My name is Dani Fitch. I am a 27-year-old Australian-Filipino, qualified pharmacist, model and humanitarian. I studied for a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science and a Master's of Pharmacy in Queensland which eventually brought me to Sydney where I now work for a medical research company as a medical scientific liaison. Since 2013, I have been working alongside an anti-human trafficking organisation to help put an end to child sex slavery and violence throughout Asia, focusing specifically on funding rescue missions in Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines and India. Last year, I raised over $20,000 single-handedly for Variety the Children's charity which went towards providing medical aid and assistance to disadvantaged or sick children here in Australia. I became Miss Grand Australia in my pursuit to landing a platform whereby I may continue making a social impact and provide light to those in need in a dark, formidable world.
YOU WILL BE COMPETING IN ONE OF THE WORLD'S FASTEST-GROWING INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT. HOW ARE YOU PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE COMPETITION?
I have been a model for nearly 8 years now, so a lot of my photographic and runway training has been focused on refining technique specific to pageantry and weeding out bad habits. Otherwise, most of my preparation has been focused around styling, speech and PR/media training. I have been going to yoga 3 times a week to keep fit, manage my stress and keep myself centred. I also walk most mornings to clear my mind. I am an avid soccer player and dancer, so that also keeps me in shape.
DID YOU HAVE ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PAGEANTS IN GENERAL? IF SO, HOW HAVE THEY CHANGED? IF NOT, THEN WHY ARE YOU COMPETING IN ONE?
Not really, no. Not anymore anyway. I have been in the pageant game for over 5 years now (I competed in Universe, World and now Grand) so I think I stamped out most of my misconceptions years ago. Initially, like many others in Australia, I believed pageants to be just a glorified top model search, but after my first pageant I soon came to realise that pageants are a platform for empowering determined women who are doing their best to better the world.
IF YOUR FRIENDS WERE TO DESCRIBE YOU, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
I think they would mention words like 'determined' and 'resilient'. I have experienced a lot of set backs and hard times throughout my life, but nothing and nobody got in the way of what I set out to achieve.
WHAT MAKES YOU SAD/ WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Violation of human rights deeply disturbs and saddens me. Puppies always make me happy, so when I'm having a blue day I go down to the park behind my house, sit on the grass and watch all the dogs play.
IF YOU COULD CURE ANY DISEASE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Mental illness - particularly the 'black dog' (depression). Not only does my job require that I discuss detailed patient cases every single day, 9 hours a day, but I also have many people close to my heart affected by this silent demon. No one deserves to feel that lost or hopeless.
YOU HAVE BOTH AUSTRALIAN AND FILIPINO HERITAGE IN YOU. WHICH ASPECT OF EACH RESPECTIVE HERITAGE DO YOU LIKE THE MOST? LIKE LEAST?
Like most -Aussie: easy going natureFilo: smiley temperament - no matter how bad their situation or disposition, they always find a reason to put on a big smile
Like least - Aussie: lazinessFilo: laziness
HOW DO YOU HANDLE A TACTLESS PERSON WHO MAKES HIS/HER PREJUDICES KNOWN IN PUBLIC?
If it isn't my business, I won't get involved. However, if I feel it is negatively affecting another person, organisation or group and it is a deep injustice, I will intervene by opening up the lines of communication based on fact, not emotion. Understanding reasons why is the most important part of conflict resolution.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A BOY REJECT YOU? HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?
Of course. I went out and got a Bachelors degree, a Masters degree, a great job, a strapping modelling career and a shiny crown. That's how I handled it.
IF YOU COULD SPEND A SATURDAY READING A NOVEL OR SHOPPING, WHICH WOULD YOU PICK AND WHY?
Reading a novel, I'm a huge book worm! It fuels my creativity when I write.
DO YOU THINK YOUNG WOMEN WHO HAVE HAD COSMETIC SURGERY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO COMPETE IN PAGEANTS AGAINST CONTESTANTS WHO HAVEN'T HAD SURGERY?
I am pro-choice and as competent adults I feel each person can make up their own mind about what they think is necessary for their own life. To each their own. I would not exclude anyone from making a difference in this world due to something as superficial as cosmetic surgery, whether that be in a beauty pageant or in their community.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL APPEARANCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My whole life I struggled with my skin colour, particularly growing up in Northern Queensland where racial prejudice still resided, but now I embrace my complexion and wouldn't change a thing. Besides, I have saved so much time and money in pageantry with this all-year long tan!
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST IN LIFE AND WHY?
My dad. No matter how many times life kept trying to knock him down, he kept getting back up and going back for more. I can really resonate with that type of mentality.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF THE WORD "SUCCESS?"
Getting back up even when you fail. The ultimate success is achieving your goal despite failing the first/second/third time.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF FIVE YEARS FROM NOW?
I see myself leveraging my position to run regular rescue missions in Asia funded by the gala fundraising events I host in Sydney and Melbourne. I currently run what I have titled #FortuneProject whereby I bring together more fortunate and well positioned people of Australian capital cities to put forward donations, services and goods to provide for the less fortunate.
DANI'S FAVORITES
Singer/Musician – India Arie
Actor – Robin Williams
Actress – Julia Roberts
Color – rainbow
Fashion Designer – vintage
Perfume – Elizabeth Arden Pretty
Flower – Lily
Writer – e. e. cummings
Book – "Chinese Cinderella"
Movie – "The Shawshank Redemption"
Quote - “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson
Hashtag - #danifitch #missgrandaustralia
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