Elise Nazzari.
Camera IconElise Nazzari. Credit: Supplied/Marie Nirme         d444055

Elise plans for a bright future: Miss Galaxy Australia finalist

Susanne ReillySouthern Gazette

The Burswood resident is competing in Miss Galaxy Australia 2016 after making it to the final six in the WA heat this year.

“Initially I joined the pageant as a way to boost my confidence and self-esteem after battling with depression and anxiety since the age of 14,” she said.

“What I didn’t anticipate was the profound impact the pageant would have on every aspect of my life.”

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She said she now had the confidence to build her platform as a role model and mentor in the community.

“It has given me the opportunity to believe in myself and my ability to become a successful, independent woman,” she said. “I think that is why a lot of girls will choose to compete for a second time because the personal growth you can gain with the right mindset going into a beauty pageant is second to none.”

The 20-year-old works as a research assistant as part of Curtin University’s Inclusive Access to Higher Education in the Justice System.

“For me politics, academia and beauty pageants are the ultimate match made in heaven,” she said.

“A sound academic background, coupled with an internationally recognised title, will allow me to create a platform for myself from which I seek to work with inter-governmental and international organisation such as the United Nations, to tackle issues on social justice, human rights and restorative justice.”

She plans to focus on incorporating her academic background and future ambitions to build her platform as one of Australia’s most influential role models.