Today we are talking with Anneliese Zanchetta from NSW on of the twenty-eight. Talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2020.
In what has certainly been an unpredictable and unprecedented year of ups and downs we’re thrilled to bring you our ninth year of Miss Universe Australia finalist interviews.
So Anneliese, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
I am 21 years old and from Manly, which is a beautiful beachside suburb in New South Wales. One thing that you should definitely know about me is that I am always on the go and have been a hard worker since day dot.
I have recently graduated from the University of Technology Sydney, where I undertook a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in public relations and social media digital studies. I hope to one day open up my own fashion public relations firm. I am working towards that, currently employed as a Marketing Coordinator and freelance communications researcher.
The Miss Universe Australia program has been on hold since earlier in the year and now making its way towards a virtual final to be held on October 28, What motivated you to enter the Miss Universe Australia Program?
I applied to the Miss Universe Australia program 2020 because of the platform it provides young women. It has provided me with the opportunity to speak openly about my aspiration to break down the disordered body image that exists within Australian media.
Well-known brands are contributing to the succession of unrealistic beauty standards in our society, portraying one type of women, as a hyper-sexualised object.
I believe that it was the role of popular culture in negatively objectifying women that led me to develop an eating disorder at the mere age of 10. This is the main reason for entering Miss Universe Australia because if I were to win, I would make it my core mission to speak and advocate for change calling upon industry bodies and encouraging them to promote diversity and realistic body images.
I want to represent women whose worth is not just seen for her body but is an intelligent person who contributes to our society.
This year has been like no other, how have you been coping so far and what’s been the biggest challenge and positive that has come out of it all?
I feel like this year has taught me to think on my feet and adjust to change quickly. Due to social distancing, my university was shifted to online learning which fortunately allowed me to start my career in communications. In the past six months, I have been juggling my final year of university, the Miss Universe Australia competition and a full-time role as a Marketing Coordinator.
This situation was challenging for me as I had to learn how to prioritise my time. Still, it was rewarding as I am learning to be more resilient and cherishing the learning experience that comes with a career.
This year has been like no other, how have you been coping so far and what’s been the biggest challenge and positive that has come out of it all?
I think what set me apart from the other contestants is my ability not to take things too seriously and have a laugh at myself when something does not go to plan.
The winner of Miss Universe Australia 2020 will also receive the prestigious Minespec Parts grant worth $20,000 to spend on your education or business startup, what would you do if you received this grant? And would you say your answer has changed now during the current COVID climate?
If I were to receive the Minespec parts grant, I would put it towards starting up my advertising and public relations agency whose core premise is to create campaigns that promote diversity and the nuanced representation of both men and women.
I believe it is the time now to set realistic standards of beauty for all and to put an end to a disordered body image that is prevalent in popular culture.
I don’t think my answer would change despite the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is still a relevant topic today. The current situation, unfortunately, is a black swan event, and I am confident that as a country will be able to come back from it.
First thing you will do when this pandemic ends?
I plan to visit my grandparents after the pandemic, as I have not seen them as they categorised as high risk of getting the virus.
Place you will hope to travel to next?
I hope to travel to Northern Italy to see my father’s family.
Have you taken up a new hobby, skill or learnt a new dish during lockdown?
I decided to learn how to code Python language. I stumbled upon it when scrolling on Ticktock actually. I want to be able to one day create my own website or app.
Presenting Sponsor
Minespec Parts are proud to be the presenting sponsor for Miss Universe Australia, Working to empower and support women not just through the Miss Universe Australia pageant and their $20k education and business grant, but through many platforms with various activities across Australia all furthering and supporting women in the workplace.
