Today we are catching up with Vitoria Camporeale of New South Wales, 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, Vitoria why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

I am 23 years old, and I have recently finished a double degree in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. I am currently working in law and volunteering in legal aid centres to provide support to minority groups and women from disadvantaged backgrounds. I believe everybody is entitled to access support, regardless of where you come from. And a nerdy fact about me is that I have read the Harry Potter series over twelve times in both English and Italian.

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

I saw an opportunity with Miss Universe Australia to combine my unique professional background. When I am not at the legal centre or working in the firm in the city, I am modelling or creating content for various local and international brands. As Miss Universe Australia, I believe that by amalgamating my diverse background, I can be a powerful leader and role model in this world.

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?

Vietnam is a country that is rich in culture and has so much to offer, we saw both the twinkling lights of the city, the mountains, and the sea, all in one place. I feel truly blessed that I was not only given the opportunity to visit Vietnam but also was able to stay in one of the most beautiful resorts because of the generosity of the Miss Universe Australia team.

What would you say was the highlight of your trip?

A highlight and important lesson that I learnt on the trip was gratitude. We were provided the opportunity to visit VAVA, a charity institution dedicated to helping children affected by Agent Orange. Many of the children suffer from life-long physical and mental disabilities due to chemical warfare inflicted during the War, despite taking place over fifty years ago. But the children still have so much joy in their lives and are able to find happiness despite the circumstances they have been born into. I believe we all have a lot to learn from them so that we too can find the silver lining in the face of adversity.

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

My legal background makes me unique to this program. As Miss Universe Australia, if I were to be chosen, I not only could be a leader and spokesperson but somebody who can identify real-world issues and how to solve them. My background where I have worked in legal aid to provide support to minority groups and people from disadvantaged backgrounds has given me a unique perspective on the world and has equipped me with the ability to empathetically work with those in hard positions.

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

Many girls who compete in pageants are subjected to rejection. As somebody who has competed in Miss Universe and is an aspiring actress, can you relate to a time you faced rejection? How did you deal with it?

Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?

While I am proud of the work I do in the legal field, I am most passionate about creative arts, and that is why I am volunteering across various schools in low socio-economic areas to teach disadvantaged students the power of their voice through creative education. Many of the students come from backgrounds where they may feel like they don’t have a voice or that their voice isn’t important because of their external circumstances.

As a child, I struggled to express myself and I remember feeling like my voice wasn’t important. There was even a period where I stopped speaking altogether. I never want somebody to feel the way I felt, and that is why I believe it is important to empower children to recognise that the greatest tool they can own is their unique voice.

To finish up the interview we have a few quick questions

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

Italy

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

My absolute paradise is when it’s raining outside (hopefully thundering), my cat Bebe is next to me, and I have a good book in my hand.

What makes you laugh out loud?

I am a sucker for sitcoms. Friends. The Office. Seinfeld. Modern Family… you name it.

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