Imagine feeling silenced, your voice unheard simply because of your background. Lisa Austin, a Miss England contestant, is determined to shatter that reality. She's not just aiming for a crown; she's fighting for representation, and her story is truly inspiring.
Lisa Austin is a force to be reckoned with, a woman who knows how to make things happen. A testament to her resilience, she overcame struggles with acne, and with the support of Caesium Skin Clinic, she remarkably won the Bare Face Round, securing her spot in the Miss England finals on November 20th and 21st, bringing her closer to representing England at Miss World.
But here's where it gets controversial... Austin is leveraging her platform to challenge the very fabric of media representation through her campaign, "Because I Can." As the daughter of a Nigerian immigrant, Lisa experienced firsthand the frustration of seeing people from similar backgrounds consistently marginalized and their stories overlooked. "Because I Can" isn't just a campaign; it's a comprehensive plan to reshape the system from the ground up, ensuring inclusivity and diverse voices are amplified.
She's enthusiastically embracing Miss World's "Beauty With A Purpose" initiative to amplify her passion to a global audience. As mentioned before, Austin is a doer. Let's delve into her campaign and her motivations.
Steve Baltin: Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
Lisa Austin: Alicia Keys is definitely up there. I really enjoy her music. My taste is quite eclectic, though. I love pop, a bit of R&B, and even exploring country music now because a friend is trying to convert me! So, it's all over the place. I'm always open to recommendations for the best artists to listen to right now.
Baltin: What was the last live show you attended?
Austin: It was Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter show over the summer. The entire production was incredible, and she's just an amazing performer.
Baltin: How did witnessing someone as driven and perfectionistic as Beyoncé inspire you?
Austin: Her work ethic is absolutely inspiring. Seeing the sheer number of shows she performs and how dedicated she is – it’s truly motivational. It reminds me of my dad, an immigrant who came to London seeking a better life. He had an incredible work ethic. He was an accountant but initially took on blue-collar work to support my mum. Being around hard workers, like Beyoncé, definitely inspires me. It's interesting, isn't it, how different forms of dedication can resonate with us?
Baltin: Where was your dad originally from?
Austin: He was from Nigeria. I was born here in England. I'm not sure exactly when he immigrated, but he recently passed away.
Baltin: I am so sorry for your loss. Grief is a complex process that influences everything. Do you feel his spirit motivates you?
Austin: Absolutely. There are times when I feel like withdrawing from the competition, but I can't give up. I feel his presence, like a gentle push, reminding me to persevere. It helps me keep pushing forward. And that leads me to "Because I Can."
Baltin: As the daughter of immigrants, can you elaborate on the importance of giving back?
Austin: I was given a chance, and I want to extend that same opportunity to others. My degree is in Communications, and I'm pursuing a Master's in Public Policy, focusing on media regulation to promote greater inclusivity. That's the core of "Because I Can." It’s about including marginalized and underrepresented people by providing them with a platform to tell their stories. I want to create a framework for institutions to adopt. This includes incorporating media literacy and digital communication training into school curricula and encouraging media organizations to hire individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. This way, they can authentically share their experiences and shed light on their communities.
Baltin: Could you share an example where you felt people were underrepresented?
Austin: The Grenfell Tower fire was a devastating event. I attended school just five minutes away, and I could see the building from my media class. It was a turning point for me. The media coverage, in my opinion, missed the mark. I felt that if people from those affected communities were involved in telling the story, it would have been different.
Baltin: In what way? What did you feel was missing from the narrative?
Austin: It was about who was telling the story. I felt that people from those communities weren't given the opportunity to say, "This is our story to tell," instead of having someone else speak for them.
Baltin: Of course, that's a longstanding issue.
Austin: Exactly, and that's what inspired me to create "Because I Can." My education in media and communications helped me develop something that could actually work. So far, we've reached over 37,000 people online, raising awareness and engagement. Additionally, I've spoken with over 150 people through outreach and interviews, including survivors and those affected by Grenfell. This isn't just a UK issue; under-representation and misrepresentation are global problems. I believe this framework can be applied internationally. I've been in contact with the BBC, at both the London and regional levels, to encourage them to adopt this framework and hopefully expand it both nationally and globally.
Baltin: Are there specific organizations or individuals you'd like to collaborate with?
Austin: I see the BBC partnership as a starting point, and I hope it continues to grow. That's why the Miss World stage is so important – it provides international visibility to attract more attention and support. Miss World offers a platform for this kind of work through their "Beauty with a Purpose" charity, and Miss World England also champions this initiative. This is my Beauty with a Purpose project. While it started before, I can use this platform to amplify it and make a bigger impact.
Baltin: Within the Miss England world, when you advocate for underprivileged kids and journalists, are people surprised? What are the biggest misconceptions about beauty pageants?
Austin: People often assume it's solely about beauty. I always emphasize that the competition is a celebration of the hard work done beforehand. That's the last thing on my mind. I joined this competition because of "Beauty with a Purpose" – to give back and make a positive impact in my community. The Miss World stage is the perfect platform, reaching millions of viewers. It's an opportunity to use my passion, which is modeling. I consider modeling a passion because I'm good at it, but it's not my ultimate purpose. My purpose is helping underrepresented people and pushing for more inclusivity in the industry.
Baltin: Do you have a role model for using influence for good?
Austin: I'd say my dad. It might sound cliché, but he sacrificed so much for our future and showed me that success is possible.
Baltin: What is Miss World?
Austin: Miss World is a global pageant initially created by Eric Morley and now run by Julia Morley. I’m competing in Miss England, which is the official English qualifier for Miss World, run by Angie Beasley. That’s why winning Miss England means so much to me, the winner goes on to represent England on the Miss World stage. Miss World is an international pageant whose core ethos is Beauty With a Purpose, and that aligns deeply with the work I’m doing.
And this is the part most people miss... Lisa Austin is challenging the traditional narrative of beauty pageants, proving that they can be powerful platforms for social change. What do you think? Can beauty pageants truly be a force for good? Are they effective tools for raising awareness about important issues, or do they perpetuate harmful stereotypes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
