H&I Grand Productions, the official organization responsible for sending Ireland’s representative at Miss Grand International, officially appointed Rachel Slawson as the new Miss Grand Ireland 2023. Rachel will now prepare to represent Ireland at Miss Grand International 2023.
Rachel is 28 years of age and an Irish-American actress, model and keynote speaker. Just recently, Rachel competed at Miss Grand USA 2023 where she placed as the 2nd Runner-up. She is also former Miss Utah USA and made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ Miss USA contestant.
As an Irish American, Rachel plans to wear both cultures with pride and authenticity while most importantly shining a light on the international LGBTQ+ community. “I hope to be the first openly LGBTQ+ Miss Grand International, serving as a global ambassador to Stop the War and Violence against the international LGBTQ+ community”, she quoted as she was appointed Miss Grand Ireland.
Rachel takes immense pride in her Irish heritage and nationality as her mother bears the Hennessy name, and her 24th great-grandfather Brian Boru, the iconic King of Ireland. She has grown up embracing Irish traditions and culture while living internationally in the United States and Beijing, China.
The stunning beauty is a SAG-Eligible Actress, screenwriter, mental health keynote speaker, personal branding expert and empowerment coach. Rachel is a classically trained actress and studies with premier acting coaches including Ivana Chubbock, Howard Fine, Anthony Meindl, and Killian, and is an experienced Improv Comedian from UCB.
Rachel has been the face of a national campaign for BMW, has walked in NYFW and Miami Swim Week. As an advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, she spoke at the Utah State Capitol to help Utah become the 19th state to ban conversion therapy. She also serves as a board member for LoveLoud and has helped raise 1 million dollars for ONE-N-TEN, preventing youth homelessness, which Rachel personally overcame.
Rachel will now prepare to compete at Miss Grand International 2023, the 11th edition of Miss Grand International, to be held on 25th October 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where Isabella Menin of Brazil will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.