Today we’re chatting with Asha Cooper from Queensland, one of 30 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2025 crown, to be decided on August 15 at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.
So, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m the definition of a multi-passionate person: STEM educator, Psychology Honours graduate, tech startup founder, and content creator somewhere in between. I’m focused on empowering youth, especially girls, to dream bigger. Through school programs and my public platform, I’m on a mission to bridge the opportunity gap and show kids that they can enter any career because they have the ability. Visibility creates possibility, and I’m here to be living proof of that.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I tossed and turned about it. I kept thinking, can someone like me really enter a space like this? For many years I was just a girl from outback Queensland who didn’t believe she was worthy of taking up space. But I ended up applying 10 minutes before the deadline and I’m so glad I did. The growth I’ve experienced in my confidence and self-belief has been phenomenal. This program has been my rocket fuel.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
I came home more inspired than ever. The last time I was there, I was on a charity expedition building a home in a remote village in the Sapa region, so this was a slightly different vibe! I’m still dreaming of all the dinners we ate at Hoiana Resort. But beyond that, being around so many powerful, inspiring women really lit a fire in me.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
The Summer Splendor party! Singing, dancing, and laughing with the other girls, it was one of those beautiful “time slows down” moments where you just feel lucky to be right there. Special friendships were solidified that day. It’s the type of memory I will be talking about for years to come.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
Challenging, but in the best way! I had to get super creative with my space, but the images are going to be phenomenal. Looking at the shots on camera I could feel the energy of the day through the screen. With my Unnecessary swim pieces, hair and makeup by the incredible team, I felt like the best version of myself.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Zoe Creed. If your younger self could see you today, not just on this stage but as a person, what do you think she’d be most proud of and why?
I think about little me all the time. The girl with more red dust on her boots and clothes than on the ground, riding her horses until dark. She didn’t have role models who looked like her or came from where she did. She’d be proud that I’ve stopped waiting for permission. That I use my voice now, not just for me, but for others who feel unsure if they belong. She’d be proud that I followed every passion, even when it didn’t make sense on paper. I’d give her the biggest hug if I could.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
People always say I’ve lived a thousand lives, and it’s true! From cattle judging, my book club, the tech startup space, I’ve really dipped my toes into a lot. But what’s stuck with me is the ability to connect with people. My journey is one anyone can see themselves in. Also, my “mega watt smile” does get a few mentions, I’m a little ray of sunshine.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
I’m a bit of a bird nerd… like “binoculars on the balcony every morning” level committed. I can identify most native Australian birds just by their call or a flash of colour in the trees. My favourite is the local Eastern Osprey that sometimes sits on my balcony. I’m still holding out for a call from David Attenborough… any day now.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
My dream project would be to deliver more educational programs across Australia, especially in rural and remote communities. I’d love to create opportunities where students and their families can be fully immersed in challenges and ideas they might never have thought they could be good at. I see the impact this makes every time I visit a school and a student tries robotics for the first time; they suddenly start asking questions and dreaming a whole lot bigger. All it takes is one moment like that to change how someone sees themselves. I believe everyone has the ability inside them, they just need the chance to discover it.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
In Your Eyes – Kylie Minogue
What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence is self-trust, the stack of evidence that you are the person you say you are.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d swap lives with Doone Roisin, the young Australian who built The Female Startup Club, a top global podcast, from her bedroom floor with nothing but grit. I’d love to spend a day talking to inspiring women, holding space for their stories… and let’s be real, I’d 100% raid her wardrobe because I love her maximalist style.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
Wired headphones. I’m a bit old school, but they never run out of battery.
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
Always window. Nothing beats staring out at the clouds and pretending I’m in a 2000s rom-com montage.
Help Asha and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Asha, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2025 charities Camp Quality, Ocean Heroes and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
