SI Swimsuit Rookie Jena Sims Served Power Poses in Earthy Hues in Mexico

The nonprofit CEO was named a co-winner of the 2024 Swim Search open casting call.

Ananya Panchal | Jul 9, 2024

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Swim Search co-winner Jena Sims struck the most powerful, fierce poses and proved her impeccable modeling skills on the beaches and boats of Mexico earlier this year. The open casting call alumnus was photographer by Yu Tsai for the 2024 issue, which marks the 60th anniversary of the publication, and she certainly did not disappoint.

The Georgia native, who now lives in Jupiter, Fla. with her husband, professional golfer Brooks Koepka and baby boy Crew, is the CEO of nonprofit HBBQ’s Inc. best known for putting on the Pageant of Hope. The international event, which is now considered the most inclusive pageant in the world, is focused on building confidence and self-esteem for children and teens in challenging environments.

“We do a little mini makeover. We paint their nails, do their hair, do makeup, but the big transformation is when they walk across the stage. You see them come in and they’re so shy and then they walk across our stage and they’re practicing all their poses and they start waving to the crowd and working with the crowd and taking all these pictures. Then we have the coronation at the very end. [When we] place that crown on their heads, they light up,” the 35-year-old DIBS investor and swimwear designer, who was previously a part of the pageantry world shared. “I know that [the positive impacts are] definitely everlasting. I think because I am so much more than my outer beauty, I [wanted] to create this pageant where we celebrate inner beauty and not just have one winner.”

Below are seven stunning photos of Sims from her 2024 SI Swimsuit shoot in Mexico.

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Matthew Bruch. Earrings by Island Swim. Bracelets from Amazon. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Body Chain by Goldish. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Island Swim. Necklace by Island Swim. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by JOHANNA ORTIZ VACATION. Rings by Karine Sultan. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Akoiaswim. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by STAUD. Bracelets by SOKO. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Jena Sims was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Agent Provocateur. Bracelets by JOHANNA ORTIZ VACATION. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Published Jul 9, 2024

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.