Universe International® — Full Legacy Story
A complete historical recount of the evolution of Ms. & Mrs. Universe® system
2015 — The Beginning
This incredible story all started in September 2015. Bill Hall decided there should be a Mrs. Universe® and Ms. Universe® pageant and started using the names in business with intent.
2018 — Trademark Applications & Legal Challenges
He then in 2018 applied for United States trademarks which were immediately contested by the Miss Universe® organization. They dragged on forever.
The Mrs. Organization in Bulgaria had been sued by Miss Universe and lost all trademark rights.
To cover himself and ensure everything was above board, Bill obtained Nevada state trademarks for the titles and also secured newer NFT trademarks (which he considered to supersede state trademarks) for both of them.
2020 — COVID Era Launch
Then came COVID-19 and pageants were not happening. In 2020, Bill launched the Mrs. Universe® and Ms. Universe® pageant system with NFT (federal-superseding state marks) and Nevada state trademarks.
He arranged with Lynda Samuels, his friend, to direct the pageant. She was not the trademark owner. Shannon Ford and Hajera Naeem (a seasoned international model) helped set the stage for the future.
2021 — Orleans Theatre Las Vegas
In July 2021, the pageant was held at the Orleans Theatre in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ms. & Mrs. Classic Universe had 13 ambassador/delegates, and Ms. & Mrs. Universe® divisions had 13 ambassadors, for a total of 26 on stage.
The theatre was paid for, and videos of pageants, fashion shows, and “Bowling in Ball Gowns” demonstrate it was well planned and executed.
Mrs. Universe® Lynelle Deroo Marcos went on three missions to Africa, one to Mexico, and founded a nonprofit benefiting many there.
Melisa Behnke became Mrs. Universe International® but could not leave Europe due to COVID travel restrictions.
Post-2021 Trademark Situation
At this point, the United States Patent and Trademark Office declined to grant approval of trademarks for those divisions.
Bill was the ONLY individual with any type of trademarks for Ms. and Mrs. Universe® or Universe International® (Nevada and NFT).
Although he did not get the owner trademarks he wanted, no one could shut him down as he was “grandfathered in” by previous shows and other trademark types.
He later realized Nevada trademarks were only valid in Nevada, and NFT trademarks were promising but unclear in legal enforcement compared to U.S. federal trademarks.
2021 — Title Expansion
Bill returned to the 2021 ambassadors and selected 4 new international titleholders: two for Mrs. and Ms. Universe® titles, and two for Ms. and Mrs. Universe International® titles.
These were awarded under the Universe International® federally registered trademark received from Melissa Martel.
He named the Civil Service Award after her.
2023 — Westgate Las Vegas
In 2023, Bill received his own federally registered U.S. trademark for Universe International® and returned the other one to Melissa. That trademark represents a community service organization.
Ms. Universe® Cristianne Beckstead became the cornerstone of operations, and through her recruiting efforts, the 2023 pageant took place.
Bill helped Lynda Samuels secure trademarks for Ms. & Mrs. Classic Universe®, and they later split ways. She was previously a director under Bill’s ownership. They are no longer part of the same system.
In 2023, the pageant was held at the famous Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas. Out of 20 applicants, the top 13 were on stage.
The Westgate provided 3 ballrooms (including dressing room access and a 40x30 stage with full sound system). Instead of theatre seating, Bill chose a dinner-party atmosphere with decorated tables and chairs for a few hundred attendees.
From videos and photos, everyone had a great experience.
2023 Titleholders
Ashley Tesoro (Mrs. Universe® 2023–2024, actress/model from Saved by the Bell & The Bold & The Beautiful) walked NY and London Fashion Weeks and launched a Christian reality TV show.
Chakara Cardillo-White (ballroom dancer) was crowned Mrs. Universe International®.
Danae Ball (pastor and community leader) won Ms. Universe International®.
Paula Moussa (Ms. Universe®) walked Paris Fashion Week and gained strong visibility in Texas.
2024 — Global Expansion
Bill’s medical problems continued into 2024.
Annastasia Mason, international pageant queen, was crowned Ms. Universe® at New York Fashion Week (Oct. 2024).
She appeared with Savage Talent Management at the Global Beauty Awards, was featured on the cover of New York Weekly Magazine, and modeled in over 30 countries.
She received multiple awards, including a global peace award nomination, and was listed alongside Oprah Winfrey and Tony Robbins in The POWERLIST Top 3 in the nation.
She was featured with Miss Universe® Viktoria during New York Fashion Week on a Times Square billboard.
April Lynch was crowned Mrs. Universe International® in Paris during Paris Fashion Week by former Ms. Universe® Hajera Naeem.
Simone Doroski (realtor & Ms. Universe International® 2025) modeled in New York Fashion Week and participated in global missions as a pastor.
Debbie Bomford (Mrs. Universe®) represented St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and appeared in Paris.
2025 — Transition of Leadership
In 2025, Bill decided to move on to other endeavors. Annastasia Mason took over the system with all trademarks transferred (NFT and U.S.).
Bill remained as volunteer webmaster until November 31st, 2025 until the new official website was prepared.
The website continues evolving with weekly updates by the webmaster and director.
Legacy Statement
As a legacy for Bill Hall and all his love, support, and effort, this is recorded for those who were part of the system and those interested in its history.
The queens are known for visibility through philanthropic efforts, modeling, sisterhood, and intelligence — the full package.
All former queens and appearances will be historically referenced. Every queen contributed to the growing international system.
To Bill: we love you and celebrate everything you built. It will forever remain a legacy of love and sisterhood.
THANK YOU, BILL!
In 2026, new queens will continue this opportunity because of the perseverance shown in building it.
After Annastasia took over ownership, the first Mr. Universe International®, Mr. Universe™, Miss Teen Universe®, and Ms. Golden Universe™ were crowned.
We are not associated with the Miss Universe® Organization.
All titles belong to Universe International® Organization & systems. We are distinct and do not have a traditional Miss division.