Kimberly Gundani was crowned Miss Grand Australia 2018 at the grand finale held on 16th June 2018. She is now going to represent her country at Miss Grand International 2018. To have achieved such an honor and appreciation from her followers and supporters, Kimberly still remains grounded and humble.

In an exclusive interview with Angelopedia, Kimberly talks about her responsibilities being a national title holder, her childhood, dreams and ambitions of her life.

Q . How does it feel to be crowned Miss Grand Australia 2018 and now a delegate of Miss Grand International 2018?

I am so humbled and honoured to be Miss Grand Australia and a delegate for Miss Grand International 2018. To be the first black African-Australian to win an international pageant in Australia is just incredible and a true honour.

Q . What is the best lesson you’ve learnt in your journey as the delegate of Miss Grand Australia 2018?

Through hard work, resilience and a heart of service, anything is possible. I love to reach out to my community. Miss Grand Australia helped to raise awareness about domestic violence in our stop the war and violence campaign. The response was phenomenal.

Q . What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?

I’m driven to achieve my goals because I know that there is so much work to be done in our fight against domestic violence and war. Until every woman, child and community are safe, I will always try my best to better myself in order to help others.

Q . As a student of Masters in Law, How do you think that your education will benefit you in fulfilling your ambition?

I discovered my voice when I started my Master of Law Juris Doctor program. When you have something to give to the world, you should never be afraid to use it in order to give back. My education has helped me and will continue to help me to advocate for women and children in order to stop war and violence.

Q . How would you like to represent yourself at the international stage of Miss Grand International 2018?

As a representative of Australia, I embody our values of unity, kindness and hard work. I endeavor to represent our country and its diversity at Miss Grand Internationalupholding Australian values at all times. We are a progressive people and Miss Grand Australia has been the perfect platform to represent that aspect of our identity.

Q . Who is your ideal, if any and what values of theirs do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?

Barack Obama. In the face to negativity regarding his race, education and background, he rose above it all. He was graceful and kind in his presidency and continues to hold himself to a high standard. The next generation can learn a lot from him as he showcases that through adversity and hardship, you can still achieve your goals and inspire other young people.

Q . If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?

I would travel across as many boarders as possible. I love going to new places and I’m very adventurous.

Q . Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

Christmas time with my grandmother was the most memorable and most special childhood memory that I cling to.  My grandmother would prepare her Christmas tree and decorate it with balls of cotton wool to resemble snow.My grandmother would bake cakes wearing her yellow apron and the smell of the baking would fill the whole house. The sun would stream into the kitchen and there was a cool summer breeze. It was a time for family, warmth and laughter. The last time I saw grandmother before she passed away, she gave me her yellow apron which I continue to treasure and is a daily reminder of her love, compassionand care for others.

Q . What or who empowers you to be yourself and work hard everyday?

My mother is my inspiration. I live in a single parent household and she has fought to better my future. My mother has sacrificed a lot, by leaving Zimbabwe, moving to England and then Australia; she is resilient and empowered but also kind and gentle. My mother is selfless and endeavors to support those in need to the best of her ability.  To me, she embodies true beauty and if I can be a quarter of the woman she is, I would have done a good job.

Q . What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

Coffee is definitely my guilty pleasure. I live in Melbourne and we have a very strong coffee culture.

Q . We’re sure that this competition is another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you ultimately want to achieve?

My aim is to have a positive impact in Australia and the world by advocating for women and children affected by domestic violence. Miss Grand Australia is an incredible platform to break barriers and bring taboo subjects into the light. Together we can make sure that every person who experiences domestic violence is heard and knows that we do not accept violence and war and this starts in the home.

Q . If you are granted 3 wishes right now, what would you ask for?

The first wish would be to end domestic violence against women and children, achieving a healthy lifestyle for all and being the first black African-Australian to be Miss Grand International.

Q . Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans of Angelopedia?

This crown and title represents all of us and it unites us. We are all different and unique and this should be celebrated. Thank you for being so kind and gracious and welcoming me into the Miss Grand International family.