Spotlight on Alumna Kaya Chakrabortty - Former Student Wins Miss Universe Japan

Black Hawk Alumna, Kaya Chakrabortty, who was crowned Miss Universe Japan 2024, has an inspiring story that blends a rich cultural background with academic and extracurricular roots right here in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and Bangladeshi father, Chakrabortty moved to the United States as a teenager, attending Bloomfield Hills High School from 2014 - 2019.

While at BHHS, Chakrabortty became a standout student and athlete. As an exceptionally talented figure skater, Chakrabortty served as team captain of the varsity figure skating team all four years, and won the U.S. Figure Skating Senior High School National Championship in 2018 and 2019. BHHS helped Chakrabortty develop a strong sense of leadership, participating in the Asian Student Alliance and Model U.N. clubs, which encouraged personal growth and teamwork.

After graduating BHHS, Chakrabortty earned dual degrees from Michigan State University in Human Biology and Neuroscience. During this time, Chakrabortty also coached skating in East Lansing, volunteered at Sparrow Hospital and Haven House Shelter, and earned an EMT license.

In 2024, Chakrabortty won the title of Miss Universe Japan and went on to represent Japan in the 73rd Miss Universe competition, finishing in the top 30. After the competition, Chakrabortty commented, “As I move forward, I remain committed to my advocacy for children's health and education, and I'm excited to continue making an impact in 2025 with my upcoming projects. Thank you to everyone who supported me and believed in me. Here's to embracing the future and all the opportunities it holds (Kaya Chakrabortty [@kayachakrabortty] Instagram, January 17, 2025)!”