Today we are catching up with Somaya O’Donnel of Western Australia, 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, Somoya why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m 25 years of age, and my dog has been my best friend since I was nine. I’m a Personal trainer and aspiring actress with a lot to say.

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

When I looked into Miss Universe Australia, I found that it promotes the empowerment of women, it also values the confidence and diversity of women and provides opportunities in leadership and raising awareness. As I am an aspiring actress, I’ve always seen acting as a channel for expressing and sharing information, which can lead to so many positive events and changes. So, naturally, this was the perfect platform, and it inspired me to put myself and my skills out there and see where it leads me.

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?

I won’t lie, I was a little scared heading into it. But considering it was 24 Beautiful and ambitious women, it went better than I could have ever imagined. The Pinktank team ran such an incredible well-thought-out trip for us, and meeting the girls from the other states in person meant that we are now heading into the National Finals with lifelong friends, not just people that we followed on instagram.

What would you say was the highlight of your trip?

The food, hehe, but along with that it would have to be meeting all the unbelievable individuals on the trip. From the 24 finalists, to the photographers, Thelma, our walking coach, the team from NIDA, makeup artist, hair artist and even the beautiful staff at Furama resort. Everyone on the trip was world-class at what they do, and I felt really lucky to be able to form friendships with them all.

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

Spending the week in Vietnam with all the other contestants highlighted to me just how unique and wonderful all the finalists are. Something I feel will set me apart is my passion for helping people. As I get older, I feel myself drawn more and more to be a voice for my generation on the biggest issue ever faced by us all, our changing climate.
I know this is a very broad subject, but often people my age are misled or unaware of what is happening in Australia, as it can all just be too overwhelming with how many sources of media we have these days.

I would like to be a voice to help people understand what is happening in Australia to our climate, what we need to do, what people are already doing and how they can help. I aspire to have a platform for linking people to the amazing great programs, inventions, technology, and progress so many Australians are doing on a worldwide scale. I’d like to show them not only the bad but also the good. At the end of the day, we need nature, it doesn’t need us.

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

What is the biggest life lesson you would take away from your year as Miss Universe Australia?

Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?

I am passionate about raising awareness of early detection of Breast Cancer as I have had to watch two of the closest women in my life fight their battle with it, my Mum and my Nana. I have had a breast reduction to reduce my chances of having it, and I am passionate about showing women the benefit of knowing your body, if there are changes and just how much help is out there, and they’re not alone.

To finish up the interview we have a few quick questions

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

I’m not going to lie, Perth is pretty great! But I would love to live in Santorini.

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

Laying in the sun, in the garden at my new home, with my dog and just completely zenning out.

What makes you laugh out loud?

Have you ever played the board game Watch Ya Mouth? If you haven’t, please do, and then I’m sure you will see why it makes me laugh out loud.

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