Meet The Rising Star Behind The Cover Of The Latest Issue Of StarCentral Magazine: Selina McCloskey

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Selina McCloskey, a 23-year-old from Newcastle, has just been crowned Miss International Australia 2024. Her journey to this title is marked by a unique blend of resilience, passion, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference. With her sights set on using her platform to drive meaningful change, Selina’s story defies expectations and leverages every opportunity to its fullest potential.

A Unique Start: Early Life and Education

Selina’s educational path began in an unconventional setting. Though she has both her sight and hearing, she attended a preschool for deaf and blind children. This early experience instilled in her a profound sense of empathy and gratitude, shaping her understanding of inclusivity and the importance of embracing one’s abilities. She learned to value every moment and to approach life with humility and determination.

She continued her education on an academic scholarship at Macquarie College, excelling in both her studies and sport. Her prowess on the basketball court earned her the opportunity to play college basketball in Texas and Kansas, where she honed her competitive spirit and leadership skills—qualities that would later become crucial in her career and advocacy work.

Academic Excellence and Professional Ambition
Selina’s academic journey reached a high point when she graduated with double distinction, a rare honour achieved by only two students in her year. She earned a Bachelor of Business in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, reflecting her ambition and dedication to carving out a path in the business world. Her academic accomplishments laid a robust foundation for her professional endeavours, showcasing her ability to balance high performance across multiple disciplines.

Commitment to Advocacy and Social Impact

Selina’s impact extends far beyond academics and athletics. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to philanthropy and advocacy, walking over 600 kilometres to raise awareness for breast and brain cancer. Her advocacy aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5: gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As a volunteer with Dress for Success, an organisation that helps women enter the workforce by providing styling advice, confidence-building workshops, and résumé reviews, Selina’s dedication to empowering women is clear. She is committed to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for women, making her a standout in both her community and on the global stage.

Fashion and Pageantry as Platforms for Change

Selina’s passion for fashion has also been an integral part of her journey. She is a regular competitor in Fashions on the Field at the races, where her flair and confidence have consistently earned her accolades. For Selina, fashion is not just about aesthetics; it’s a medium to express her creativity and convey messages of confidence and empowerment.

Her venture into pageantry began as a platform to amplify her advocacy work. Competing in pageants has allowed her to reach new audiences and strengthen her commitment to the causes she champions. Miss International is her third pageant and her first international competition. Being crowned Miss International Australia 2024 is not just a personal victory; it is a testament to her relentless pursuit of her goals and the impact she hopes to make on a global stage.

A Visionary Role Model for the Next Generation

Selina McCloskey’s journey embodies the qualities of a modern leader—resilience, empathy, and a drive to create positive change. From her unique educational background and academic excellence to her charitable efforts and fashion pursuits, Selina’s story is one of leveraging every opportunity to make a difference. As Miss International Australia 2024, she is poised to further her advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment, inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.

Selina’s vision for the future is clear: to use her platform to champion the causes she cares about, promote equality, and inspire others to dream big. With her determination, strategic mindset, and passion for social impact, she is well on her way to becoming a leading voice for change on both a national and international scale.