It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Belinda Lesi of South Australia, 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, Belinda, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m Belinda, or Bel for short. I am Adelaide-born and raised, but I’m a first-generation Australian! My heritage is Albanian and Filipino, and I speak fluent Albanian. I’m a Law & Journalism student, model, and Pilates trainer. I’d say that I’m fun, confident, and adventurous. I love making new connections and doing things that push me out of my comfort zone.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I’ve always been a lover of the Miss Universe pageant. I’ve especially loved seeing all the girls crowned in Australia—I have seen all different kinds of internal and external beauty, and I think this is super special. Miss Universe Australia celebrates all kinds of women, and I finally felt confident and comfortable enough in my own skin to use this opportunity to inspire young women who may identify with me.
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?
Unforgettable! From flying over to staying at the resort, everything was incredible. I felt so privileged to experience Vietnam at a venue that was so luxurious yet still embodied Vietnamese culture. The food was wonderful and fresh—I completely fell in love with Vietnamese cuisine! The staff at Hoiana were so accommodating and truly made us feel at home. I would love to return soon, maybe with some family members, to show them a fraction of the experience we had.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
I’m sure most of us will have this same answer, but our trip to Hearing & Beyond was extremely special. While the glitz and glam of staying at Hoiana was amazing, there was something so profound about visiting the school and seeing the direct impact we can have as a part of the Miss Universe Australia organisation. The difference we made to the students and teachers just by engaging, listening, and expressing love is something I will remember for a long time.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
I would say that the initial stages of meeting all the other girls and realising you’ll be sharing a room with someone for a week can be quite daunting. Although I had a feeling that we would all become fast friends (which we sure did!), it is uncomfortable to be thrown into a situation with so many new faces and personalities. My roommate and I ended up feeling like sisters, so my nerves were unfounded, but it was still a challenge to my comfort zone for sure!
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?
Be yourself and believe in yourself. I like to think that I am good at believing in myself, but this program has challenged me to take that to a new level. It has also challenged me to really get to know myself and be convicted in my sense of self. I think younger me would need to hear this, and to just keep going because you’re doing great!
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
This is super tricky! I’d like to think that my background gives me a great deal of insight into a variety of subjects and may make me relatable to a range of people. I have insight into being a first-generation Australian and growing up in a mixed household. At the same time, my life and schooling have given me the true “Aussie” experience. I have an awareness and passion for diversity shaped by my life up until now, and it is something I reflect upon constantly.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
My favourite food ever is tuna and rice—truly! If you asked me what my death row meal would be, it would be tuna and rice.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I often think about the future of humanity, as dramatic as that sounds. I almost envy our parents’ generation, which grew up without the negative effects of technology, social media, etc. While these things have advanced society so much, I worry about the younger generation growing up in such a digital world. I don’t know how it would look, but I would love to work on a project to bring back the simplicity and innocence younger generations were once afforded. The future rests on the upcoming generations, so I would love for the world to be a beautiful place for them to live in.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?
I would love to speak every language! Communication is a pivotal part of society, and imagine all the things you could learn and stories you could hear if language was not a barrier.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I’m not sure if this is adventurous or irresponsible, but on an overseas trip, my dad and I went for a walk in the mountains that turned into an almost 6-hour long hike. We had no signal and were completely lost. It had also gotten pitch black. We finally made our way back to the village we had hiked from—upon looking at the map, we saw we had hiked through an area called “Valley of the Bears.” Thankfully, we didn’t encounter any of those bears!
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
Pancakes! If I’m craving something sweet at night, I love to whip up pancakes with caramelised banana and watch some Grey’s Anatomy while I enjoy them.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
I’d love to speak to animals. I’d find a way to use it for the greater good, but first, I’d speak to my dog, Cino. He’s fourteen years old and has been my absolute best friend growing up. I’d love to chat with him for a day.
Help Belinda and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Belinda, 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.
