Safiétou Kabengele

Safiétou Kabengele is a French-Senegalese model, export coordinator, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Grand France 2024. She represented France at the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, where she placed as third runner-up. She later resigned the title.

Early life and career Kabengele was born in Dakar, Senegal, and raised in Normandy, France, from infancy. She has Senegalese and Congolese heritage.

From a young age, she was passionate about various forms of expression, including fashion, dance, and public speaking. Initially lacking self-confidence, it was her family and loved ones who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue pageantry. Prior to her involvement in pageantry, she worked as an export coordinator in the pharmaceutical industry.

During the swimsuit round of the semi final of the competition, she stood out by removing a wig and daringly showing her bald head.

Following the competition, Kabengele spoke out about an incident between her and the reigning queen at the time, Rachel Gupta of India.

On 5th June 2025, Kabengele resigned from her title as the third runner up after citing personal attacks and lack of defense or clarification regarding her title from the organisation.

Personal life Outside of her modeling and pageant career, Kabengele continues to work as an export coordinator. She is known for her advocacy on issues related to diversity and inclusion, using her platform to inspire and empower others. Kabengele emphasizes the importance of versatility and believes that a woman can excel in multiple fields without limiting herself to a single path.