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Meet the newly crowned Miss Zimbabwe-US 2012, Vanessa Dambanyika Mbedzi, a Business student at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States.
The 20-year-old beauty queen who hails from the border town of Beitbridge, outclassed seven other equally beautiful contestants who were also vying for the crown. Alinane Chitseko was crowned First Princess and Second Princess is Thandekile-Melissa Rhoades who also won Miss Photogenic.
“I feel so proud of myself to be crowned Miss Zimbabwe US because I have achieved one of my goals and I’m motivated to do greater things.
“Zimbabwe is one of the more popular countries in Africa which is blessed with immense natural beauty, it is a country that raised me and I am proud to represent the country as Miss Zimbabwe US 2012. My dream is to make a positive change in children’s lives. I will, during my reign, give back to the less fortunate in society and these include orphans as a result of HIV/Aids. I believe that every child deserves to be educated in order to have a better future,” she said.
Vanessa is working with the Munhu Organisation, an NGO that helps orphans.
“I feel that being a part of that would be a great experience for me to help make a difference in my generation. During my reign I want to work with as many organisations as I can, to make a difference not only to children but also the youth in Zimbabwe.
“I will raise the Zimbabwean flag higher because I am proud to represent this beautiful nation,” she said.
Mbedzi has also just donated several blankets to Khayalethemba Orphanage in Beitbridge.
She says she was inspired by her mother, Mrs Mavis Mbedzi, a Beitbridge-based businesswoman.
“My mum is my role model. In fact, she is a woman who puts others before herself, hard working and has great faith in me and she taught me to be stronger and to set my goals higher and I am where I am because of her.
“Modelling is something I have always wanted to do. At the moment I am doing it part time because I’m still focusing on getting another degree in business management and when I am through that is when I will think of doing it on a full time basis,” said the beauty queen. But how did she manage to clinch the crown?
“Naturally I have a positive attitude, high self-esteem and confidence to perform in front of a big audience and I believe that is a vital element one needs for them to impress the judges.”
During the pageant and fashion show, Vanessa worked with Leah African Designs and Yambuka. She also received a modelling contract with internationally acclaimed IHI Modelling agency.
During her pastime, Vanessa enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and friends, listening to music and socialising.
She attended Portland Primary School in Colleen Bawn and Victoria High in Masvingo.
Born on 17 September 1991 in Beitbridge, Vanessa is the first born in a family of four children comprising three girls and a boy.
Online Reporter