Can you tell us a little about yourself? My name is Jennifer Canham, 24years old from the Gold Coast and am currently studying to be a cosmetic nurse whilst working as a Beauty Therapist. I pride myself on being a self-motivated, strong-willed young woman with a great lust for life and bringing a smile to the faces of those around me. I have an absolute passion for health, beauty and fitness and am always striving to be stronger and better. I enjoy surfing, running, working out in the gym, bikram yoga, and also love to spend time with my family and friends. What made you want to enter the Miss Universe Pageant? I have always been very passionate about setting a good example for younger girls. In today’s society, girls can be very critical on themselves and l want to use this opportunity to show women that you can achieve anything that you put your mind to and to be proud of who they are, inside and out. If you are successful in the Miss Universe pageant you will become a role model to many young girls. What do you think are the attributes of a good role model? To practice what you preach, be humble and ultimately, to be your best true-self. Whilst setting a good example is important, it is also essential to empower others to be authentic to themselves and their own life path. Who is your role model? I have many women of whom l admire for a number of reasons but my main role model and the people who are largely responsible for the person l am today, is my parents. My parents have taught me how to be the woman I am today through good morals, family values and have always encouraged me to never give up on any challenges I may face throughout my life. Other than winning the Miss Universe pageant what would you say are your biggest aspirations? Some of my biggest aspirations are to complete my studies, successfully develop and maintain my own swimwear line, and be able to display how beautiful life can be through travelling, fashion, beauty, health and fitness. As much as the Miss Universe pageant is about the, it is also about the woman. What do you think you could bring to this role of Miss Universe Australia? As Miss Universe l will endeavour to be my best self and to encourage others to do so. I also want to help raise awareness of social issues still prevalent in Australia; gender should never define your ability to achieve your goals. What is your best style or beauty secret? Positivity and happiness! A happy positive person will show through their eyes. Always dress to what is flattering for your figure and highlight your natural features. The Miss Universe pageant has a long history of association with charity. Are there any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of Miss Universe to advance? I hold The National Breast Cancer Foundation very close to my heart due the loss of my aunty who was an incredible source of inspiration to me. My aunty was a fighter, after 2 mastectomies, chemotherapy, pregnant with her 4th child giving birth to a baby boy, she then was challenged with cancer a 3rd time, this time above her heart, which then travelled to her brain causing a brain tuma and sadly she lost her fight. I hope to use Miss Universe as a platform to raise awareness of the need for more support and research towards The National Breast Cancer Foundation and their families who are affected. If you could give one piece of advice to yourself five years ago, what would it be? Always stay true to who you are, be humble and never ever give up. Life will always throw you curve balls use them as a way to grow and learn. The Miss Universe pageant is all about empowering women. What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to empowering women? I think it’s important to encourage and inspire women to put their hand up, you shouldn’t feel restricted for being a woman in any circumstance, challenge yourself and give everything a go. J]]>