Re: Road to Miss Universe Great Britain 2022

**bonner** Mon Jun 13, 2022 12:54 pm

Jessica Kang

is 27-years-old and from the vibrant city of London. She works as a HR systems officer for her local council. A fun fact about Jessica is that she has featured on the cover of Ealing Council magazine to promote cycling to work! Through her passion of modelling, she has embraced an interest in pageantry and describes herself as a very determined and motivated woman keen to reach her personal goals and always encouraging others to do the same. Jessica’s hobbies and interests include modelling, going to the gym, reading, travelling and spending time quality time with friends and family

**bonner** Mon Jun 13, 2022 12:57 pm

Lauri Knowler

can remember the exact moment she felt a passion to make a change for the better, admittedly at the time it was for animals like any other young person who wanted to be a vet, but it evolved into a love for learning and the environment. That moment led her to create a project called “The Eco Educator” dedicated to raising awareness of environmental issues alongside having a passion for promoting the benefits and enjoyment of the world around us. Lauri’s project continues to grow and she has now written her own picture book for children which will go to print this year. Ignited by the legacy her teachers left behind, Lauri knew that she wanted to become a teacher herself and is motivated by the fact not all girls around the world are given the privilege of education. Lauri is also running the London Marathon this year and has plans to visit the wonders of the world – so far she has personally seen five out of twenty seven!

**bonner** Mon Jun 13, 2022 12:58 pm

Anglee

is a future trainee solicitor, a philanthropist, a fashionista and a fitness freak. She holds two degrees (in politics and international relations and law) and a master’s in law. She is also a twin and a big sister to two siblings. Anglee loves fashion because it allows her to express myself and, because she wants to help others do the same, she is launching her own fashion styling business. In October 2021, Anglee was diagnosed with cancer and during treatment she lost her confidence. Her resolve led her to start the #BeBold campaign to create awareness and empower girls and women to make bold decisions. As an ambassador for Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), The Girls Network and Girls Out Loud, she also undertakes projects which support girls and women to build on their confidence and take on the universe. She is also the face of Benefit Cosmetics’ new ‘Bold is Beautiful’ campaign

**bonner** Wed Jun 22, 2022 11:13 am

Dr Trishala Lakhani

is a dentist from London who loves her job because every day she uses her skills to improve someone’s quality of life, whether it is giving her patients a more confident smile or taking their pain away. Trishala has recently had the privilege of presenting her first documentary for the BBC to inform patients of the risks and benefits they may face from having specific cosmetic dental treatments carried out abroad. She was a key worker during the COVID crisis and also managed to raise funds for PPE, source the PPE and deliver it to care-homes when they were having major shortages which she describes as one of her proudest achievements to date. Trishala believes that everyone – regardless of their background, financial status, race, religion or gender, should have access to life’s basic necessities and equal opportunities and she is a champion of inclusivity and diversity

**bonner** Wed Jun 22, 2022 11:16 am

Harriotte Lane

who launched her own business back in 2019. At the beginning of the pandemic, she took the side hustle that she was passionate about and turned it into a full time career. She is now honoured to be in a position where she can encourage other women to become the best version of themselves every single day through her job. The business has enabled Harriotte to create additional jobs for two members of staff and in 2021, she received a nomination for Business Woman Of The Year. Over the last nine years, Harriotte has also been a dedicated fundraiser for various charities and has managed to raise more than £90,000. In recognition of this achievement, Harriotte was presented with the Princess Diana Legacy award.
Going forward, Harriotte has plans to travel and to continue to empower women along her journey.

**bonner** Wed Jun 22, 2022 11:18 am

Olivia Maneeroj

was raised in London by parents who immigrated from Thailand and she feels privileged that being bilingual has enabled her to teach children in Thailand. In the future, she aspires to open a school to help those who struggle gain opportunities and help them follow their dreams. Olivia graduated with a marketing degree and has enjoyed pageantry while modelling and working in her family businesses. She donates every month to Centrepoint which is a UK charity for homelessness which supports young people and provides a safe place to stay. Olivia says “People say that the world needs more positivity, but that can really diminish how hard the world can be for some people. I believe the world needs more acceptance and understanding along with self belief that we are good enough.”

**bonner** Wed Jun 22, 2022 11:20 am

Paida

a 23-year-old model and free-lance web designer, who recently graduated from the University of Leicester with a BSc in Computer Science. Paida’s experience of studying a course that consisted of less than 10% female students and completing a year in industry working within a male dominated department inspired her to start a project called ‘Empower Girls In Tech’. The purpose of this project is to support and encourage girls worldwide to pursue technology related education, provide support to women working within the technology industry, and to assist women living within economically disadvantaged communities with the development of their computing skills. Paida’s main source of inspiration is her mother, who has very humble beginnings but worked hard towards completing a doctorate degree and becoming a qualified Psychotherapist. She is the reason why Paida believes that with planning, hard-work and perseverance, any goal is achievable.

**bonner** Wed Jun 22, 2022 11:22 am

Jennifer McSween

worked in law and has studied criminology. During her research, she learned that being in the criminology field establishing crimes and violence was classed as a man's job discriminating against women until the late 1960s when strong women stood up to change views and make crime careers more gender-neutral. This knowledge makes Jennifer proud to be studying criminology with aspirations to excel as woman in the field. Her work in this area has also heightened her interest in women’s safety and has led her to teach women’s self-defence classes helping women’s confidence if they ever feel in a vulnerable situation.

**bonner** Wed Jun 29, 2022 11:13 am

Monika Kramer

believes that making a difference starts with one's self and with simple acts of showing love, compassion and faith. Monika’s parents have always been a strong motivating force in her life and taught her the importance of kindness, faith and humility. Monika is fluent in four languages, loves dancing, ice skating, hula hoop and is currently learning to play the ukelele. She says that the Miss Universe platform allows her to empower women to be comfortable in their skin. Her message is that you don't have to be perfect - what you have is more than enough. She is using her campaign brain-make-up which raises awareness for mental health as she is a qualified mental health first aider as it is a subject close to her heart after a family member suffered from mental health until her final days, and she experienced the stigma around it first-hand. Monika is currently volunteering as a mentor in a supported housing programme that offers an opportunity to women facing difficult challenges such as addiction, domestic abuse, and probation. This allows them the opportunity to turn their lives around.

**bonner** Wed Jun 29, 2022 11:22 am

Cecilia Musonda

who is studying for a research masters in sports science at Hertfordshire University. Part of her studies involves formulating a vegan protein supplement and comparing its effectiveness to animal-based protein supplements – a topic influenced by her plant-based lifestyle and athletic background. Cecilia pursued a professional basketball career after being offered a scholarship to Tennessee (USA) and soldiered on to play without a knee ligament. Unfortunately, this later put a halt to her sporting career after needing three knee operations. Pageantry has given Cecilia a new sense of purpose and service to matters she cares about including travelling to Zambia to educate and donate sanitary essentials to young girls while raising awareness of period poverty. During the Coronavirus lockdowns, Cecilia found great joy and passion in English tutoring. Today, she is proud to say that she has tutored 1320 hours in English to people across the globe, and in exchange is capable of greeting in 11 languages.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:34 am

Natasha Mutebi

who works as an impartial social science advisor at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and Is vice chair for Parliament’s Work Equality Network on Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage. Natasha graduated as a master of science (MSc) in global public health and policy with a distinction and is passionate about personal development, wellness, social justice and equitable access to healthcare and education. Natasha grew up with a stutter and was crowned Miss Uganda UK 2015/16, which led to her winning a BEFFTA award as ‘Best Pageant Queen’ in 2016. She also became a charity ambassador for AFFCAD/AFFCAD UK and the Jubilee Campaign. These experiences propelled Natasha to launching her project ‘Manifesting Legacy’ which aims to equip, empower and educate young people with the practical tools to excel in wellbeing, holistic healing, and personal and career development through workshops and collective learning sessions.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:38 am

Lauren Parkinson

who is a 26-year-old estate agent from north Wales. Lauren grew up in a small village and often felt that she needed to fit into a mould, and not deviate from what is ‘acceptable’ in the community and in society at large. That desire to break the mould has brought her to Miss Universe Great Britain as 70 per cent of the LGBTQIA+ community actively hide their sexuality in fear of a negative reaction. For a long time, Lauren says she was part of that seventy per cent. Through the Miss Universe Great Britain platform, Lauren’s aim is to continue to amplify the voices of those who are a part of this community, and to show that being confidently beautiful is not something that can be defined by who we choose to love, what or whom we identify as, but by our actions in making our society a more diverse, inclusive and accepting place.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:39 am

India

has always aspired to use her life to help other people. After suffering from chronic anxiety for over two years and fully overcoming it, she is now able to live a full and abundant life and has a strong desire to help others who are suffering with their mental health. India has spent a number of years developing strength and resilience by completely changing her lifestyle, learning to break out of a fear-based mindset, and putting herself through various challenging situations and overcoming them. She also undertook a psychology degree, achieving first-class honours, to equip herself with knowledge as well as personal experience to help others effectively. Her aim is to inspire others with the hope that it is possible to achieve and maintain good mental health, to encourage them that struggling with mental health does not have to be permanent, and to show that it is possible to overcome all things.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:40 am

Lois Rayner

works in health and social care, visiting different services, sharing and speaking about her experience of having an eating disorder. Through her work, she is able to bring another perspective that comes from her own lived experience, to help raise awareness, provide support and talk to others about her recovery journey. Lois is passionate about helping others, empowering woman and showing recovery is possible through the understanding that people can live a meaningful life beyond diagnosis without necessarily being symptom free. She believes that through peer support and the sharing of lived experience, people can achieve their goals and dreams in life.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:41 am

Victoria

is passionate about art. Not only is she a board member of a charity-funded theatre company but also an artist, business owner and host of a community radio station through which she brings attention to many local important causes. Victoria says she always strives to be the best she can, and, after receiving the highest grades in her school, went on to be the first member of her family to go to university. She is a qualified accountant and now works as an assistant vice-president in an investment bank. In addition to her day job at the bank, she makes time to run CV workshops for underprivileged school children applying for university and is a mentor to vulnerable girls to help them become working women.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:44 am

Keflyn Sachar

an international commercial finance analyst working at Hilton Worldwide headquarters in Watford. Graduating with first class honours in business and finance underpinned Keflyn’s ambition to qualify as a charted global management accountant and work in the male-dominated industry of finance. Her strong academic achievements encouraged Keflyn to share her experience, become the face of my university career services and deliver career talks, with more in the pipeline this year. Growing up with immense compassion towards disadvantaged children inspired Keflyn to become a cyber-bullying mentor at the age of 16 and feature in a BBC Panorama documentary, raising awareness on the topic. This led her to implement “The Mental Health Check-Up” initiative to mentor all individuals free of charge throughout Covid-19, while also completing more than 20 charity projects during the pandemic. As an advocate for teenage girls, Keflyn aims to create a program that illuminates their full potential, providing them with the tools and guidance to strive in the direction which will fulfil their dreams.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:46 am

Dilani

describes herself as an adventurous workaholic who loves learning and experiencing new things. She is currently working as a research and development engineer at a robotics company. Her goal is to develop inexpensive high-quality technology to improve people’s lives but her long-time ambition is to become a space robotics engineer, developing technologies to explore the unknown and help humans to become an interplanetary species. Dilani’s biggest passion is promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to people nationwide from all levels, experiences and backgrounds. She does this in various ways, doing fun experiments with younger people, organising engineering events and doing presentations nationwide. She has won awards for her dedication to promoting STEM including the IET Young Women Engineer Mary George’s Memorial Prize for Apprentices 2021, the IET Paul Fletcher Award 2020, the STEM Inspiring STEM Technician Award 2021 and the Engineering Technician (EngTech) status awarded by the IET and Engineering Council. Dilani says there is very little female representation and it’s a shame that many talented women are discouraged to have a profession in STEM. Using the Miss Universe GB platform Dilani wishes to continue her work on a larger scale, encourage women to pursue a career in STEM, change the misconceptions of the industry and break stereotypes.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:52 am

Noky

graduated from the University of Birmingham with a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and briefly worked as an engineer. She is now a Chartered Commercial Banker, driving enterprise growth initiatives to support businesses across the country. She also loves to bake and previously ran her own celebration cake business. Outside of her regular work, Noky is a diversity and inclusion ambassador and a careers ambassador, sharing her career journey with young people across the country and supporting them to develop the skills they need to succeed in their future careers. She is also a BAME ambassador for SmartWorks, a charity who provide personal styling, clothing and coaching for unemployed women looking to reenter the workplace. Recently, she hosted a charity event to support the organisation.

Noky strives to empower women to reach their full potential in the workplace. She recently launched @Boss_Bios , an online platform which aims to celebrate the achievements of women who are thriving across a range of careers. Her hope is that their incredible stories will go on to inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:59 am

Bryony

is 20 years old, from Liverpool and works as a business apprentice for a building company, as well as a part-time hairstylist and a small business owner. Bryony has a strong passion for the arts and from a young age has danced and practiced ariel and acrobatic skills which has given her the opportunity to perform all over the UK at multiple festivals like Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Liverpool International Music Festival. Bryony finds sanctuary in healing crystals. She has studied their healing properties which has resulted in her starting a small business making hair accessories and jewellery from crystals. Bryony aspires to be a successful businesswoman with the ambition to expand her healing crystal business into making natural hair products that help women feel more beautiful with their natural hair – and she also wants to set up a car-wrapping business with the skills and knowledge she has learned in her apprenticeship.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 9:01 am

Jordan

grew up in a coastal town in Cumbria before moving to become the first person in her family to go to university, where she obtained a first-class honours degree in accounting and finance at a top 10 university. Since 2020, Jordan has lived in Edinburgh working in financial services at one of the world’s largest professional services firms, where she is also currently training to become a chartered accountant. Jordan has volunteered regularly for a range of causes since the age of 14, as she has always loved helping others. Most recently she has been volunteering for SHOUT, a mental health text support service, and Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity. Two years ago, Jordan was diagnosed with a rare eating disorder called “ARFID” after a lifelong struggle with food. She subsequently realised that the years of torment she endured were due to a lack of knowledge and understanding, so she made it her mission to raise awareness about the different types of eating disorders, and to educate about the associated effects and stigmas. This inspired her live video series where she provides a platform for people to share their experience with eating disorders and encourage others to speak up.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 9:14 am

Rebecca

studied children's nursing at university and is now working as a neonatal nurse in the London Hospital. Working with neonates has been Rebecca’s dream job and she enjoys every moment working with little premie babies. Rebecca also began modelling at the age of 16 and is also a professional henna artist and an award winning Bollywood dancer. She also like to sing and play the guitar. Rebecca is very passionate about mental health awareness in children and young people and wants to educate young girls on this and when to identify early warnings and signs.

**bonner** Sun Jul 03, 2022 9:16 am

Dr Chloe Spence MB BCH BAO BSc (Hons),

26 from Belfast, living in London. Chloe is a doctor and neuroscientist – and has smashed barriers to be the first in my family to become so. Women are under-represented in STEM but by volunteering with the Rosebud Centre which provides mentors for girls in a cross section of subject, she hopes to empower change in the next generation. Chloe years to heal the world because statistics tell us that one in five women live with mental illness. As a result, she has created mental health workshops in schools, therapeutic art workshops for over 50’s, providing a foundation for well-being. Chloe has also volunteered in Tanzania teaching women basic medicine and running HIV clinics. This encouraged her to strive to empower women through knowledge using @Doctor Clo and #beautifulbrain, allowing self advocation for health and wellbeing. Chloe loves a challenge and has hiked 11 peaks and cycled 304 miles to fundraise and bring awareness for those lost to suicide. Herr motto is to radiate and not drain #Shareyoursmile and she strives to be the role model her younger self would have loved to meet.

**bonner** Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:24 am

Cassy

loves learning new things and is multi talented – with her passions including singing, song writing, dancing, designing shoes and nail art. She works part time as a supporting artist in film and tv and has also recently taken a leap into the property industry. Cassy aspires to be a role model that young women look up to and make them believe in their dreams so that they reach for the moon. For her Miss Universe Great Britain journey, Cassy is volunteering to help victims of sex trafficking.

**bonner** Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:25 am

Dr Anika Walia

a dentist and the founder of Anika Food Charity where she and her volunteers endeavour to help combat poverty in Britain. For the charity, she has addressed head offices and accumulated leading partners. For her philanthropy work, she has received the Diana Award and The British Citizen Award. Anika is also a mental health first aider, a member of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, a SmileTrain ambassador and a UN woman UK Delegate. She was also invited by UN women to attend COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow. Her present project is providing aid to Ukraine where her charity is part of the campaign with ASDA supermarket to help raise funds for Ukraine. She is also the founder of Doctor A Cosmetics. Anika’s mission as a female only business and minority-owned business is to contribute to a more inclusive society, especially in the beauty industry. Her brand is a give back beauty brand which means it donates five per cent of its annual profits to charity. Through her philanthropy work, Anika would like to empower women, especially young girls towards accessibility and opportunities.

**bonner** Sat Jul 09, 2022 12:29 pm

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