Story | Connie Li
Photography | Calvin Cheung, Courtesy of Joanne Josephine Rhodes
Make-up and hair | Au Yee Man (Yvonne. A)
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Joanne Josephine Rhodes—known to many as JoJo—carries both East and West in her veins. Her friends joke that she’s like a “nai wong bao”—white on the outside, yellow on the inside. Though half-British, she smiles and insists: “My heart is one hundred per cent Hong Kong.” That conviction has guided her through an extraordinary journey—from a shy schoolgirl to Miss Universe Hong Kong 2024, proudly representing the city she calls home on a global stage.
Rooted in Hong Kong, Ready for The World
Tall, poised, and radiant, JoJo grew up in an accomplished family of doctors, lawyers, and professors. “At home, the focus was always on learning,” she says. As a child, she spent her time buried in books, music and sports, brushing off compliments as polite small talk.
Her first brush with the spotlight came unexpectedly. When actress Michelle Reis returned to Maryknoll Convent School, her alma mater, to film a TV segment, JoJo happened to be there rehearsing with the school orchestra. People began whispering how much she resembled the beauty queen. “Everyone said I looked like her,” JoJo recalls. “But honestly, at that time I had no idea what pageants were about. Before my graduation dinner at 18, I’d never even worn makeup.”
Her pageant story began years later, almost by fate. “Miss Universe Hong Kong was discontinued the year I was born, and after 23 years, it came back the very year I was eligible to compete,” she says. “It felt destined.” for JoJo, it wasn’t all about the glamour, but more the fulfillment of a personal mission, “For over two decades, no one had represented Hong Kong on the Miss Universe stage,” she says, “I wanted the world to see what Hong Kong women are truly like— beautiful, yes, but also intelligent, kind, and strong.”
Confidence: Becoming Her Own Cheerleader
Behind JoJo’s calm elegance lies a girl who once struggled with finding her place in the world. As the only mixed-race student in her year, she was often made to feel as she did not belong. “When I was 9 or 10, I didn’t understand why people saw me differently,” she admits. “But my family and true friends helped me realize that it wasn’t about me—it was about unfamiliarity. I couldn’t change others’ opinions, but i could decide how to live. Being myself became my best answer.”
That resilience deepened through the Miss Universe experience. “I was a complete rookie. Some contestants had years of training, and I had none,” she recalls. “I told myself: don’t compare, just improve.” She dove into countless gym sessions, watched hours of past competitions, learned from other pageant veterans and drew upon her debating team experience to polish her public-speaking skills. Slowly, confidence grew—and it showed.
JoJo walked away not only as Miss Universe Hong Kong 2024, but also as Miss Photogenic and Miss Popularity. Yet she says her biggest win was not these accolades but her personal transformation: “That journey taught me self-belief. Even without a crowd cheering for you, you must become your own biggest supporter.”
Next came the challenge of representing Hong Kong on the world stage. She quickly realized that many delegates had trained for pageants since childhood—some even arrived at breakfast dressed as if for an evening gala. She had brought several beautiful custom-made pieces by Hong Kong designers, but they weren’t enough for three weeks of multiple outfit changes each day—so she sourced extra looks online while juggling rehearsals and appearances. Along the way, she built friendships with contestants from many countries and established rapport with the organizers—she also gained a lot of practical skills that she hopes one day she can share with future Miss Universe Hong Kong.
Ambition: Eager for Every Opportunity
“I’m someone who says yes to every opportunity,” JoJo says with a grin. “Each experience teaches me something new.”
Since winning the crown, she’s been busier than ever. Her first emcee gig came right after the pageant—a cybersecurity conference attended by 20,000 people. “It was my first time hosting such a serious event,” she recalls. “I was nervous, but i told myself i could do it.” She did—and that success opened more doors. “It’s okay if the first try isn’t perfect. The second and third will be better. The key is to keep showing up without fear.”
The three co-founders of the Hong Kong Art Foundation.
A graduate of the University of Hong Kong in global Creative industries and art History, JoJo is now pursuing a master’s degree in Museum Studies and art History at University College london— her mother’s alma mater. She also co-founded the Hong Kong art foundation, which promotes art therapy and creative wellness programs. “Hong Kong moves so fast. Through art, I hope people can find calm and balance,” she explains.
JoJo’s long-term vision blends art, culture, and compassion. “I dream of using my platform to raise awareness for meaningful causes. I want to give back and encourage others to do the same.”
Her curiosity extends beyond entertainment. “I love modelling. When a photographer points the camera at me, I always know which angle or pose works best,” she says. “I want to capture my best years beautifully, so that decades later, I can look back and feel proud of myself.”
Recently, she has also developed a strong interest in acting. Earlier this year, she attended a masterclass in Hong Kong taught by yale drama professor Christopher Bayes, and she is now taking performance courses at the Royal academy of dramatic art (Rada) and Unseen drama in london. “Acting is a completely different art form from modelling or hosting,” she says. “It’s challenging, but I’m not afraid. I’m confident that with time and persistence, I’ll master it step by step. I’m trying to build my foundation skills now. Hopefully, in a few years, I can have my break-through moment.”
Joy: Living Fully and Gracefully
Although her parents have settled back in london, JoJo plans to return to Hong Kong after finishing her degree. “I’ve been to many cities, but Hong Kong is still my favorite,” she says warmly. “It’s where I can speak Cantonese, wear cheongsam, hike in the morning and eat dim sum in the afternoon. Hong Kong is full of warmth and human connection. I feel deeply in tune with the people here. Its diversity gives the city such vitality and hope—and living in a place like this truly makes me happy.”
In 2022, Princess Catherine and JoJo watched the Royal Charity Polo match from the sidelines, cheering on Prince William and the players.
JoJo traveled to Antarctica in December 2022.
Horse-riding training in London with UCL.
Cartier Polo Event at Guards Polo Club,UK.
Dubai Horse Racing World Cup 2025.
Her easy charm and laughter fill every room. “I’m always smiling,” she admits. “Sports keep me grounded—yoga, Pilates, golf and especially horse riding.” Fitness balances her foodie side: “I love eating too much, so I have to work out,” she jokes. On the day of our interview, JoJo was in a fitted black knit dress paired with a long black-and-white beaded necklace and a Cartier watch—simple yet undeniably elegant. “I don’t believe in chasing big logos,” she says. “True style is about grace and self-expression. People who understand you will appreciate your quiet confidence.”
Among her favorite brands, Dior holds a special place. “Lady Dior reminds me of Princess Diana—timeless, strong, and elegant,” she says. Speaking of royalty, JoJo still remembers a magical moment in 2022 when she met the current Prince and Princess of Wales at the Royal Charity Polo game in London. She had the rare chance to sit beside Princess Catherine, cheer for Prince William, and even chat and take photos with the Princess. The encounter left a lasting impression. “Princess Catherine’s elegance and poise deeply moved me,” JoJo says softly. “She has always been my idol and the woman I look up to most.”
She says she is also inspired by Anne Hathaway, Emma Watson and Taylor Swift—she admires them for their perseverance, independence and genuine charm. As a longtime Swiftie, JoJo says she’s inspired by the singer’s determination to stay true to herself and turn criticism into strength.
Music, too, has been a quiet source of motivation in her journey. One song that has stayed with her since childhood is Hall of fame by The Script featuring will.i.am. “Before every major competition or big moment, I play it a few times to help me get into the right mindset.” JoJo’s journey is still unfolding, but her message rings clear: beauty is not validated by a crown—it’s the confidence, ambition and courage to keep smiling through life. “Everything I do isn’t just for myself,” she says with quiet conviction. “It’s for the people who’ve supported me, and for Hong Kong—the city that raised me.”
