia attended Widener University in Pennsylvania from 2016 to 2020, where she earned a degree in business management with a concentration in marketing. This program enhanced her understanding of communication strategies, branding methods, consumer engagement, and organizational systems.

Seeking advanced knowledge, she moved to the United Kingdom to study luxury marketing at Richmond American University London, completing her master’s degree in 2024. This training helped her understand global markets and provided insight into high-end branding, client behavior, and international creative industries.

Her education established a strong foundation for the various projects she later embraced, proving that her career was built on both talent and academic discipline.

Modeling Journey

Olivia’s modeling journey began in 2011 when she entered the industry professionally. Over the years, she took part in numerous runway shows, editorials, campaigns, and brand events. Some of her early highlights include her feature in Uniwax magazine in August 2015, wearing Gilles Toure designs, and her runway appearance at the Top 10 de la Mode Ivoirienne event later that year.

She also graced the covers of BTENDANCE WEBZINE in 2016 and Le Boulevard webzine in 2018. Her work in fashion extended outside Côte d’Ivoire, with appearances in Switzerland and France. Her height of 5’10”, combined with her confidence on the runway, added to her appeal in the modeling sector.

This period introduced her to a wide network of fashion designers, photographers, stylists, and creative teams. It also helped her develop discipline, stage comfort, and camera presence; all qualities that later served her in pageant competitions.

Professional Experience Outside Modeling

While building her modeling career, Olivia also gained experience in corporate environments. In 2016, she worked with Eolis Abidjan as an assistant event coordinator, where she learned about project planning and event execution. Later, she joined the French-American Chamber of Commerce as a marketing event coordinator in Philadelphia.

In 2019, Olivia Yace worked with Sofitel in Côte d’Ivoire as an event coordinator, gaining exposure to hospitality, international client engagement, and high-level event systems. Her time as a market partner at Monat Global also gave her insight into social selling, business communication, and customer management.

These professional experiences diversified her abilities, giving her specialized knowledge in planning, outreach, promotion, and brand representation.

Entry Into Pageantry

Olivia Yace’s introduction to major pageants marked a turning point. In September 2021, she competed in Miss Côte d’Ivoire, where her intelligence, poise, and stage confidence distinguished her from the 23 other contestants. She won the title and became a national figure overnight.

Her victory came with high expectations, as many believed she would represent Côte d’Ivoire strongly on the global stage. Olivia went on to represent the country at Miss World 2021 in Puerto Rico. Competing against 96 other participants, she excelled throughout the preliminary stages and advanced to the top 40, eventually finishing as the second runner-up.

This achievement earned her the title of Miss World Africa 2021 and established her as one of the strongest African contestants in years.

Rise to International Fame

Her performance at Miss World significantly expanded her international presence. She gained a loyal following from across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Her confidence, communication style, and calm delivery made her memorable. Many viewers praised how the model represented her country with pride, humility, and clarity.

She continued her journey by completing her master’s degree while maintaining her duties as a titleholder. In July 2025, she was appointed Miss Universe Côte d’Ivoire and was officially crowned in September of the same year. The announcement sparked excitement across the continent, as supporters anticipated another strong performance.

Miss Universe 2025 Experience

At the Miss Universe pageant held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Thailand on November 21, 2025, Olivia Yace competed against 119 contestants. Her presence on stage, her interviews, national costume performance, and evening segments all displayed maturity and intention.

Olivia successfully advanced through the stages of the competition and was awarded fourth runner-up. She also received the continental title for Africa and Oceania. Her placement was celebrated across Côte d’Ivoire and Africa, solidifying her reputation as an exceptional representative of the continent.

Her Miss Universe journey demonstrated not only talent but emotional strength, strategic preparation, and cultural pride. Many considered her one of the most influential African contestants of the decade.

Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025 Title Renouncement

In a surprising turn of events, Olivia Yacé announced on the 25th of November, 2025, that she has officially renounced her Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025 crown. Her decision immediately sparked conversations across fashion, beauty, and pageantry communities, especially because she has long been considered one of the most influential faces to emerge from the continent.

In her words, “As the representative of Côte d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity. But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity the strongest pillars that guide me.

With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, as well as from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.

Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline, and determination.

However, to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.

As I stated on stage, my greatest wish is to be a role model for the new generation, especially young girls. I encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity.”

This move reflects her strong sense of identity, her dedication to authenticity, and her firm understanding of the values she stands for as a modern African woman navigating global spaces.

The update also reinforces something her supporters have always admired about her; confidence without compromise. By stepping back from a title she didn’t align with, she prioritised personal and cultural integrity over prestige. In a pageant world often defined by politics, rankings, and symbolic titles, Olivia’s decision sets a refreshing tone rooted in self-awareness and autonomy.

For her fans, this changes nothing about her influence. Olivia Yacé remains a global fashion muse, a cultural symbol of elegance, and an inspiration to women across Africa and the diaspora. Her journey continues, and if this chapter is anything to go by, she’s clearly doing it on her own terms.

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Advocacy and The Olivia Yacé Foundation

Beyond pageantry, Olivia dedicates her time to humanitarian and social projects. Through the Olivia Yacé Foundation, she focuses on education, women’s health, leadership development, and reducing inequalities. Her foundation supports young girls with mentorship, training programs, and health initiatives.

Her advocacy work centers on empowering women to gain confidence in their personal abilities and pursue opportunities across industries. The model often speaks about how education and access to resources can change an entire community. Her efforts in these areas make her more than a pageant figure; she has become a leader working toward tangible social impact.

As a tourism ambassador for Côte d’Ivoire, Olivia Yace highlights the country’s destinations, culture, fashion, art, cuisine, festivals, and creative industries. Her goal is to boost both local tourism and international visibility. She works with communities, tourism boards, and creative groups to promote travel-related initiatives that support economic development.

She believes that tourism is a powerful tool for job creation and cultural understanding. Through her involvement, she presents Côte d’Ivoire as a vibrant nation with history, innovation, and cultural richness.

One of Olivia’s most significant contributions is her role in Food Valley, an initiative designed to support small-scale farmers by giving them access to tools, technology, training, and an international network. Olivia recognizes that agricultural growth is essential for food security and long-term community stability.

Food Valley works to strengthen local farming systems, improve product distribution, and enhance market access. Her involvement in this sector shows her dedication to economic progress and sustainable development.

Olivia also works with Bantoo Pay, a platform that supports secure digital transactions for individuals and businesses. The platform helps users access financial tools, transfer funds, manage accounts, and participate in digital commerce.

Her partnership with Bantoo Pay aligns with her belief that access to digital financial systems is crucial for youth, entrepreneurs, and small businesses seeking growth. She often highlights the importance of technology in promoting equal opportunities.

One of her ongoing initiatives is the Olivia Yacé Africa Tour. This project involves traveling to 12 African countries to identify talents, collaborate with brands, and explore fashion, innovation, and economic opportunities.

The tour focuses on cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and widening access to creative industries. It also aims to build stronger African partnerships and create pathways for cross-border collaboration. The Africa Tour reflects her desire to encourage regional unity and inspire young people to believe in the potential within their countries.

Olivia’s influence on young women continues to grow. She frequently speaks about the power of hard work, personal discipline, and determination. Her story shows that success comes from continuous effort, resilience, and belief in one’s dreams.

She encourages young women to pursue education, build meaningful careers, learn new skills, and take part in community development. Her message emphasizes that leadership is not limited to positions—it begins with actions, choices, and daily habits.

Part of her wide recognition comes from her calm and articulate delivery. Olivia communicates with clarity, whether on stage, in interviews, or in community programs. She speaks French and English, which allows her to connect with a broad audience. Her communication style helps her advocate effectively for causes she supports.

Olivia Yacé stands today as one of the most impactful figures in Ivorian pageantry, admired not just for titles but for purpose-driven leadership. Her story includes modeling, education, pageantry, philanthropy, tourism, agriculture, and digital innovation. She has built a career that reflects courage, ambition, and continuous growth.

Her journey continues to evolve, and many believe she will achieve even greater milestones in the coming years. Olivia remains a model of inspiration for young girls across Africa and beyond, proving that with vision and commitment, any dream is possible.

Photo: Olivia Yace