World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Diana Omuoyo Ms World Universal 2022.
Full Name: Diana Omuoyo
Title/Year: Ms World Universal 2022
Pageant System: Ms World Universal
Education Level: Masters Degree
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Hobbies: Yacht Racing, Tennis
Platform: Inclusion, Equality, Diversity in STEM, EdTech
Years Competed: 2021 [National], 2022 [International]
Likes: Volunteering, Self Development, Travel & Cultural Learnings
Dislikes: Injustice, Discrimination, Dishonesty & Bullying
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I currently live in Sydney, Australia where I work as an IT Solution Architect for a global fortune 1000 company. 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 digital experiences and education outcomes for learners.
From humble beginnings to pageantry, I stay grounded in humility, integrity and perseverance - values that push me to continue to pursue my deep passion for giving back / volunteering. I stay active in the community by being an advocate for woman and minorities - partnering with organizations that support STEM, and supporting various socio-economic programs across global communities.
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 keen interest in technology which led me to learn several software programming languages and subsequently enrolled in a graduate program where I earned a Master's Degree in IT.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does Women Empowerment mean to you?
The term empowerment is broad and can be interpreted in many ways. For me, it’s a term that aligns with the enablement of others to recognize and believe in their own strengths. As a modern woman of color, my perspective is that empowered woman know their worth, are able to speak up against injustices, have influence over their chosen paths and the humility to support & uplift others.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I competed in and won my international title - Ms World Universal - in July 2022
after winning my first national title - Ms New Zealand World Universal in March 2021.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
Philanthropy has always been a key part of my life and by supporting socio-economic causes globally and being an ambassador to change, I am committed to continuing to raise awareness on critical issues. Because of this deep passion for philanthropy, a friend suggested entering a pageant as a way to expand my dimensions. I had never imagined myself doing a pageant before and, because of my limited knowledge of the industry at that time, was initially surprised by the recommendation.
I realized quickly that pageantry does in fact align with my passion for philanthropy - primarily that most platforms’ are founded on service to the community, Because, I aspire to continue to expand my reach and impact, having a title from a recognized international pageant system and a platform is a critical component in the realization of this dream - so I decided to give it a go.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
When the opportunity to vie for the World Universal title came up, It was an easy decision for me. The Ms World Universal organization appealed to me primarily because the platform is founded on inclusion, embraces and promotes diversity, self love and body positivity - a powerful message that resonated deeply with me and one that aligns with my goals, passions and values.
The rest, as they say, is history.
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 is founded and driven by the universal language of love, celebrating everyone and providing a platform where all women are represented and supported. Our events are open to all women aged 25 and over - all heights, sizes, identities, backgrounds and orientation. We truly accept everyone for who they are and celebrate the diversity in our individualism.
The World Universal organization also works with multiple charities globally - from helping women who have experienced domestic violence, to LGBTQ youth, to ocean conservancy and Cancer research.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
The main competition runs over several days and consists of 4 main judging categories:- Interview, fitness wear, evening gown and on-stage question. Like most pageant systems, there are a lot of other factors that contestants are evaluated on during this week. These can include previous and current philanthropic efforts and engagements, confidence, overall demeanor & interpersonal interactions as well as the pageant walk, smile & poise,
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
The competition itself, like any other, was quite daunting at first. I learnt to embrace the fun and the many opportunities, believe in myself and stay grounded in my values. I was also excited to stand alongside other national title holders and stand in my power by leaning into the power of representation and the impact of diversity and inclusion.
On the other hand, the experience so far has been humbling and quite eye-opening. It has forced me to consciously think about what I want from the title as well as from many other aspects of my life. It was important for me to define how I want to represent myself and others throughout this journey.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what causes you volunteer for.
I have for a long time been an advocate for womxn and minorities in Tech and continue to partner with local and global organizations that support Inclusion, equality and EdTech. I also support and volunteer for causes like Team4Tech that are aligned with the pursuit of quality education for the underserved communities globally and WoCA that is helping Womxn of Color in Australia to navigate, thrive and be leaders in the workplace. .
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are some of your achievements?
Winning the Ms World Universal title was monumental and one of the great achievements in my life. Looking back over the last few years, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for some of my achievements in education, professionally, personally and as an advocate within the community. Here are some of the highlights:-
Awarded Team4Tech Volunteer of the Year, 2022, Silicon Valley, USA
Awarded Volunteer of the Year,2017, Wellington, NZ
Role Model Of the Year, 2020 - Australian Golden Sash Awards, Sydney, AU
Inaugural Ambassador, 2022 - Women of Color Australia, Sydney, AU
NZ Red Cross Refugee Pack Program Lead, Wellington, NZ
Mentor and Advisor
Peter Ferrel Cup, Founders Program, 2021 - UNSW, Sydney, AU
Girl Geek Dinners and other STEM Organizations - USA, AU, NZ
TechHub in Schools - Wellington, NZ
Summer of Tech - Wellington, NZ
CoLabL Breakthrough Mentoring, 2021 - USA
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. World Universal International Winner, I was extremely emotional - a combination of excitement and shock.
As I graciously accepted the sash and crown, I remember mentally reminding myself to smile but the awkward facial expressions and gestures gave me away, So while on the outside I tried to appear calm and cheerful, inside I was navigating through the excitement and tears and I remember just feeling overwhelmed and extremely humbled to be standing next to all the other wonderful ladies on stage with me that evening..
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Winning the title has been a humbling experience especially because it means that the judges & supporters picked me to represent the pageant. So, being a beauty queen for me means wearing and honoring the commitments of the crown responsibly. and, as the face and voice of the brand, upholding the values of the pageant.
My vision is to use the platform to support and promote the pageant & my causes, leveraging the platform to share my passions and experiences, lead by being a good role model and inspire others to recognize the endless possibilities that can be achieved.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageantry help your self esteem and body image?
Beauty Pageants have been uncharacteristically classified as an industry that emphasizes the outward appearance of a person. Because I started my pageant career comparatively late, I always thought that in order to win a title, I would have to change to become ‘pageant worthy’ - whatever that means. Furthermore, the role of a titleholder, being so public facing, exposes one to scrutiny and judgment and it’s sometimes really hard to deal with the harsh criticisms.
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 vision for the title keeps me motivated to carry on despite the harsh aspects of the industry and public scrutiny. It takes a lot of support, self-preservation and inner strength to rise above the negativity and judgment. So, my hope is that we all continue to challenge the old norms and redefine beauty.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you prepare for your competition?
As a newcomer, I spent a lot of 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. I watched an endless amount of videos and listened to pageant based podcasts to get a diverse viewpoint and tailor my pageant experiences based on these leanings and my values..
The rehearsals were also extremely useful for me, I spent many hours working with renowned coaches and practicing. Getting the right gown, shoes, fitness wear and interview outfits was also a critical part of that preparation but what helped me the most was working hard to maintain the motivation, a positive attitude and focusing on my mental wellbeing throughout the journey.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Definitely get a coach if you can afford one and Practice, Practice, Practice. Wearing the appropriate shoes is also an extremely 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.
Also, 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?
Having won the evening gown section for both my national and the international competition, I am happy to share my process in finding the perfect 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.
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 to ensure that they complement each other and are comfortable together.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for a winning interview?
Never memorize your answers and instead, speak from your heart. Your truth is something that is unique 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: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes, over the years I have done some runway and print modeling as well as TV and online commercials, for local and international companies. I have also been featured in movies and video games.
I currently have various opportunities for runway modeling across various local and international fashion platforms. I am so excited for what lies ahead.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans for 2023 as a Queen?
For my year in reign, I look forward to continuing to work with the Ms World Universal director & pageant network to support their plan for the year and fulfill all other duties as defined by the pageant organization, leveraging my network & social platforms to promote my cause[s] and expand my reach. I also plan to continue to spend time advocating for & mentoring women of color and underrepresented communities and young adults pursuing Technology and Engineering careers. As an ambassador for various organizations, my ultimate dream is to have a seat on a board of a charity organization / foundation where I can leverage my knowledge and experience to continue to advocate for Equality, Inclusion and Diversity in STEM on a global scale.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: 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 Martin
Pageant website: https://www.worlduniversalproductions.com/
Name of the Photographer: Syed Hossain, i2Frame Photography
Thank your Sponsors: Marc Defang, @IXXIAJS Jewelry, Blumond by Saraceni Wines, Touchstone Crystal Jewelry by Rosie Moore
Diana Omuoyo Ms World Universal 2022
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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