The Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) Committee has announced the 10 finalists for its 2024 pageant, spotlighting young women leaders dedicated to social impact across Papua New Guinea.
Each finalist, chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, represents a diverse set of backgrounds and skills, including fields such as law, science, political science, and construction management.
This year’s finalists include:
– May Torowi Hasola (21), a law student from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
– Joyce Jerry (25) from East New Britain, a coordinator at IBS University.
– Caitlen Latumahina (23) from Milne Bay and Manus, a final-year student at Divine Word University.
– Shonaye Leslie (24) from Gulf and AROB, a medical scientist at Port Moresby General Hospital.
– Natalie Mwayawa (24) from Central and Milne Bay, an executive officer at the Institute of Banking and Business Management.
– Yasmine Tabogani (25) from East Sepik, Milne Bay, and Manus, a graduate trainee at PNG DataCo.
– Jan-Khyara Sitapai (23) from Manus, working in communications at St Barbara- Simberi Gold Company.
– Nevielly Kavop (22) from East New Britain, AROB, and West New Britain, a recent UPNG graduate.
– Michaelyne Marum (22) from East New Britain, a business graduate working for Air Niugini.
– Getta Kambar (24) from Simbu, Eastern Highlands, and Gulf, a construction management graduate.
The pageant will be held on December 3, 2024, aligned with the International Day of Disabilities.
In a social media post, the MBoP states they are focused on advocacy, and promotes the educational rights of children with disabilities, striving to make PNG more inclusive and accessible.
The committee thanked all applicants and encouraged those not selected to reapply next year.