Meet Kleopatra Vargas’ Parents: Krystal Okeke and Mr. Vargas

Kleopatra Vargas, born on August 4, 2015, in Chicago, Illinois, is a rising talent whose multicultural background and vibrant personality have shaped her journey in the spotlight.

Of Nigerian-Mexican-American heritage, she proudly embraces her roots, speaking Igbo, Spanish, and English fluently—a reflection of the rich cultural blend inherited from her Nigerian mother, originally from Taraba State, and her Mexican-American father.

Her mother, Krystal Okeke—a model, actress, and philanthropist—has played a central role in shaping Kleopatra’s path. Under Krystal’s dedicated guidance, Kleopatra began her pageantry career at just 10 months old, earning the title of Baby Illinois 2016.

Since then, her accomplishments have grown steadily, including being crowned Miss Toddler USA America Nation 2021. Krystal continues to actively manage her daughter’s careers in modelling, dance, and acting, as evident in their engaging social media presence.

Her father, Mr. Vargas, a former police officer, remains largely private, aligning with the family’s preference to keep certain aspects of their life discreet. Despite his low profile, his influence and support are evident in Kleopatra’s grounded nature.

Raised in a Christian household, Kleopatra’s values of kindness, empathy, and community involvement are evident in her charitable efforts, such as food drives and service initiatives. Although she has no publicly known siblings, she maintains straight-A grades in school while balancing a growing career, demonstrating both discipline and a love for learning.

Krystal Okeke

Krystal Okeke, a Nigerian-American model, actress, journalist, and philanthropist, is the passionate force behind her daughter Kleopatra’s rising career.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Krystal spent 16 formative years in Nigeria, with family roots in Taraba and Anambra States. Her deep connection to Nigerian culture, combined with her American upbringing, has profoundly influenced both her identity and the values she instills in her daughter.

Fluent in English, Igbo, and Hausa, Krystal passed down this linguistic richness to Kleopatra, who also speaks Spanish fluently—reflecting their beautifully multicultural household.

Krystal’s path to the spotlight began early, fueled by a childhood fascination with Miss World and Miss Universe pageants. She began modelling at the age of five and, after returning to the U.S., persevered through three attempts before being crowned Ms. Illinois USA Universal in 2016.

That same year marked a new chapter, as her 10-month-old daughter, Kleopatra, was crowned Baby Miss Illinois 2016—starting a mother-daughter journey in pageantry that continues to inspire.

Beyond her success, Krystal has become a leader in promoting diversity and empowerment. In 2017, she founded the America Kids Multicultural World Organization and the Miss and Mrs. America Nation beauty pageant, both platforms created to uplift women and celebrate multicultural identity.

Her impact extends far beyond the runway—Krystal is a dedicated humanitarian recognized for organizing community outreach programs that focus on feeding people experiencing homelessness and supporting underserved families. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, demonstrated her deep commitment to service, a value that Kleopatra now carries forward in her philanthropic work.

As a single mother, Krystal balances motherhood and career with unwavering dedication. Her role as Kleopatra’s manager is characterized by a careful blend of structure and encouragement, guiding her daughter through pageantry, modelling, and acting—including recent roles in projects such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears (2024).

Mr. Vargas

While Krystal Okeke is often in the spotlight, Kleopatra’s father, Mr. Vargas, maintains a more private presence. Of Mexican descent, he adds a vital thread to Kleopatra’s multicultural identity, enriching her Nigerian-American heritage with Mexican traditions.

Though he stays largely out of the public eye, those close to the family describe Mr. Vargas as a steady, supportive figure whose quiet strength and love of storytelling have played a meaningful role in shaping Kleopatra’s grounded confidence.

A former police officer at Prairie State College—where Krystal studied Mass Communication—Mr. Vargas has remained an integral part of the family’s life in Park Forest, Illinois. His influence is reflected in the household’s strong values and deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

The Vargas home is a vibrant blend of traditions, where Nigerian jollof rice, Mexican tamales, and American comfort food often share the dinner table. This rich cultural fusion has helped nurture Kleopatra’s openness and multilingual abilities, enabling her to speak fluently English, Igbo, and Spanish.