Today we are catching up with Jacinta Pizzata of Western Australia, one of the 27 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022.
So Jacinta, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Jacinta Pizzata, and I’m 23 years old, from Perth, WA. In February of this year, I was admitted to the Supreme Court of WA as a lawyer and am now working full-time as a personal injury lawyer.
Not completely knowing what I wanted to do when I finished high school, I also studied journalism at Curtin University and now have a journalism degree as well. I love to read and write and have a passion for helping those who need it most, so I feel both the law and journalism career paths embody those aspects.
I love keeping fit and being active, so you’ll usually find me at the gym on my lunch breaks as it not only makes me feel great but is the best way to clear my mind. Family is super important to me! I’m the youngest of three with two older brothers and absolutely incredible, supportive parents. I also enjoy and cherish the time I spend with my closest friends, who I see as the family I got to choose. Oh, I also have three little dogs that I adore!
We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
Having had my eye on the Miss Universe Australia program for many years and admiring all the beautiful women that have competed previously, I really felt this year it was time to step up and put myself up for the challenge.
My key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia was to help the rest of the nation understand that this is so much more than just a beauty pageant. Of course, beauty and physical presentation will always be a part of the program, but I wanted to break the stigma and show that being an intelligent young woman with aspirations and goals also plays a significant role. That would definitely be my main motivation!
As part of the program, you recently spent time in our hometown of the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team; what was the experience like?
To put it simply, it was the trip of a lifetime! I can safely say I had the most incredible week of my life and am so grateful to the Village Roadshow team for looking after us so well. From snorkelling to seeing the Outback Spectacular and having after-dark walking workshops at Movie World, we were really given the full experience. I travelled to the Gold Coast many times with my family when I was younger, and now that I’m older, I still get the same whimsical feeling being there!
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
Besides making lifelong friends from every state in Australia, I would have to say the highlight of my trip would be my Official Swimwear Shoot at Paradise Country. The theme for my shoot was ‘Outback’, and I was lucky enough to have a co-star shooting alongside me – a beautiful horse named Charlie! It was such an empowering experience with the whole crew making it the most special morning. Being out there at sunrise just added to the beauty of the shoot and made the experience even more memorable. It was something I’ll never forget! I also have to give a special mention to our walking workshop with Thelma at Movie World after the park had closed! That was also surreal and was so much fun to do with all the girls!
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?
One thing that sets me apart is that I have always been a quiet achiever and surprise people with how multi-faceted I actually am. When I am determined and want something enough, I will give it my all to make it happen. I enjoy setting myself goals and working hard to achieve them!
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Daria Varlamova; in your opinion, what are the most essential qualities that a Miss Universe Australia embodies?
To me, Miss Universe Australia is the girl next door that can be a role model for all young women to be inspired by. She is relatable, humble, graceful, well-spoken, down-to-earth, effortlessly beautiful, optimistic, intelligent, courageous and confident. In my opinion, they are the most important qualities that a Miss Universe Australia should personify.
Now travel is back on the cards; where is your favourite place to travel to?
I’m so excited to be able to travel again! Besides being able to get back to annual Melbourne shopping trips with mum, I can’t wait to travel to Europe and visit the breathtaking Greek Islands!
What is something people may find interesting about you?
Something people may find interesting about me is my cultural background and ethnicity! With my dad being born in Argentina and of Italian descent and my mum being Macedonian, I’m a great mix of Italian, Argentinian, Macedonian and, of course, Australian.
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
I am extremely passionate about giving those a voice who are disadvantaged in some way, whether it be emotionally, mentally or physically.
I feel as though through the education I have been lucky enough to receive over the last five years; I now have a responsibility to put my knowledge into practice and use my expertise to help those who are unfamiliar with how to get back on their feet and improve their quality of life after experiencing difficulty.
Through my line of work in personal injury law, I come across people from all walks of life, and it’s my job to assist them in being compensated for the trauma and hardship they have endured, to help them achieve the most just outcome possible.
