Diana Omuoyo is a Sydney-based IT professional and the recently crowned Ms. New Zealand World Universal 2021.
Diana has a keen interest in socio-economic initiatives around quality education and reducing inequality in communities and spends her time supporting global and local organizations that promote STEM and education programs. She has been recognized for her achievements professionally, personally, and as an instrumental contributor to communities around the world. Her mission is to continue to be a catalyst to change and a global advocate for women and under-represented communities. GEQ magazine recently caught up with Diana and here’s what went down:
How did you get into the pageant industry?
A few years back, I was having a conversation with someone at a community event and they asked me what I wanted out of life. I explained my goals and ambitions in working with a foundation and/or starting one in the future and their advice was to join a pageant that year. Having never been in or ever imagined myself doing a pageant before and my lack of knowledge of the industry, I was surprised by that recommendation so I graciously declined. Thankfully, we had a few follow-up conversations and I did a lot of research about pageantry and gained a better understanding of the industry. When the opportunity to join the Ms. World Universal came up, It was an easy decision for me. The platform’s mission and vision are in alignment with my goals, passions, and values. The rest, as they say, is history.
What do you like most about being a beauty queen?
The beauty queen is a title that is synonymous with leadership and service to others. As Ms. New Zealand, I am privileged and excited to now have a platform that I can leverage to amplify my voice and those of others to promote causes, spread awareness and impart change. I also enjoy having a forum where I can share my life experiences, journey, and passions. Pageantry has also afforded me great opportunities to participate in the community, charity, and social events where I have met like-minded individuals. Throughout this journey, I continue to grow and learn a lot about myself as I interact and share with people from all walks of life.
The beauty queen is a title that is synonymous with leadership and service to others. As Ms. New Zealand, I am privileged and excited to now have a platform that I can leverage to amplify my voice and those of others to promote causes, spread awareness and impart change. I also enjoy having a forum where I can share my life experiences, journey, and passions. Pageantry has also afforded me great opportunities to participate in the community, charity, and social events where I have met like-minded individuals. Throughout this journey, I continue to grow and learn a lot about myself as I interact and share with people from all walks of life.
The downside to being a beauty queen?
full-time job, personal/community commitments, hobbies, family/friends, and the pageant. But because this role is very important to me, I always make time to be present and committed which simply means multi-tasking and better time management. Another downside that I experience is that, while pageants continue to gain popularity, there is still some lingering stigma about beauty queens and pageantry. So, I find myself constantly debunking myths and educating others about the platform – and even when I fail to change the perception of others; I find that it is important for me to continue to believe in myself and what I stand for as a beauty queen.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?
I have had a lot of monumental experiences – the biggest one being crowned Ms. New Zealand 2021. I hit a lot of milestones along the way and had a lot of amazing moments that culminated in that glorious moment. One of the most memorable experiences I have had on the journey so far was a time when, at an event, I met and had a chat with mothers from a minority group. They expressed their utmost faith in me and were hopeful that their daughters would be inspired to dream big
after seeing someone that looks like them on a stage like this. At that very moment, I knew that my decision to vie for the title was the right one.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
● Robbie Canner – Ms. World 2018/19, Director, Ms. World Universal
● Sue Turner – Businesswoman, beauty queen, and celebrated humanitarian
● Other title holders including former Miss USA
● The other pageant contestants, directors, and judges
Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?
My decision to join the pageant world surprised a lot of people but I am lucky to have had a lot of support from friends and family along the way.
What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.
I will always support and promote the Ms. World Universal mission and vision during and long after my reign as Ms. New Zealand. My ultimate goal and ambition is to have a seat on a board of a charity organization/foundation where I can leverage my experiences and passions to continue to support Education, Equality, and STEM initiatives on a local and global scale. I believe that education plays a key role in socio-economic wellbeing within our communities. However, Education is not limited to textbook/school learning but also includes knowledge sharing around cultural & societal issues. It is important to continue to create awareness around the dangers of exclusion, discrimination, single-story, and bias.