It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Renee Mourad 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, Renee, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria, I’m a driven, enthusiastic woman in her 20s who is looking to represent and celebrate beauty and empowerment. I am a dermal clinician who specialises in skin health, education, and advanced cosmetic procedures for clients of all ages. In my spare time, I love attending Pilates and have even found an interest in pursuing my instructor course.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
This year, I wanted to embrace the unknown and take every opportunity to work on my personal development and confidence. I wanted to take a risk and embark on a new journey of self-love and share my experiences with others. I am ready to take my future into my own hands and be a leader to inspire and guide young women.
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?
Stepping out of my comfort zone was rewarding. I was surprised at how well I was able to adjust to a new environment with new faces and connect and bond with others in such a short amount of time. The challenging part of the trip was understanding areas of improvement and focusing on my weaknesses. The trip taught me to enjoy the journey rather than the destination. I faced my fears of public speaking and engaged in social activities such as cooking classes to immerse myself in the culture and embrace the unknown.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight of the trip was learning new skills that I can translate into my personal and professional life. Furthermore, I took away multiple new friendships to cherish with so many beautiful, like-minded individuals.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
Networking was an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Travelling overseas in a group setting was a new experience to navigate; however, working on my interpersonal skills to better communicate with those around me provided me with the tools to expand my capabilities.
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 your authentic self. There is nobody like you out there. Every experience you encounter and every challenge will shape the woman you are. Always make the most of your time with your loved ones around you and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Time is so precious; use it wisely.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
What sets me apart is that I am myself. I have encountered different hardships and learning curves, which have shaped the woman I am today. I have an empathetic nature to understand how others are feeling by taking my personal experiences and turning them into a conversation for change. A strong characteristic I’m proud to have is drive and determination.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
That I suffer from epilepsy, which is a brain disorder that results in seizures.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
If I had unlimited resources and time, I would work towards achieving peace within the world and improving our climate, so our children and grandchildren have a better environment 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 master the skill of public speaking. Engaging an audience and delivering a powerful message with a few short sentences is a creative talent I wish to master.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Travelling to Europe for 9 weeks with my best friends. Experiencing different cultures and ticking activities such as skydiving off my bucket list.
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
Rewatching Friends while eating a box of Ferrero Rochers.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
The superpower I’d choose is telepathy. I would love to read people’s minds. I would use this to speak with leaders in power and spark controversial conversations to see what areas of change I can make.
Help Renee and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Renee, 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.
