INTERVIEW with Monique Sawyer || Lawyer & Mrs Galaxy Australia National Finalist 2024

Written By Suzanne Dang

Above: Photo by Damo Guy

SD: Hi Monique. Can you introduce yourself to my readers who don’t know you yet?

MS: Hello everyone! I am Monique Sawyer an award-winning Pageant Queen, currently serving as a national finalist representing Western Australia in the Mrs Galaxy Australia 2024 pageant. With a background in law, I have had a professional career as a family lawyer and hold a Master of Legal Practice from the Australian National University.

I utilise the best of my skills and talents to advocate for women, children and those facing adversity. I engage in philanthropic endeavours, volunteering and fundraising for various charities including youth mental health charity batyr and Fostering Hope Australia Inc.

I have proudly overcome a lot of difficulties and I hope my story of triumph over adversity as a teenage mother to an empowered woman serves as a testament to the importance of never giving up on your dreams to achieve your goals!

Despite the adversities, I am living my best Cinderella life happily married to my husband Maurice and raising my two sons, Isaac (17 years) and Theodore (2 years). 

Above: Photo supplied by Monique

SD: You’re a finalist for Mrs Galaxy Australia 2024. Can you tell us more about it?

MS: The Australia Galaxy Pageants is a fast growing pageant that provides a platform for women of all backgrounds to become the best version of themselves. There are four divisions in the pageant and I am currently competing in the Mrs division as Mrs North Perth Galaxy. Delegates are encouraged to use their platforms to make a difference to those around them.  Over the past decade, Australia Galaxy delegates have raised over $680,000 for designated charities (including batyr) and are encouraged to become active members within their communities through volunteering, fundraising and attending community events.

SD: How did you become interested in pageants? 

MS: Since I was a little girl I have been fascinated with pageants including the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. However, when I was a young teenage mother, I was really in awe of the Galaxy Girls. I saw them as these empowered women doing amazing things in their community and fundraising for great causes. This definitely left an impression on me and I am now so proud to have the opportunity to be a Mrs Galaxy Australia national finalist 2024!

SD: What’s in your makeup bag right now?

MS:  I like to be sun smart so a staple in my makeup bag is my SkinO2 Natural Mineral Sunscreen. Plus, I am loving the Huda Beauty #Faux Filter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundation as it’s amazing on and off stage!

Above: Photo by Gzee Pix

SD: What is your vision of success?

MS: My vision of success is not about what you achieve or something tangible, it’s about the person you become on the journey to success.

SD: What do you admire in a woman and why?

MS: I admire tenacity in a woman. Because of the many women I admire most have not had easy pasts, however one common trait I see in them is “tenacity”.

SD: If you could give one piece of advice to your 14 year old self, what would it be?

MS: Never give up! The only time you should give up is when there is a bigger goal to achieve.  

SD: Who are you most inspired by in the Pageant World and why?

 MS: As a mother of a coloured child, I am truly inspired by Shikye Alyce Smith, Australia Galaxy Pageants Director. Shikye made history as the first woman of colour to win the Miss Galaxy Australia title and again in America, becoming the first and, thus far, only Australian to win the coveted International Miss Galaxy title and now national pageant director. Her story serves as inspiration in breaking boundaries and to follow your own unique path.

SD: How have beauty pageants impacted your life and your career? 

MS: Beauty pageants have impacted my life and career in a positive way. They have provided a platform that empowers, advances my personal and career goals. That’s something unique and you don’t get those opportunities often. Most importantly this platform has allowed me to empower others, advocate for women, children and those facing adversity. My philanthropic work including with Fostering Hope Australia Inc and batyr is an example of this.

SD: What is your best beauty secret?

MS: Having a great smile is my best beauty secret. Teeth are important for a confident smile, good health, nutrition, eating and they also help you to speak clearly. I like to take good care of my teeth and I use Glowhite to touch up my smile.   

Above: Photo by JC Bridal & Events

Suzanne Dang
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