It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Alysia Salley of Victoria, one of the 28 remarkable and accomplished women from diverse backgrounds vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. The winner is set to be crowned in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth on the 5th of September.
So, Alysia, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m 21 years old, proudly from Melbourne, Australia, and come from a mixed background that includes West African roots (from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire), as well as Greek heritage. I currently work as a model and am studying a Bachelor of Cybersecurity, aiming for a career in computer forensics. The digital world fascinates me, and I’m passionate about inspiring other young women to explore the tech industry!
When I’m not busy (ethically) hacking or typing away at my laptop, you can find me experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen, powering through a Pilates class, or lost in a good book. Right now, I’m reading Open Water by Caleb Nelson – definitely a must-read!
My middle name, ‘Nishanti,’ is inspired by the Swahili word for “energy,” and I’d say it perfectly reflects me, along with being thoughtful and ambitious. I’m a go-getter who believes that with dedication and discipline, anything is possible. Life is full of risks, and I’m ready to embrace every exciting challenge that comes my way!
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
Entering the program was definitely nerve-wracking at first, but I decided to join Miss Universe Australia because I believe it’s much more than a traditional beauty pageant. I see it as an exceptional platform that values authenticity, compassion, humility, and courage—qualities that resonate deeply with me. Over the past few years, I’ve observed previous Miss Universe Australia titleholders go beyond simply wearing a crown; they have become influential advocates for the causes they are passionate about, and this is something I aspire to do as well.
Additionally, Australia is an extremely diverse country, yet I haven’t seen an African Australian represent us in a pageant like this, which motivated me to enter Miss Universe Australia 2024. Australians come in all colours and hair textures—including Afros like mine. I believe it’s essential to highlight our diversity because it truly reflects the vibrant nature of our nation. By participating in this program, I hope to showcase the rich mix that makes Australia so special and inspire others to proudly embrace and celebrate their unique heritage and identity.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietjet, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
Wow, Vietnam was such an incredible experience! As someone who only started travelling abroad this year, I am beyond grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The wonderful team at Hoiana Resort & Golf, along with VietJet, ensured that we had an unforgettable time—made even easier by staying at such a stunning resort! We had the chance to step in front of the camera for our swim photoshoots, practice our runway walks with Miss Nicaragua 2008, Thelma Rodriguez, and enhance our public speaking and confidence with the National Institute of Dramatic Arts, all while enjoying the most amazing food and connecting with an incredible group of girls. I love a good girls’ trip, and this was truly the trip of a lifetime!
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
It’s so difficult to choose, but one of the standout moments of the trip was visiting the Hearing & Beyond School in Vietnam. This remarkable school, funded entirely by donations, offers education and support to children with hearing loss. While staying in an incredible resort was a luxury, it was truly moving to step out into the local communities and spend time with these wonderful children. They taught us some sign language and even a few TikTok dances, but overall, it was incredibly emotional and inspiring to witness the resilience and spirit of the children.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
One experience that really pushed me out of my comfort zone was undertaking the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) course. During this workshop, we participated in a range of activities aimed at boosting our confidence and enhancing our public speaking skills. The most challenging yet rewarding part was answering a practice ‘on-stage’ question in front of the group. It required us to think on our feet and apply the new strategies we had learned. Although it was intimidating, the feedback we received was invaluable in preparing us for the questions we might face in the final.
The entire course was incredibly helpful, and the techniques we learned can be applied across various areas of our lives, from oral presentations at university to future job interviews. Not only did we gain practical skills, but we also built confidence that will benefit us in countless situations.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson. Imagine you’re standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be that great things never come from staying in your comfort zone. You can achieve everything you believe in as long as you dare to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears. As a little girl, I was afraid of judgment and failure, which kept me in the shadows and made me shy away from pursuing my goals. I vividly remember a primary school teacher telling me to “choose a real job” and saying that I “couldn’t model.” If I had let judgments like that keep me from stepping out of my comfort zone, I probably wouldn’t be in this program today! Choose courage over comfort and embrace the challenges that come your way. It’s through taking risks and pushing boundaries that you’ll find your true potential and achieve your dreams.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
All the finalists are not only stunning but also some of the strongest and most inspiring women I’ve ever met. While each of us brings something unique to the table, I believe my motivation sets me apart from the rest. As I mentioned earlier, I haven’t seen an African Australian represented in this space, and I want to be the representation I didn’t see growing up.
The incredible women in the program are beautiful both inside and out, but what distinguishes me is my commitment to being the voice for those who feel ‘unaccepted.’ I aim to represent the women who doubt themselves, struggle with mental health and self-confidence, or face body image issues. My goal is to advocate for those who don’t fit into the conventional beauty standards of being super thin, having long blonde hair, or bright-coloured eyes. Growing up, I thought beauty meant fitting these molds, but it has taken me years to embrace and celebrate my own identity. I want to highlight that Australian women come in all forms—different skin tones, hair types, and so much more! This diversity is what I hope to bring to the forefront.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
I know I briefly mentioned it before, but one surprising fact about me is that I’m a bit of a computer nerd and know how to hack—ethically, of course! In the field of cybersecurity, ethical hacking is essential for identifying vulnerabilities in systems and applications so they can be patched and secured. And don’t worry, I promise I won’t hack into your Instagram!
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
One dream project of mine is to build free and accessible community play centres in Africa, specifically in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where my father is from. During my recent trip to West Africa, I noticed the lack of safe and engaging play spaces for children in local communities. If I had unlimited time and resources, I would create safe, engaging, and educational environments where children can play, learn, and interact with one another. It made me realise how fortunate we are in Australia, where children have access to free parks, aquatic centres, trampoline parks, and other fun spaces where they can safely enjoy their childhood.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?
If I could instantly master any skill, it would be the ability to speak and understand every language in the world! I’ve always found the concept of languages fascinating, as it’s a powerful tool for connection and understanding. It would allow me to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and learn different perspectives. Plus, it would make travelling incredibly enriching and easier!
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I’m definitely not a fan of heights or open water, so that rules out a lot of wild activities for me! I’d say the most adventurous thing I’ve tackled so far was quad-biking, sandboarding, and dune-bashing in the Dubai desert. It was so much fun speeding over the sand dunes and feeling the adrenaline rush—definitely an unforgettable way to experience the desert!
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
Absolutely! My guilty pleasure is listening to 2000s and 2010s radio hits—the kind of songs that made primary school discos unforgettable. Think tracks like “Evacuate the Dancefloor” by Cascada or “Happiness” by Alexis Jordan. I have a secret playlist that only my shower gets to enjoy! There’s just something so nostalgic about songs from that time.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
If I could have any superpower for a day, it would be teleportation. I’d teleport straight to my dream travel destination, Zanzibar in Tanzania! Getting to skip the long-haul flights, airport queues, and jetlag is something I couldn’t pass up.
Help Alysia and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Alysia, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2024 charities: Camp Quality and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
