Meet The Woman Behind The Cover Of The Latest Issue Of GEQ Magazine: Rukeshma Lata Sharma

Rukeshma is the current Mrs. Universe Fiji Official. A high teacher by profession, in the last 20 years in Australia, Rukeshma has supported many migrants, refugees, and International Students with their English language skills and looking after their welfare needs at the same time. She also spends her time volunteering for several organisations, such as the Rural Fire Service and Meals on Wheels to name a few.

She is also the founder and president of a charity organisation called Global Women where she raises funds for Breast Cancer research and Beyond Blue. This organisation aims to focus on women’s health and well-being, and she seeks to educate, encourage and empower women through her platform. She is also a host for International Woman’s Day and was awarded the Emerging Woman Award in 2021.

Rukeshma is an experienced ramp and print model. She recently came in the top two at the Wonders of Women, Fashion Modelling, and Pageantry Awards, where she was awarded the Woman of Champion award at WOW awards in 2021. She is a fashion model for Lavashe Couture, showcasing their Island range of designs at shows. She is also a model for Luekbook, showcasing their clothing for plus-size women from sizes 14 and upwards. Prior to this, she has been with Allure and Attitude, where she has showcased designers such as Punjabi Trends and Kaur Collections. An avid traveller and spending family time are things she likes doing, away from her very busy life.

GEQ magazine recently caught up with Rukeshma to discuss her journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the pageant industry?

I got into the pageantry industry by participating in the Curves and Curls International pageant. From there, I was unstoppable and participated in many pageants after that.

How were you actually ‘discovered’?

I was a ramp model for an ethnic collection and participated in a sari competition before pageantry. Several people recommended me to the pageant director as a prospective candidate, and I was discovered into the world of pageantry.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?

The most memorable moment in pageantry so far was when I was crowned Mrs. Universe Fiji Official. This was a pageant that I thoroughly enjoyed because of the director’s professionalism and the wonderful friendships developed with other queens.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I have met some very beautiful queens in the industry that are really genuine. Mentors have supported older queens like me, and I would like to mention Sue Turner, who has always listened to and encouraged us in the best way possible.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the pageant industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

I have learned that a queen is not defined by having a sash and crown but by the work she does with her title, which truly defines her—using her title as a platform and advocacy to make a difference for other women and young girls in our society.

Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?

I believe in my capabilities and never lose focus that outside characteristics do not define a true queen. There are younger queens in pageantry, but I always believe that the young queens can learn a lot from older queens because of their wisdom and holistic approach to everything, as I find most queens are very self-centered and it’s all about them.

I remain grounded as I am committed to making a difference to other queens through mentorship or the broader community through my charity organisation, Global Women.

Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?

Yes, most definitely. They admire my courage and passion for being involved in pageantry in my fifties. They cannot always attend the events due to work and study commitments, but I know I have their full support.

What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.

My future plan is to continue using my title to make a difference in this world. I would like to take on more of a mentorship role and organising of pageants rather than participating in future.

Event Of The Month: Cover ModelQuest 2022

What: Cover ModelQuest is one of the most prestigious modelling competitions in the land down under to date. It’s the quest to discover Australia’s most promising models where contestants compete in their own choice of beach wear, theme costume, and after-five fashion. There are no height or size restrictions. The top 3 models selected during the finals will be shot exclusively for the next issue of StarCentral Magazine, with the male and female winners becoming the cover of the next issue.

Where: Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel (241 O’Riordan St, Mascot NSW 2020)

When: November 12, 2022

Tickets via this link: Cover ModelQuest 2022

Introducing The Rising Stars Behind The Cover Of The October 2022 Issue Of Global Elite Entrepreneur Magazine: Kristin, Joanna, Tariq & Gwen

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Photographed by: Jay B. Gaerlan (@bilgaer25)
Makeup by: Contessa El-Kazzi

Kristin Venae

Kristin Venae is an Australian actor, singer, songwriter, and model – she graduated from the Sydney Academy of Film and Television. She was a host of the documentary series ‘Topical Punch,’ and she’s due to appear in the upcoming Kyle Lovett feature film ‘Lickerish.’ Kristin also happens to be a triple threat performer with soulful and rhythmic vocal tonality. Starting her live performance tours and artist development as a member of various bands such as the Latin group ‘Ritmo De Tropical’, ‘Loose minds’, and The Magnificent Companeros;’ She launched her debut album ‘Black Widow’ last year – a nostalgic and refreshing blend of Pop/RNB/Rock & soul.

Her debut single ‘Still Here’ has been described as an ‘ode to love.’ Its first review described Venae as having ‘the same gripping and soulful vocal eminence as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey. Keep an eye out for her next single release, ‘I am Woman’. ‘Still Here’ and ‘Lullaby’ which are available now on all streaming platforms.

Tariq Muhammed

With his positive attitude, Tariq Muhammed was chosen to compete in the Mr. Culture World International 2019 pageant in Vietnam – he represented the Australian culture as an immigrant living in Australia. He was eventually awarded the 2nd Runner-up title. Tariq is a fashion model with experience walking runways for local and international designers as well as charity and fundraising shows. Besides being a model, he also has a master’s in business (international business and marketing) from Charles Sturt University, Sydney.

Joanna Gunay

Joanna Gunay is a 34-year-old wife and proud mother of two beautiful children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. She was born in the Philippines and raised here in Sydney, Australia. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Oral health from the University of Sydney in 2008 and currently works at a specialist Orthodontic practice.

Joanna enjoys an active lifestyle, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. Some of her passions include fitness, fashion, health, and well-being. She started modelling after being scouted by an agency and since then has worked with different photographers and walked the runway for various well-renowned designers.

Her pageantry journey started ten years ago when she won the Miss Philippines-Australia 2012 crown. She is the current Mrs. Universe Australia official 2022, and her advocacy promotes awareness of women and children suffering domestic violence and to help create change. She believes that true beauty radiates from within and would like to use this platform to inspire, uplift, and empower other women to value their self-worth and reach their full potential.

Gwen Barcenas

Gwen Barcenas was born and raised in the Philippines. She went to University in Cebu, where she graduated with a double degree in Physical Therapy and Nursing. Gwen immigrated to Australia in 2017 to pursue a career in Nursing. She continues to explore new horizons in her interests. Fashion has always been a passion of hers. Gwen’s creativity is not only in fashion; she also has a flair for interior design. These days, she struts her stuff on both the runway and the hallways of healthcare, taking care of people in style.

Must-See Event Of The Week: Global Elite Fashion Festival 2022

What: The first-ever GEFF (Global Elite Fashion Festival) is set to hit Sydney on Saturday, October 22, and we can’t be more excited!

Global Elite Fashion Festival is a platform pioneered by Global Elite Media Group and GEQ Magazine in collaboration with StarCentral Magazine, Flagcom group and Millionaires Alliance. It provides a sustainable platform for international and emerging designers that effectively engage with Australia’s diverse communities and presents an opportunity for designers to showcase their uniqueness and cultural nuances.

There will be three incredible events on October 22; The Australian Golden Sash Awards – the Oscars of beauty pageants will be happening first at 4 pm, followed by the Global Elite Fashion Festival then lastly, Global Elite International Awards.

When: Saturday, October 22. (Program starts 4 pm for the Australian Golden Sash Awards)

Where: Sir Stamford Plaza Grand Ballroom (241 O’Riordan St, Mascot NSW 2020)

Tickets: Please contact Sue Turner – 0402 281 721

Introducing one of the designers showcasing at the 2022 Global Elite Fashion Festival… The fabulous Zara Rachidi!

Zara Rachidi is the founder of CaftanHouse couture. Zara is the Moroccan Caftan ambassador in Australia and represents young Arab women designers worldwide. She has showcased her collection nationally and internationally, working with love and respect to her traditional wear with a modern touch allowing women around the globe to enjoy and wear her Caftan dress.
To see Zara’s latest collection, please join us on Saturday, 22nd of October, 2022, at the Stamford Plaza Grand Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of fashion!

Introducing one of the designers showcasing at the 2022 Global Elite Fashion Festival… The fabulous Faten Lawn!

Faten Lawn was initially born in Egypt. She was born to a very humble father from a small country town who was a Chef and a mother who was a seamstress; she started working from the age of fourteen to help support her mother, father, and six other siblings. She has a brother who is seven years older than her. They moved to Australia to start a new promising life when she was just five, and she feels very blessed to have been brought up and loved by two very humble parents. Her father taught her to embrace her individuality and encouraged her decisions, especially how she dressed and her personal style. She was lucky to have two talented parents to inspire her, which got her to where she is today as the main designer behind The Cleopatra Collection by Horus.
Faten is currently 45 years old and has three amazing sons whom she’s very proud of – she encourages her sons to explore their own individuality and style. Her purpose in being a part of the fashion industry is to inspire others to think outside the box, embrace their individuality and recognise and embrace their own individual style. To explore different patterns, styles, materials, colours, and textures. Her designs are daring, and that really reflects her personality – she aims to give everyone the confidence to be daring and get comfortable with themselves. She also wants to highlight the talent of people with special needs and disabilities by giving them a platform in the fashion world.

Introducing one of the designers showcasing at the 2022 Global Elite Fashion Festival… The fabulous Silky Lane Boutique!

Silky Lane Boutique is an exciting way to drape everyone and anyone individually. It was launched in response to the fashion needs of today.
Silky Lane’s effortless and feminine silhouettes, enhanced with intricate embroideries, are apt for any up-and-coming occasions or celebrations.
The label is devoted to bringing a selection of unique, wearable, and affordable clothing and accessories by contemporary designers and independent brands from local creators and beyond.
To see Silky Lane Boutique’s latest collection, please join us on Saturday, 22nd of October, 2022, at the Stamford Plaza Grand Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of fashion!
To purchase your tickets for this incredible event, please contact Sue Turner.

The Big Reveal: Meet The 2022 Miss Earth Australia Winners

Photo Credit: Dave Choo

Fourteen worthy queens vied for a single crown on Sunday, September 4, 2022, and the coronation night turned out to be a smashing success!

This year’s competition also included musical performances from Angel Charms, Queeness Gutierrez, Deuc3s, Adlips, and Darius Vevo, dance performances from the Philippine Dance Ensemble and Rommel Reyes Olson of Olson Dance World with his dance partner, Jane Standish, as well as a fashion showcase featuring Faten Lawn, Kruz La Mode, Caftan House, and Maricris Delapena Couture. We also got introduced to the Miss Little, Junior, and Teen Earth Australia Princesses, as well as the Mrs. Earth Australia 2022 official candidates Analieze Bella Newton, Anie Benitez, Irene Evangelista, Jenina Cotelo, Judith Nguyen, Kristine Tadem, Louise Veronica, Mary Venus, Mel Diaz, and Rhea Tecson.

The Miss Earth Australia 2022 coronation night went down at the grand ballroom in Hyatt Regency Hotel Sydney. This year’s cream of the crop for Miss Earth Australia consisted of Jaisy Molina, Ariel Beninca, Haley Cobb, Jessika Bassan, Kajol Chand. Kelsy Prest, Naomie White, Riley Aston, Robyn Russell, Sheridan Mortlock, Himaya Wijayaweera, Jaisy Molina, Mariah Whyte, Sofiia Starchevska, and Judith Sanougah.

Following a four-hour showdown of environmental speeches, gowns, glams, and game-changing questions, here’s how things turned out for this year’s hopefuls…

Sponsors’ Awards

StarCentral’s Choice: Kelsy Prest (New South Wales)
Miss Budgy Smuggler: Jessika Bassan (New South Wales)
Miss Millionaires Alliance: Naomie White (New South Wales)
Miss Megaworld International: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Hyatt Regency Sydney: Ariel Beninca (Queensland)
Miss Lari Sports Active: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)
Miss UME: Riley Aston (Queensland)
Miss Cruz Lamont: Mariah Whyte (Victoria)

Special Awards

Best in Swimwear: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Photogenic: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Best in Evening Gown: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Congeniality: Kelsy Prest (New South Wales)
Miss Talent: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)
Best in Environmental Speech: Naomie White (New South Wales)
Darling of the Press: Riley Aston (Queensland)
People’s Choice Award: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)
Green Achievers Award: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)

Top 5 Winners

Miss Earth Charity Australia: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)


Miss Earth Water Australia: Riley Aston (Queensland)


Miss Earth Fire Australia: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)


Miss Earth Air Australia: Naomie White (New South Wales)


Miss Earth Australia 2022: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)

Congratulations to the current National Directors Juliet De Leon and managing director Marc Baylon for pulling off the incredible event. Hats off to the Miss Earth Australia 2022 team – it was an amazing effort. Congratulations also to all the beautiful ladies, and best of luck to the new Miss Earth Australia 2022, Sheridan Mortlock!

You can watch the full pageant via this link: Miss Earth Australia 2022

The Big Reveal: Meet The 2022 Miss Earth Australia National Finalists

Miss Earth Australia is one of the most prestigious pageants in the land down under to date. It is held annually to choose which beauty queen will represent Australia in the international and global annual environmental-themed competition, Miss Earth. It was established 18 years ago and aims to utilize its beauty, brains, and talents to promote social awareness regarding environmental concerns and compassion towards our one and only Mother Earth.

Over the years, Miss Earth Australia has aimed to promote pageantry as something that is not always just about the crown, sash, and beauty. It continues to integrate and embrace more inner qualities such as substance, intelligence, kindness, and diversity.

After passing regional screenings, 18 finalists were selected to compete for the Miss Earth Australia 2022 title. Below is the list of candidates:

Himaya Wijeyaweera | Victoria

Her advocacy: “Living in Australia has made me so appreciative of the beauty that we carry throughout nature and the diversity of cultures. My – STRIVE FOR SUSTAINABILITY- approach targets everyone on how we as a collective need to work in unity to incorporate sustainable practices in our everyday lives! This pageant encourages the fulfillment of a purpose toward the protection and preservation of our mother Earth. By taking small steps to educate others on sustainability, I aim to use my platform to target the healthcare industry to bring light to how we can make the change to be more considerate.”

Judith Sanougah | Victoria

Her advocacy: “My decision to join Miss Earth Australia stems from my belief for the environmental problems with a special focus, especially on deforestation – this is my chance to have the journey where I try my best to make a change and leave my mark on our planet, along with teaching young women especially ones like myself with my kind of skin colour and my kind of hair that they are also considered beautiful, and that beauty is not based purely on looks, but that beauty stems from having a purpose.”

Zena Skuthorpe Dowel | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia as I believe this organisation gives young women, whose voices are generally silenced, a large platform to talk about huge global issues to do with the environment.”

Jaisy Molina | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I chose to compete in Miss Earth Australia because it is an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis. MEA stands for more than just beauty; it also stands for bravery and courage. Owing to this, I can speak out and inspire others to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution. Let’s protect our precious mother Earth. We are stronger when we work together.”

Fulla Sami | New South Wales

Despina Karpathiou | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “We need a change in the world! There’s so many things happening that aren’t being noticed! Gold mining in Uganda, kids working underground and dying. The weather events happening! The constant floods and devastation. We gotta stand up and do something!

Mariah Whyte | Victoria

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia as I believe this organisation gives young women, whose voices are generally silenced, a large platform to talk about huge global issues to do with the environment.”

Simonne Meiers | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I’m really passionate about the environment, in particular, climate change and what we as a whole population can do to lessen our carbon footprint on the planet and the greenhouse gases and carbon emissions released into our air. Miss Earth Australia is a really great platform where I am surrounded by like-minded people who care about the environment and our Mother Earth, where I believe I can really make a difference and be in a position to advocate for real change.

Haley Cobb | Queensland

Her advocacy: “I found Miss Earth Australia aligned very closely with my values and beliefs, and I believe Miss Earth Australia will allow me to further develop my self-confidence in my advocacy by raising environmental awareness towards businesses’ social responsibility.”

Sheridan Mortlock | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I joined MEA because fighting for the conservation and protection of our planet is the most significant battle we must overcome. I’ve always been an advocate for the environment, but this has been further intensified by my university studies. Currently, I’m undertaking a double degree in Global Sustainability and Politics. Miss Earth Australia provides an excellent platform to amplify our voices and action as we protect mother earth.”

Kajol Chand | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I decided to join Miss Earth Australia to pursue my interests in serving and preserving our environment. My love for nature stems from my upbringing and my background – having Fijian blood meant I was attached to nature. Nature is a big part of the Fijian culture, with much emphasis on keeping it thriving. I share this journey of mine with my sister Shayal who was born with a rare disability – she continues to inspire me to believe that we can create the perfect environment for coexistence between humans and the natural world.”

Robyn Russel | Australia Capital Territory

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia because I love the mission behind the organisation. I will be able to meet like-minded girls who have the same mission as me. It aligns with my morals and views to save Mother Earth. In my current full-time job, I am educating people about sustainability and the impact of internal combustion cars on climate change. Through this platform, I can broaden my audience and educate more people. Miss Earth Australia truly is beauty for a cause.”

Sofiia Starchevska | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I’ve decided to participate in Miss Earth Australia this year as I believe my life goals and values align with this pageant’s ethos. I’m here to learn more about what we can do to create the best future for the next generations, collaborate our minds, and drive a global change!”

Riley Aston | Queensland

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia 2022 because I believe in promoting environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility towards Mother Earth. I will utilise the Miss Earth Australia platform to make a difference by highlighting the importance of our environmental actions and acting on our social responsibilities to conserve the natural beauty of this planet we call home. I am excited to lead by example and share my eco-friendly tips with everyone throughout my Miss Earth Australia journey.”

Jessika Bassan | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “Coming to Miss Earth Australia, I can be a voice to empower everyone to be independent, believe in their potential, and don’t lose their essence of life. Being the eldest sister of my three younger sisters, I believe that I should be a good role model for them, where I live a humble and respectful life – while genuinely learning and finding my life’s true purpose.”

Ariel Beninca | Queensland

Her advocacy: “Our environment through Miss Earth Australia is such a solid cause to speak for and represent my advocacy – “Political Change for Climate Change.” Climate change is the greatest threat to our existence, and there’s only so much we, as individuals, can do about this issue. We need all governments worldwide to act on climate change, and we need to implement renewable infrastructure and hold corporations to account.”

Kelsy Prest | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia because I absolutely love what the competition stands for. As a scientist, our job is to provide facts and information, so I wanted to do just that and use this opportunity and platform to promote biodiversity, encourage sustainability and create awareness, and will back it all with scientific evidence.”

Naomie White | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I gravitated toward the Miss Earth Australia pageant as I was inspired by my trip to the Philippines in 2018 and met former Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco – she opened my eyes to the fact that young women have a voice to be a catalyst of change. As a young woman who has been proactive about the idea of a sustainable Earth, I find this the utmost opportunity to become a quintessential part of the change.”

In Photos: Miss Earth Australia 2022’s Official Sashing Ceremony

The journey to Miss Earth Australia 2022 has officially begun as some of the finalists (majority from Sydney) turned up last July 30 to participate in one of the most important pageants in the world. The grand finale will be held on the 4th of September 2022, and at the conclusion of the grand finale, Miss Earth Australia 2021 Phoebe Soegiono will be crowning her successor. The Miss Earth Australia Organization recently held its grand launch and sashing ceremony, which saw National Director Julieta De Leon sashing all the beautiful finalists. The ceremony was held in Hyatt Regency.

The sashes looked fabulous, more so because of their simplicity. Its colour was the usual green, with the Miss Earth Australia emblem in white. The Earth Australia 2022 coronation night will be a fabulous event with delegates from all over Australia competing for the prestigious crown and the honourable duties that come with it. We can’t wait to see who gets to take the crown home this year!

Check out the photos below to see highlights from the Miss Earth Australia 2022 Sashing Ceremony courtesy of Ricky Yunata Photography.