There’s often this aspiration in each and every one of us to try something different, something we wouldn’t usually do. We all dream of it, but it’s fair to say there’s only a handful of people out there who actually act and push themselves out of their comfort zone. Shaina Leo, a Human Resources Officer at Queensland Country Bank, did just that when she decided to try out for Miss Universe Australia.
It’s not every day you hear of a Human Resources Officer participating in a pageant, but for Shaina, a self-described ‘yes’ person who gives anything a go, it seemed like a no-brainer. “I hadn’t really given the program much thought until I saw it on Instagram and thought ‘why not’,” said Shaina.
An incredibly active and passionate young person, Shaina enjoys the typical activities of any Australian 24-year-old – going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, and chilling at the beach. But, for Shaina, the desire to push herself out of her comfort zone and give a new challenge a go sparked her inspiration to apply for Miss Universe Australia.
Getting through the application process was a task in itself, which proved to be Shaina’s first challenge to conquer – “[the process] involved completing some screening questions and submitting a video entry and headshots,” said Shaina. Through her persistence and drive, which is currently helping her complete her Masters in Business Administration while working full-time, Shaina was rewarded by making the cut as one of Miss Universe Australia’s Queensland finalists.
“It was a very exciting moment finding out I was named as one of the 22 Queensland State Finalists,” said Shaina. But it was more than just being named a finalist that really hit home just how fantastic this opportunity was. For Shaina, it was also about having the chance to make a difference in the lives of young people and to inspire them to realise their potential.
“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with young people to help them find their passions, set goals, and teach them they can achieve anything they put their minds to,” said Shaina.
As for what’s next for Shaina, her first pageant experience certainly hasn’t deterred her ‘yes’ personality. While there aren’t any upcoming competitions on Shania’s radar, that doesn’t mean she isn’t willing to try something like this again. “I am open to giving anything a go so I wouldn’t rule it out for the future,” she said.
For all the prospective contestants for future Miss Universe Australia pageants or other competitions of the like, Shaina has one key piece of advice.
“Be yourself and stay true to you. The judging for pageants like this is unique and they don’t have a set person they are looking for, so just make sure to show up as yourself.”
It just goes to show, not only is Shaina Leo a down-to-earth young woman who is driven to constantly challenge herself; her passion extends to helping her younger peers achieve their goals, instilling a sense of courage in their young minds.