It has been a busy Thursday for Miss Universe Australia Priya Serrao who is heading to the United States next week to represent Australia at the Miss Universe pageant.
“It's my last day at work and I am just trying to finish all my tasks before I go away,” says the young India-born Miss Australia, who continues to works as a policy advisor with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions in the Victorian government.
Priya Serrao with finalists at the Miss Universe Australia pageant. Source: Supplied
Championing diversity
“After I was crowned [as Miss Universe Australia], I have actively spoken up and utilised my position to emphasise the importance of diversity and inclusion," she tells SBS Hindi.
"I joined hands with Melbourne-based not-for-profit Possible Dreams International where I have visited schools in Victoria to hold diversity workshops at local schools,
“The other topic I am immensely passionate about is women empowerment. I have been lucky to be surrounded by incredible women like my mother, sisters, friends and my colleagues at the Miss Australia pageant.
“I lately have collaborated with social enterprise Homie to help raise funds for women experiencing homelessness. It is immensely satisfying to see that I can be of help and am able to contribute,” she says.
But it has not been all work and no play for this beauty queen.
Source: Supplied
Her calendar has been filled with events across the country as well as preparing for the prestigious Miss Universe contestant.
So does it take a lot to prepare for the international pageant?
“In fact, it is pretty much what I already do. I have been exercising regularly and eating healthy. I have just maintained my routine of looking after myself. But yes, I have been working on my wardrobe and preparing for the question and answer round. I have been watching the old pageants and preparing myself,” she says.
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'Am proud of my identity'
As an Australian of Indian background, Priya plans to wear her identity on the sleeve at the Miss Universe contest.
“Our latest census says one in three Australian was either born overseas or has a parent who was born overseas. As someone who was born in India and is an Australian, I think I accurately represent what Australia is today. I am pretty confident and proud of my identity,” she says.
‘So grateful for the support system’
Ms Serrao says her family, boyfriend and workplace colleagues have lent a lot of support to her recently.
“I still live at home,” she chuckles before adding, “my mother and my sister have supported me so much in these few months which have been extremely busy.”
“I am constantly asking them about my choices and I am so grateful I have them,” she says.
Her boyfriend, too, has been a constant support and will be flying to the US with her as she prepares to compete on the global stage.
“And at work, everyone has been so supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more,” she says.
Ms Serrao will be flying to Atlanta on November 28th to compete at the Miss Universe pageant. The results will be aired on December 8 2019.
“I am super excited so save the date,” she says.
