What do you think the reaction would have been if you had won the title in 2018?
riences on how we can globally advance cultural awareness.
Unfortunately, I think it would have been somewhat similar. I think my platform is so much more relevant now than ever before. That being said, we’re now in the midst of a movement of young people standing up and fighting for what they believe in.
As someone who’s been a victim of its crueller side, what are your feelings toward social media and the way it’s used?
Social media is a wonderful resource. We are connected globally through our fingertips and when used appropriately [it] can create positive discussions and movements. I think it’s incredibly important for us to be teaching healthy social media habits and also practicing them, as well. Because of the prevalence of bullying happening in schools, I helped launch ‘Act to Change’, an anti-bullying programme through the White House Initiative on Asian Americans.
Tell us about your talk at the Global WIL Economic Forum. What does it entail?
Growing up in rural Oklahoma and Michigan, I realised I was culturally different; I wasn’t part of the stereotypical ‘American family’. I was the only person of Indian origin in my classes… I often found myself in conversation with classmates, correcting stereotypes and media images. My talk primarily focuses on my experiences growing up as a secondgeneration Asian American. ‘Celebrating Diversity through Cultural Competency’ is intended to spark a conversation about diversity, inclusion, and assimilation.
Who were some of the women you looked up to growing up?
I’m lucky to come from a family of strong women who have always emphasised the importance of education. I’m especially inspired by my grandmother who acquired a small elementary school in India during the 1950s and over 60 years later, she’s turned that elementary
“Becoming Miss America was no easy feat and I certainly wasn’t going to have anyone’s opinion of my skin colour dictate my success, beauty, or intelligence.”
| Beauty queen, entrepreneur school into a degree-granting college and university. Unfortunately, millions of girls around the world face barriers that prevent them from attending school that boys simply do not.
There’s been more prominent and visible crossovers these days between Bollywood and Hollywood, from Priyanka Chopra starring in to Deepika Padukone in the franchise with Vin Diesel. What do you make of it?
I think it’s amazing. It’s also incredible to see so many other South Asian Americans entering creative industries. It’s an exciting time for us.
You’ve always been outspoken around issues of cultural competency. Can you explain what that term means to you?
Celebrating everyone’s unique individuality. We’re standing at a time where industries are finally recognising and understanding the strength and value in diversity. It’s not simply an afterthought, it’s something that’s shifting to be the expectation. Diversity and representation
Resilience and action. From this last election, we’ve seen young people mobilise and use their voices. It’s so important that we educate ourselves.
Finally, what are you working on right now?
Growing aavrani and of course continuing my speaking tour and work in the hosting arena. Every day is so different and I wouldn’t have it any other way.