Epiphanyetaline Agalelei Vaomua Wright, a 25-year-old aspiring lawyer is making waves as she represents the Samoan community in New South Wales, Australia.

For Ms Wright, this pageant is more than just a competition; it's a chance to honour the values instilled in her by her family and community. 

"I am deeply humbled and honoured to represent not only the community supporting me but also the one that raised me," she shared in a recent interview with the Samoa Observer. 

Her journey to the Miss Samoa stage is driven by a profound sense of duty and a desire to reflect the principles of dedication, leadership, humility, and love that have shaped her life.

Raised predominantly by her grandparents, Ms. Wright attributes much of her strength and resilience to their nurturing. 

Their influence has been instrumental in her personal and professional development. The passing of her maternal grandmother in April of this year became a pivotal moment for Ms. Wright. 

It reignited her passion for pageantry, motivating her to pursue a lifelong dream, of being a contestant for Miss Samoa, as a tribute to the values her grandmother embodied.

Ms. Wright's admiration for her grandmother is evident as she reflects on the impact her late matriarch had on her life. "Listening to the tributes and eulogies, I realised how profoundly she touched the lives of those around her. 

"She taught me the essence of service, humility, and resilience,". She aims to honour her grandmother’s legacy by embodying these values on stage and beyond.

Her participation in the Miss Samoa pageant is also an opportunity for personal growth. 

"This experience has been incredibly unique. It has opened my eyes to aspects of our culture and community that I hadn't fully understood before. As a Samoan residing in Australia, this journey is helping me connect more deeply with our heritage and how it can enhance my role as Miss Samoa New South Wales," Ms. Wright explained.

Empowering youth and preserving cultural traditions are central to Ms. Wright’s advocacy. 

She believes that the youth are the future leaders and that recognising their contributions is crucial. 

Ms. Wright is passionate about involving young people in cultural preservation and ensuring that they embrace and celebrate their identity. 

"One of the critical aspects of this journey is teaching the younger generation about our traditions and language. This is vital for ensuring our culture endures for future generations," she said.

In addition to her pageant aspirations, Ms. Wright is a dedicated law student in her third year, aiming to specialise in Family Law. 

She envisions returning to Samoa to practice law and contribute to her homeland. 

Her commitment to her faith and community is evident in her active involvement with the Methodist Church, where she serves as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and choir secretary.

Ms. Wright’s journey to the Miss Samoa title is a testament to her unwavering dedication to service, her community, and her cultural heritage. 

Whether or not she takes home the crown, her participation is a celebration of the values and principles she holds dear and a reflection of the impact of her upbringing.