candidatas a miss universe great britain 2023. final: 8 july.

Rachel Teresa Wilson

Age: 23

Location: Aberdeen

Bio: My name is Rachel Teresa Wilson and I am a law student at the University of Aberdeen. I am extremely ambitious. My goal is to become a family lawyer in order to support women enduring challenging times such as divorce and child custody proceedings. Also, I absolutely love animals and enjoy looking after my golden retriever puppy, Mary. I strive to be a role model for young girls and my dream is to show girls that it is important to embrace ambition. After achieving my English degree from university in Edinburgh, I decided to pursue my dream to become a lawyer. I am in my final term of my law degree and I look forward to graduating in June this year. I believe that the essence of being a woman is embracing both womanhood and intellect and to understand that these two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Being a woman is caring for those who are less fortunate than you and empowering those who do not have a voice. I hope to study the graduate diploma in professional legal practice in September which will qualify me as a junior lawyer. I look forward to experiencing the sisterhood which is synonymous with pageantry at Miss Universe Great Britain!

Rajnie Kaur

Age: 26

Location: Cheshire

Bio: I am a Sikh feminist advocating for safe spaces for women. While facing harassment and discrimination at university, writing poetry became my saving grace. I became a spoken word poet, performing across the world, using my voice and story to fight for women’s rights. Determined to use my experiences of sexism to encourage other women to step into their power, I create safe spaces to support victims of harassment and/or sexual harassment. My initiative provides women with sessions exploring poetry, journalling and a positive sense of self-identity. I work with the domestic abuse charity, the Asian Women’s Resource Centre, providing workshops to help women process difficult events. I also work closely with ‘Resist Rape Culture’ supporting University students experiencing sexism to find their purpose. Anti-racism is also a cause close to my heart having studied the history of medical racism and racial stereotypes. My research led to the uncovering of a black market in Virginia, which is one of my greatest achievements. I now work as a HR partner for a leading bank, where I act as an ambassador of behavioural and cultural change. Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes!

Sharon Gaffka

Age: 27

Location: Oxford

Bio: I am a British TV personality, being one of the youngest panellists on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine Show; published writer in Grazia, Glamour and Metro as well as a political activist with a focus on VAWG. Being the first and only UK personality to work with any British police force on women’s safety. Having spent seven years working on policy and operations in Government, I was inspired to exploit my academic and professional skills to lobby for legislative change, including working alongside the Home Office to reclassify the substance GHB from a Class C to a Class B. This work led me to be nominated, and go on to win, MHP’s 30 To Watch: Politics Award, which recognises the best young talent in British politics. Last year, I became an ambassador to the UKs largest domestic violence organisation, Refuge, to address the lack of protection for women and girls in the Online Safety Bill. I helped deliver a petition to Downing Street asking the government to implement a formal code of practice to protect vulnerable groups online. 2023 has been an immersive year for British Asian’s taking up higher office, however, these have all been men. My ambition is to continue that representation, with the inclusion of British Asian women at Miss Universe Great Britain and the House of Commons.

Simren Vernon

Age: 23

Location: London

Bio: I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and am now completing my BSc at Royal Veterinary College. For my project, I am investigating the way husbandry can have health impacts on rabbits. I am active in advocating the way rabbits are cared for, after rescuing two of my own. I’m from a mixed background, with a white dad and Indian mum. I have lived in England in an area with limited diversity, leaving me feeling different to my peers. Moving to Dubai, I realised beauty comes in all colours, cultures, and religions. Returning to England I aimed to be a role model for girls of Indian heritage, representing them in the media. I volunteer for Mental Health UK, promoting a free programme in resilience and mental well-being to students aged 14-18 years old. When I competed in Miss Universe Great Britain in 2018 and in answer to my top five final question I answered I dream of introducing lessons on how to keep a positive mindset to help children get through difficult situations. I was elated when this programme was launched in 2019, after battling my own mental health struggles in my youth. I love helping others, inspiring conversations about mental health and boosting girls’ confidence.

Sophie Olivia Michelle Brett

Age: 20

Location: Taunton

Bio: My name is Sophie and as a half Russian-Ukrainian, and half-British individual, I have a deep understanding of different societies and a unique perspective. I am a student at Queen Mary, where I am studying BA German and Business. During my year abroad at the University of Zurich and ETH, I have been delving into banking, asset management, blockchain and German, demonstrating my academic prowess. With proficiency in English and German, and strong understanding of Russian, Spanish, and Swiss German, I actively connect with diverse groups. I always seek ways to make a positive impact in the business realm, with my involvement in 100 Women in Finance. My mindful approach to business ventures includes promoting sustainably sourced clothing while advocating for mental health awareness with the hashtag initiative #MindfulConnection. I have worked with some of the biggest names in finance and real estate, displaying my determination and ability to excel in a competitive field. My diverse background makes me an exciting and dynamic candidate for the title of Miss Universe Great Britain. My experiences in the Royal Air Force and as a volunteer at a nursing home highlight my leadership qualities and compassionate nature, demonstrating my potential to be an inspirational role model for young women everywhere.

Sophie Bell

Age: 25
Location: Swansea
Bio: I'm Sophie Bell, 25 from Swansea. I enjoy walking our dog Ralph on the beautiful Welsh coast, listening to music, being with friends and family and working on my fitness. When not doing those I'm with my true best friend - Ninja the Air Fryer. I work at Renault as a customer diamond and I’m also a matchday hostess for Swansea City AFC, both roles involve a high level of customer care which I thoroughly enjoy. I've also been helping my Dad building trade stands in Europe and the UK which has been a totally different experience swapping the heels for steel toe caps. I model part time which began after finding my confidence through winning Miss Swansea and placing first runner up at Miss Wales 2016, this has led to some of my proudest moments such as walking for Guess at Lake Como and being a face for a Mark Hill Hair Campaign. At 6ft 1, my height has always been a topic of conversation which wasn't always welcome as a shy teenager. However, I've learned to love my height and now I wouldn't be me without it! I will still wear the highest heels at Miss Universe Great Britain because that's what makes me feel good. Hopefully I will inspire other young girls to embrace their natural selves and follow in my shoes.

Tiya Chudasama

Age: 23

Location: Chichester

Bio: I am a 23-year-old computer science student from Chichester. During Covid, our family business started a food home delivery service to the elderly which I still continue to do today. Being able to help with this is very rewarding and shows I can communicate with all age ranges from the elderly to the very young as I was also a team leaders for Brownies, being someone they can trust and look up to as a role model which to me is very important. Adventure and challenging myself is something I always look for whether it is travelling to other countries and educating myself on their cultures and lifestyles or taking part of something as in team which I did when I completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Combining my imagination and creativity for greetings cards, I decided to make a little business out of it ‘Handmade by Tiya’ which I thoroughly adore. Being enrolled in many extracurricular activities since the age of three including dance, horse riding and kick boxing has made me the disciplined and determined individual that I am today which I am truly thankful for. I am motivated by my love for learning and succeeding as I strive to become a successful woman in today’s society.

Vicky Turner

Age: 27

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Bio: My name is Vicky Turner, I am 27-years-old and a marketing manager living in Newcastle. I’m also a mum to a 19 month old and a business owner of a modelling and social media agency based in the North East. It was my time away from work after having my baby that made me realise how little support mum’s have access to while on maternity both financially and mentally. It also shocked me how little the statutory maternity pay was, and even less for self-employed women and business owners. With this in mind, I set up 9 to mum, because being a mum is never just a 9-5. It’s a community hub online that helps support new mums, mums on maternity leave and those who are confused or need advice about returning to work. With the new rule change for allowing mothers, I want to show how being a mother doesn’t have to limit what we can achieve as women. Having children does not mean we have to give up on our dreams, it should only make them burn brighter

Yemeya

Zoe Phipps

Age: 26

Location: Swansea

Bio: I am Zoe, I am 26-years-old and from Swansea. I have a degree in accounting and finance with law from Aberystwyth University. I work in financial advice and am studying to be a financial adviser. I want to use my experience and education to help people understand their finances better and be more money savvy. After working hard and saving hard, I purchased my first house at 22 on my own. I am so proud that I was able to do this as it was a huge goal of mine. I have now sold this and bought a fixer upper with my husband. I am now getting stuck in and renovating this property. I am learning how to use tools and do DIY projects. I really enjoy fundraising for charity. I have run 10ks, organised events, sold my belongings that I no longer need and packed bags at a supermarket. I have fundraised for British Heart Foundation, Beauty for a Purpose and A-Sisterhood. I enjoy a range of hobbies. I love being creative, I used to sell my wine glass charms and resin projects on Etsy. I enjoy lifting weights as I like to challenge myself to increase my personal best.