Today we are catching up with Sabrina D’Odorico of Queensland, one of the 24 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2023 at The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins this Friday.

So, Sabrina why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

I am 23 years old and proudly born and raised on the Gold Coast. Currently, a freelance model and, I am also looking to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics. I pride myself on staying true to my principles and morals. These are what keep me grounded, and I have my mother to thank for that. I am a proud Mexican and Italian woman who aims to be a role model for other aspiring young women in life.

We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?

I was motivated to enter Miss Universe Australia because the principles that the company prides itself on strongly align with my own. My mum has always taught me to maintain integrity, honesty, and care for others. Being a freelance model has taught me the importance of keeping myself grounded and staying confident, which is what MUA really prides itself on. Women need to feel confident in their own skin and love themselves; being women, we are powerful beings and we need to stick together. My mother is the strongest person I know, and she has taught me that having a voice is the most powerful thing you can carry with yourself every day. Thanks to that, I am here carrying out one of my life dreams as a proud National Finalist in Miss Universe Australia.

As part of the program, you recently went on the National Finalist Trip to Vietnam at Furama Resort Da Nang, what was the experience like?

When I first heard about our Miss Universe Australia’s Nationals trip that was going to be over in Vietnam, I was absolutely over the moon. Vietnamese culture is so warm, wholesome and colourful. I was fortunate enough to spend time in beautiful Vietnam and I cherished the lifelong memories I made with the like-minded strong women around me. The experience was wholesome and warm, the food was incredible to say the least, and the people were so kind, selfless and giving. It reminded me of how important it is to be kind and care for others. It was eye opening in the best way possible. I can’t wait to go back one day.

What would you say was the highlight of your trip?

This is a difficult one because every moment was special. I would say that the highlight was being able to connect and learn from other people’s different life experiences. For example, I found it very insightful when our official swim shoot photographer Jarrad Seng shared his experiences on the TV show Survivor.
I was fascinated by how someone was able to place themselves in such a diverse environment compared to his photography work. This made an impression on me due to the diversity of experiences between a brilliant, world-renowned photographer and his point of view on life. I learned and absorbed a lot of diverse views and formed strong lifelong bonds with not only the contestants but the crew and other team members as well. I found it truly captivating how diverse yet united we all are, which is important to recognize because diversity, I believe, is what makes humans individual and unique. As a result of my time in Vietnam, it taught me that kindness is the most powerful language in the world.

With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other finalists?

I would say my standout factor would be how bubbly, charismatic and resilient I am. I have carried these principles with me day in and day out my entire life. I know it is easy for women to say they feel confident, but I can hand on heart say today that if my family values, particularly recognising the importance of having a voice as a woman, is a value that I promise I will never stop preaching and encouraging aspiring women to practise. I am proud of who I am. I am a proud Miss Universe Australia National finalist and I have got here today thanks to myself, and thanks to the amazing support of my team, sponsorships, family, especially my mother. I wouldn’t be here today if it was not for her. I am a strong independent woman and I believe that with my voice all you women can be made to feel as strong, confident and beautiful as Miss Universe Australia has helped me feel today.

If you could ask our current Miss Universe Australia, Monique Riley, one question, what would it be and why?

What is your biggest takeaway from becoming Miss Universe Australia, and how has this made you grow physically and mentally, even more so than the program itself? I thought this was important for me to ask her because I wanted to embrace the experience as much as I possibly could. I wanted to know the importance and impact that Miss Universe Australia had on her, so I could try to get a big picture sense of its impact on women. I knew Monique Riley would be the right woman to ask because she is a woman who possesses qualities that resonate with me. Monique Riley is a strong and inspiring woman who is a role model to other women and whom I look up to. I wanted to understand her mindset and how the experience challenged her, so I would be ready to wholly embrace my own journey with Miss Universe Australia.

Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?

I am truly passionate about our bodies and minds – and why they function the way they do. I also have a love and passion towards nutrition and dietetics. These passions are my passions because they allow me to care for people, and step into their shoes. I believe that by studying nutrition and dietetics, I will be able to continue exploring and learning how to understand people, and in turn learn new ways to care for others. These are concepts that I will carry with me forever and that will keep me grounded indefinitely.

To finish up the interview we have a few quick questions

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would love to live in Mexico. Mexican blood is in my roots. It is the most colourful and enriched culture. My abuelita is actually here with me tonight – for those of you who don’t know, that means Grandma in Spanish. She is a reminder of family and of my last trip there. Mexican people are so bubbly, warm and resilient. Not to mention the food, which is one of the best cuisines in the world.

What’s your ideal way to spend a day off?

I am a simple girl, you will find me either with my two puppies, at the beach or at the gym. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying mentally active is important to me.

What makes you laugh out loud?

Myself (wait for people to laugh), you can’t life take too seriously and if you can’t laugh at yourself, then you aren’t living life to the fullest.

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