World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Diana Omuoyo Ms New Zealand World Universal 2021.
Full name: Diana Omuoyo
Title/Year: Ms New Zealand World Universal 2021
Pageant System: Ms World Universal
Education Level: Masters Degree
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Hobbies: Sailing, Tennis, Food & Travel
Platform: Diversity & Inclusion in STEM, Quality Education, Mentoring in Entrepreneurship
Years competed: 2021
Countries visited: Australia, USA, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Portugal, Bali, Cook Islands
Likes: Volunteering, Self Development, Maths, Genuine People, Mexican Food
Dislikes: Injustice, Discrimination, Dishonesty & Bullying
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I currently live in Sydney, Australia and have spent a large part of my life as an expat. I have a deep passion for giving back / volunteering and have been an instrumental advocate for women and minorities in STEM and education programs in local and global communities.
I work as an IT professional and over the course of my dynamic career, my passion for tech has grown to include EdTech - technology designed to support teachers with a focus on improving education outcomes for learners.
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about your education.
I have always had a knack for math[s] and sciences, so I pursued and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. I quickly realized that I had a growing passion for technology which led me to learn several software programming languages. Eventually I enrolled in a graduate program and graduated with a Master's Degree in IT. World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment mean to you?
The term empowerment is broad and from my perspective, is aligned with the enablement of others to recognize and believe in their own strengths.
Empowered women are able to use their voice[s] to speak up against injustices, they have courage to pursue their dreams and the humility to support & uplift others.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I competed in and won my first national title - Ms New Zealand World Universal in March 2021.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I have always had a passion for giving back to the community through volunteering, mentoring, and charitable undertakings. The initial decision to compete in a pageant wasn’t easy, but after extensive research, I gained a better understanding of the platform[s], title holders and the amazing work they continue to do in the world and I wanted to have the opportunity to be a part of a community that influences positive change..
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
I have ambitions and aspirations of continuing to pursue my philanthropy journey with the goal of running / owning a foundation one day. Having a title from a recognized international pageant system and a platform is beneficial in facilitating the realization of this dream.
Holding a Ms World Universal title appealed to me because the platform embraces and promotes diversity, inclusion, self love and body positivity - a powerful message and one that I stand behind. Furthermore, the mission, vision and values of the platform closely align with mine and that is why I took the leap and decided to participate as a contestant for this title. World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about? World Universal is an international pageant system that works with multiple charities globally including:- Helping women who have experienced domestic violence, supporting LGBTQ youth and Cancer research.
At Ms World Universal [Australia, New Zealand, Oceania], the mission is to provide women of today a unique, rewarding platform and experience that recognises, celebrates and empowers individuality, achievements and inner beauty! The platform’s core values include honesty, equality, inclusiveness, respect and celebrating the journey together.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
There are 4 main judging categories:- Interview, fitness wear, evening gown and on-stage question, and like most pageant systems, there are other factors that contestants are evaluated on. These can include poise / posture, confidence, walk, smile, general appearance, passion and interpersonal interactions.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
My experience so far has been uplifting and eye-opening. Understanding the meaning and power of the crown is what made the journey worthwhile because, while the title comes with a lot of responsibility, it has afforded me a lot of other opportunities.
This experience has forced me to consciously think about what I want, not just from the title but also from other aspects of my life. It was important for me to define how I want to represent myself and others throughout this journey. I embraced the fun, the challenges and am excited to stand alongside other title holders to promote Beauty with a Purpose.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I am and have for a long time been an advocate for women and minorities in Tech and continue to partner with local and global organizations that support STEM and education programs in the communities..
I also support and volunteer for causes that are aligned with the pursuit of quality education especially for the underserved communities. There is a gap in education globally and a continued need to enable educators to provide quality education to learners in these communities. This cause strives to ensure that our underprivileged communities have the skills and knowledge and are empowered to improve their socio-economic status.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
Winning the Ms New Zealand National title was monumental and one of the great achievements in my life. Looking back over the last few years, I have been fortunate to get recognition for some of my achievements in education, professionally, personally and as an advocate within the community. Here’s some memorable moments from my philanthropy:
Awarded Volunteer of the Year, Wellington, New Zealand - recognized by the WLG Connect Award for my work within the community and the Red Cross
Role Model Of the Year - Ms AU, NZ, Oceania Pageant - AGSA Awards, 2020
Team4Tech Advocate & Fellow - for my work with the NGO in designing and delivering an education solution for schools in Tanzania
NZ Red Cross Committee Member - leading the refugee pack program, participating and volunteering in community and fund-raising events
Trusted partner for TechHub in Schools - for my work with Wellington schools - offering career advice, coding lessons and mentorship to the students
Mentor, Speaker & Host at Girl Geek Dinners and STEM Organizations Globally - for my commitment to supporting Women in Technology
Mentor and Advisor - Peter Ferrel Cup - Founders Program - 2021, UNSW
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
Taking the bold step to compete was in itself a personal accomplishment so, when my name was announced as Ms. New Zealand, I was extremely emotional - a combination of excitement and shock. Then after about 5 seconds, I realized that I had just won the national title and I could not hold back tears.
As I graciously accepted the sash and crown, I remember mentally reminding myself to smile. So while on the outside I appeared calm and cheerful, inside I was excited and extremely humbled to have been chosen as the winner.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Winning the title is a humbling experience especially because it means that the judges & supporters picked me to represent the pageant. So for me, being a beauty queen means wearing and honoring the commitments of the crown responsibly.. As the face and voice of the brand, It means upholding the values of the pageant and using the platform to support and promote the pageant's mission and vision. As a modern woman of color,- navigating the world amidst a lot of challenges, bias and discrimination - It is my hope that by using my voice to share my passions and experiences as the face of Ms World Universal, I will be leading by example, being a good role model and inspiring others to recognize the endless possibilities that every woman across the world can achieve.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageantry help your self esteem and body image?
Beauty Pageants are uncharacteristically classified as an industry that emphasizes on the outward appearance of a person making it a seemingly tough industry to be in. We continue to challenge the old norms of what beauty is and a big part of this is redefining physical beauty.
Because the role of a titleholder is a public facing one, it exposes us to the scrutiny and judgement of others within and outside the industry. This can sometimes make it really hard to deal with the harsh criticisms. It takes a lot of support, self-preservation and inner strength to rise above the negativity and judgement.
To contain my self-esteem and positive body image, I consciously focus on maintaining overall physical and mental health as opposed to trying to fit into a mold / standard. Remembering why I joined pageantry and my ambitions for the title keeps me motivated to carry on despite the harsh aspects of the industry and public scrutiny.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
The initial competition date was impacted by the pandemic which in turn proved to be a blessing because it afforded me a little more time to prepare for it. The first thing I made sure to do was read and fully understand the requirements and judging criteria and started planning around these.
As a newcomer, I spent time reading up about pageantry, following other title holders on social media and aligning myself with global mentors that shared the same values as me. I also spent time learning the pageant rules and etiquette, walk, poses, smiles e.t.c. Getting the right gown, shoes, fitness wear and interview outfits was also a critical part of that preparation
The competition rehearsals were also extremely useful for me - working with renowned coaches, photographers was very rewarding. But what helped me the most was working hard to maintain the motivation, a positive attitude and focussing on my mental wellbeing throughout the journey.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Wearing the appropriate shoes is the most important part because you want to be comfortable. Be sure to practice your walk in the shoes you plan to wear on stage and as you practice, work on posture, hand movements, eye contact and poses.
Unless it is a choreographed walk,, don’t attempt movements and turns that you are not comfortable doing. Above it all, always remember to smile and let your personality shine.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing the right pageant dress?
Before buying your gown, make sure you have read and clearly understand what the pre-defined requirements are for the gown and the judging criteria.
Pick a gown that is age appropriate and flattering to your body type and shape. Select a color that accentuates your skin tone and features. The gown does not have to be expensive - consider your budget when shopping - a higher price-tag does not necessarily mean it is the right gown for you.
Wear and walk in the gown and shoes you will be wearing on-stage in to ensure that they complement each other and are comfortable together. .
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for a winning interview?
Do not memorize your answers, speak from your heart because your truth is something that is true to you and that will always shine through.
Be concise with your response and make sure you are time conscious. By avoiding lengthy responses, you allow the judges more time to ask more questions and get to know you better.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
Not rehearsing hair and makeup transitions before the main event. I was hoping to wear the hair up or down depending on the segment and relied on the assistance of the stylists. However, there wasn’t much time between each of the segments so there wasn’t any opportunity for a hair or make-up redo.
If I had a do-over, I would select a look and hair-do that is easily adjustable or one that complements the various looks.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes, over the years I have done some runway and print modelling, TV and online local and international commercials, and have been featured in movies and a video game.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2021 as a Queen?
On a personal note, I plan to spend more time mentoring and inspiring women and young adults to pursue Technology and Engineering careers. I am also pursuing a committee or board position for a STEM organization so I can continue to support, contribute to and influence the strategy for these local and global initiatives. I look forward to continuing to work with the Ms World Universal Director & pageant network to support their plan for the year and fulfil all other duties as defined by the pageant organization. I am also looking forward to leveraging my network & social media platforms to promote my cause[s] and expand my reach. World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? I want to be remembered as a selfless person, fearless in pursuit of her dreams, a great friend and someone that used her voice to influence positive change that made an impact in other people’s lives.. International Director: Nancy Ellen / Robbie Canner National Director: Robbie Canner Your Local Director: Robbie Canner Pageant Website: https://www.worlduniversalproductions.com/ National Page - https://www.robbiecanner.com.au/copy-of-about Photographer: Paul Vasquez World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview. Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief of World Class Beauty Queens Magazine
Diana Omuoyo Ms New Zealand World Universal 2021, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Paul Vasquez
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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