Tell us about yourself?

I am a 22 year old biomedical science graduate with a passion for music and helping others. I was awarded “Most Promising Pianist” when I was 16 at the annual GIBFYM and sang in Disneyland Paris with the Gibraltar youth choir!

When did you first enter a pageant?

I love the art of modelling and fashion, however the pagentry world has always been something I’ve wanted to explore! So Miss Gibraltar 2022 was my first pageant but definitely not my last.

What attracted you to enter the Miss Gibraltar pageant?

This pageant has always sat on my horizon as I can appreciate the personal growth it brings. As this is my gap year in education, I thought what better time than right now!

Describe the highlights of the pageant?

It’s all about the journey, not the destination. I feel blessed to have met such beautiful girls along with the whole production team and everyone who made this possible. All the laughs at rehearsals, team building activities and outings are what made this an unforgettable experience.

How did you prepare for Miss Gibraltar?

Asides from the usual keeping fit at the gym and self-care pastimes, I made sure to educate myself on humanitarian issues and worldliness. Also, standing at 1.81m tall, walking in heels is not something I was accustomed to; so I really had to practice my pageant walk!

Tell us about the dress you chose for the pageant.

I personally love simplicity and the somewhat minimalistic look, so I went for a very basic silver/ pearl blue evening gown. I added some linear, silver sequin patterns on the top half which ended over my left shoulder to give the dress a little more character. I wanted a high neck dress as i love having my hair up into a slick back elegant ponytail. The slit and mid-to-low back gave the illusion that I was taller (even though I don’t need it!). I ended this elegant look with a dark red lip. I am super thankful the judges noticed all the hard work Dorcas Hammond and I put into this dress and was awarded this Miss Elegance Award!

What was going through your mind when they called your name as the new Miss Gibraltar?

At that point, it was all or nothing. Given my little onstage panic in the interview section I wasn’t feeling too hopeful but hey, everyone gets nervous! All I heard was “contestant number te-“ and I instantly got emotional. It was such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity.

How do you respond to those that feel that Pageants are outdated?

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions as long as they are respectful. Pageants give women across the globe a platform to advocate for what they believe in. It also teaches women dedication, professionality, sportsmanship and so much more. The format has gone through a drastic transformation thanks to individuals like Julia Morley, with the focus shifting to the contestant's numerous abilities, not just their appearance. I find pageants empower women as they shine a spotlight on female rolemodels in this male-dominated world. Pageants are a runway to success, regardless of the woman’s background. Pageants know no race, religion, or wealth and I think that’s the true beauty of pageants.