The Young Professionals Women’s Network (YPWN) Orientation and Partnership Launch was not only a celebration of new beginnings but also a moment of inspiration as Miss Bird of Paradise 2024-2025, May Hasola, took center stage for an engaging Q&A session. The audience, filled with eager students to learn more about her journey, asked her questions that delved deep into her motivation, challenges, and aspirations following her participation in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant last month. With humility and gratitude, May opened the session by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to speak to a room filled with strong and resilient professionals. Then came the standout moment of Q&A session when a young woman from among the UPNG attendee's student asked May. “What lessons have you brought back from the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant to inspire young women in PNG?” In response, she emphasized the strength and importance of PNG women in nation-building. "One thing I've learned is that Papua New Guinea, especially our women, are very powerful and instrumental in building our country," May responded and then shared, "I am bringing back that empowerment—to remind young women that they are essential in shaping our nation’s future." This followed by a question to May by another eager attendees who asked, “What was your biggest challenge that you’ve faced during the competition and how did you overcome that challenge?” May admitted that initially she was nervous as being one of the youngest contestants, she feared how she would be perceived, but however, found her strength from the overwhelming support from Papua New Guineans. "Knowing that I had the largest island in the Pacific backing me up was my strength," she responded confidently and then continued by saying, "When I walked onto that stage, I was not just as May Hasola, but as the proud representative of PNG and that gave me confidence I needed." In a thought-provoking exchange, an audience member asked May how she maintains patriotism, especially in the face of the challenges PNG’s youth face—unemployment, education struggles, and economic difficulties. Before responding she acknowledged the hardships but highlighted the unity of the people as PNG’s greatest strength. "Even though we face many challenges, our unity keeps us together because as we celebrate the 50 years of independence, we need that unity now more than ever and instead of blaming our leaders, let’s ask ourselves this, WHAT ARE WE DOING TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITIES?" May’s words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the importance of resilience, self-belief and collective progress, with her journey to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant not just about personal success but about carrying the hopes and dreams of Papua New Guinea onto the international stage. As the session concluded, the room erupted in applause with May Hasola’s words served as a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges, the strength to rise, inspire, and lead lies within each of us. Her unwavering determination and belief in her people left an undeniable impact, proving that true leadership is not about titles but about lifting others and paving the way for the future generations.