IN SHORT

The 23-year-old “girl from Cocody,” Olivia Yacé grew up in the United States. Already a successful model, she shone brightly on the stage of Miss Côte d'Ivoire beauty pageant. Olivia was then crowned second runner-up at the renowned Miss World pageant – not just because of her beauty, akin to a West African Nefertiti, but also her heart, intelligence, eloquence, and commitment to improving society, such as through her work with autistic children.