Meet Alon Akademie, The NGO Ahtisa Manalo Spotlighted During Her Miss Universe Q&A

Miss Universe pageants are more than competing for a crown—it's a stage to use your voice to speak up, inspire, and make a real impact. During the Miss Universe 2025 final question and answer portion, Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo used that platform to spotlight a cause close to her heart: Alon Akademie. She spoke about how the nonprofit gives young people opportunities to grow, proving that life circumstances shouldn't define where they can go.

"I work with an organization called Alon Akademie, where we work with young people to provide them opportunities, to make them realize that it doesn't matter what your life circumstances is, it doesn't define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Alon Akademie on a bigger platform like Miss Universe, to pursue making sure that people who come from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities as everyone else."

Alon Akademie is an educational nonprofit dedicated to "empowering the youth to shape their future." Through action-based learning, it creates spaces where children can explore, create, and lead—turning ideas into real-world impact.

The organization's philosophy is simple but powerful: "Think big, start small, act now." Children are encouraged to explore their strengths, understand their emotions, and take initiative—learning that challenges are opportunities and failure is just a stepping stone to growth.

Alon Akademie offers several programs for the youth to spark curiosity and innovation:

• Alon on Wheels: A mobile workshop program that brings hands-on learning, wellness sessions, and creative activities directly to neighborhoods, turning streets into starting points for curiosity and change.

• Alon Hub: A fully-equipped space where youth co-create programs in arts, robotics, and entrepreneurship, exploring creativity while building skills for the future.

• Alonizing Schools: Alonizing Schools empowers students and educators through Innovation Clubs, teacher training, and scholarships to transform ideas into action and foster personal growth.

• Be a Wavemaker: Short, immersive projects that teach kids to explore entrepreneurship.

Before gracing the Miss Universe stage, Ahtisa showcased her advocacy in her "Beyond The Crown" video, reflecting on the state of education. "We prepare workers, but rarely leaders. We train minds, but not always hearts," she said, pointing to untapped potential among Filipino youth. Her vision for Alon Akademie focuses on helping children "build ideas, collaborate with start-ups, and turn imagination into innovation."

On the Alon Akademie official website, Ahtisa is listed as the Brand Expert of the organization, bringing business savvy and storytelling skills to Alon Akademie's mission. "The future belongs to those who prepare for it," she said. "And they are waiting for us to lead them there."

Alon Akademie offers volunteering opportunities and workshops where you can directly support young learners. If you want to get involved or learn more about their initiatives, you can visit their official website for details.

Apart from Ahtisa, Miss Côte d'Ivoire Olivia Yacé also took the time to share her advocacy, highlighting the importance of teaching young girls to love themselves.

Through her Fondation Olivia Yacé, she champions education, women's health, and the fight against inequalities, while using her platform as a model, beauty queen, and Côte d'Ivoire Tourism Ambassador to open doors of opportunity and inspire young women around the world.

By speaking up on the Miss Universe stage, Ahtisa and Olivia helped these advocacies reach millions—reminding viewers that awareness is only the first step, and real change begins when we turn inspiration into action.