Who is Mekyla

Born to Chinese and South African parents and raised across three continents, Mekyla Li brings a global lens to service and leadership. After witnessing a loved one’s struggle with mental illness as a teen, she dedicated herself to understanding the human mind and standing with those who feel unseen. She’s traveled to 26+ countries, mentored youth in Zambia, supported Dress for Success and Make-A-Wish initiatives, and walked stages from NYFW to Miss Asian Global. Today, she channels elegance, empathy, and action toward a more inclusive, connected world.

Mekyla Li wearing a traditional Chinese qipao dress with a patterned fabric, standing against a green wall with a mirror reflecting her shadow. She has short dark hair, pearl earrings, and red lipstick.

“More than a model, I am a voice for women and youth on the global stage.”

Mekyla Li

When I was a teenager, my family faced the reality of mental illness. It was a struggle that changed us forever. I watched someone I love deeply fight an invisible battle, carrying strength and dignity even when life felt unbearably heavy. That experience left me with a profound desire to understand the human mind and to stand beside those who feel unseen and misunderstood.

Through my travels to more than twenty-six countries and my work in mentorship and community outreach, I learned how compassion and opportunity can transform lives. In Zambia, I saw how simply listening can empower young women.

With Dress for Success, I witnessed the power of access. With Make A Wish, I learned that kindness can bring light even in the darkest hours. Pageantry is my bridge — between beauty and purpose, between East and West, between struggle and resilience.

For me, the crown is not a prize, but a promise to use my platform to amplify voices, uplift communities, and remind others that their pain can be shaped into purpose.