Today we’d like to introduce you to Hajera Naeem
Hi Hajera, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hajera Naeem Shahbaz the current Ms. Universe International 2024-2025. She was your Former Ms. Universe 2021 and has held several titles over the years. She a Litigation Paralegal for a law firm in Houston Texas. She is a huge advocate of women empowering and has a great admiration for pageant industry. She loves supporting women and that’s what inspired her to join pageantry. She currently resides in the Houston, Texas and is a spokesperson,
fundraiser, organizer, recruiter, volunteer, sponsor procurer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a minority woman entering pageant industry which is considered taboo in Pakistani community it had it’s obstacles but with the support of my friends and family I have come a long way, I want to portray the positive image of pageantry to the Eastern Asian community. Being a minority with very little representation in pageants she wanted to give inspiration to more Pakistani women to come out and represent what they believe in. She hopes to make a difference with her support. Hajera has taken on the crucial issue of domestic violence, with a particular focus on disadvantaged women from diverse cultural backgrounds.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Throughout the years Hajera has worked with several charities. Right now she is an active member of UNICEF and states that no job is too big or too small when a child can be helped. As an ombudsman for the Refugee Alliance in the United States, she assists refugees with language problems, adjusting to a new culture, finding a residence and hopefully employment recognizing that they want to be a contributing part of a wonderful country. She is a growing star in the fashion industry and has her calendar filled with social engagements including Charity balls, Fashion shows and International travels.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
She thinks that pageant industry has evolved over the years from being a more appearance oriented and outer beauty focused to a more inclusive industry. More pageants with purpose are coming forward. Slowly more and more pageants are removing the age limit and marital status requirements. Women of all color and shape are welcomed to compete compared a decade ago when she entered the industry. She thinks that the pageant and fashion industry is on a revolutionary path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.universeinternational.org/winners/msui2024/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hajera.naeem/?igsh=MTdzNWp6ZjMzejgwcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Neil Jou , Shane Dante (Brown Dress Sitting down with sash on the table) and Les Photos De Najma (green Dress)
