About Us

Miss Worldwide International Foundation Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) nonstock, nonprofit, nonpolitical, and all-volunteer charitable organization based in Miami, Florida. MWI Foundation’s primary mission is to provide scholarship assistance for young people, train future leaders in our community, promote a positive impact in their communities through volunteer service work and celebrate cultural diversity.

We may be able to recognize beauty through our differences, but we have learned that the purity of such can be seen in underprivileged children with special needs and underprivileged cancer patients.

History

Venturing halfway across the world, a family of three embarked on a journey to forge a new beginning in an unknown land. A visionary fashion designer, Kirsten Regalado had dreams as vibrant as her creations. Starting fresh is never easy, but the kindness and accommodation of strangers that turned into friends eased the transition. In a pivotal meeting with “Miss Rose” Martinez, the director of various Miami pageants, the dream began to take shape. Her leadership was deeply rooted in principles of integrity and respect, setting the standard through actions.

Rose Martinez

In her final days, Miss Rose Martinez expressed a profound wish for Kirsten Regalado to continue Miss Worldwide International Inc., an organization she founded in 2013 with a vision of empowering through pageantry. By 2019, this leadership role was formally entrusted to Kirsten, a title she accepts with honor and humility.

Continuing the Legacy…

To further serve the community, the MWI Foundation was launched in 2023 as a nonprofit arm, focusing on providing scholarship assistance for young people, train future leaders in our community, and promote a positive impact in their communities through volunteer service.

The organization has continued to uphold these values. Assuming a new position of leadership, we started to produce our own shows even outside of Miami. We were doing more than just showcasing designs; we were creating a platform for voices to be heard, talents to be recognized, and stories to be told. Our goal is to extend the legacy to a wider community, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly and lead with purpose.

FASHION FIGHTS BREAST CANCER October 07, 2012

Meet the Team

  • Michael John Regalado combines a background in science with a passion for leadership, service, and the arts. He earned a BA in Biophysics through the rigorous QBIC Program for Biology and Honors College, after earning an Associate of Arts through dual enrollment in high school.

    From a young age, Michael was deeply involved in initiatives that would lay the groundwork for Miss Worldwide International, participating in medical missions and supporting various nonprofits. His ease on stage, whether captivating audiences through song or leading events as master of ceremonies, bridges the gap between leadership and community engagement.

    Looking forward, Michael is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders and strengthening community ties, approaching the future with innovation, determination, and heartfelt solidarity.

  • Dr. Larry Regalado is a medical physician in the Philippines that stands as a paragon of integrity, compassion, and unparalleled dedication to the field of healthcare. A testament to his mastery and precision, his surgical operations and stitches are known to be impeccably clean. In the last 20 years working in the emergency room in a children’s hospital in USA as a registered nurse, his compassionate nature provides reassurance to his young patients and families during vulnerable moments.

    Whether it’s improvising solutions in remote areas during medical missions or administering first aid during the vibrant bustle of events, his resourcefulness and ability to respond to the call of action shines. He has even “performed surgery” on dresses and national costumes during fashion emergencies.

  • Kirsten Regalado is a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose work reflects her creativity, determination, and passion for helping others.

    Her love for fashion and design grew into a career spanning pageantry and custom couture. Her designs have appeared on national and international stages, including Miss USA and Miss Universe, with elaborate national costumes and one-of-a-kind pieces often inspired by culture, history, and storytelling.

    Beyond fashion, she has dedicated much of her time to community service, particularly initiatives supporting children and families. She believes in using her talents and resources to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

    Family remains an important part of her life and the values that guide her. As a wife and mother, those values continue to shape her work and outlook.

  • Dr. Zita Bermudez is a physician, registered nurse, and educator who practiced medicine in the Philippines before continuing her healthcare career as a registered nurse in the United States.

    In the Philippines, she combined her work as a physician with service and leadership in her local community. She served as President of the Cabuyao Medical Society, Assistant Treasurer of the Laguna Medical Society, and volunteered at St. Joseph Family Hospital in Cabuyao.

    After moving to the United States, Zita continued caring for others as a registered nurse and later served as an Assistant Clinical Instructor, sharing her knowledge and experience with future nurses.

    A cancer survivor, her own journey has given her another perspective on the importance of compassion, resilience, and supporting others through difficult circumstances.