Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan graduates with 2 master's degrees from IE University

Mela Habijan, the Miss Trans Global 2020 titleholder, has completed two master's degrees from IE University in Madrid, Spain.

Habijan received a Master's in Business Administration and a Master's in Creative Direction, Content, and Branding after 19 months of study.

During her graduation ceremony on Tuesday, July 22, Mela was honored with several accolades including being an IE Asia Pacific Scholarship Recipient, a Nominee for Best Student, and a Blue Torch Awardee for Academic Excellence.

Mela expressed gratitude towards the university community for embracing her as a trans woman from the Philippines, giving her a sense of belonging that many in the LGBTQIA+ community aspire to have.

At the ceremony, Mela wore a dress gifted by Miss Cheetah Rivera and was called by her preferred name on stage three times, though her diploma still lists her government-issued name.

Habijan also thanked her supportive parents who flew to Spain for her graduation ceremony, highlighting the challenges she faced in pursuing higher education at age 38.