Meet the 26-year-old set to represent Kilkenny at Miss Universe Ireland 2024

Faiza Kanjaoui (26) from Seville Rise will represent Kilkenny at the final of Miss Universe Ireland 2024 at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk on Friday.

A fully qualified dentist and Master in Oral Reconstructive surgery and Implantology, Faiza was a dental volunteer in Vietnam in 2019 and hopes to promote confidence, empowerment and education for everyone, but especially young girls. She has seen first hand the importance of education as a way to empower oneself. 

Faiza achieved top grades in her schooling at Loreto Kilkenny, securing a prestigious All-Ireland Scholarship in 2017, awarded to disadvantaged students with the best Leaving Cert points nationwide. The Miss Universe contestant remained focused and accepted a place at Trinity College a short time later where she continued to reach great academic heights.

Some 27 finalists from all over Ireland will compete for the coveted Miss Universe Ireland crown this Friday at a spectacular ceremony with a special guest performance from Irish chart-topping Boyband ‘Next in Line’.  Current title holder Aisha Akorede will crown the winner who will then represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City this November 16 following in footsteps of previous winners Roz Purcell, Joana Copper and current title holder Aishah Akorede.

Aishah Akorede (25), from Leixlip, Co Kildare has made waves as the current Miss Universe Ireland. She represented Ireland in El Salvador last year and was featured in news outlets across the globe, including CNN, in her National Costume for Ireland as she rocked the incredible stage a handmade recycled unique creation from Claire Garvey Designs called Cliodhna ,The Celtic Goddess of The Sea.

Aishah, a  Law Graduate, is currently completing the Chartered Governance Qualification Programme. She also holds a Masters in International Corporate Governance with a Degree Plus Employability Award from Queens University Belfast. She also works as a Fashion Model but her greatest passion is her work as founder of 'Recrowned Ireland': a social justice initiative aimed at helping women feel comfortable, confident and aware.  

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global, inclusive organisation that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds and religions creating a safe space for women to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically.

For the first time ever, finalists can be married or divorced, they can be mothers or trans women and there is NO upper age limit of height requirements.  Contestants from over 90 countries compete each year for the title of Miss Universe.

The women who participate in this international platform serve as inspirational leaders and role models to their communities and fans around the world.  The Miss Universe Organization exists to advocate for a future forged by women - women with the courage to push the limits of what’s possible, who are curious enough to make world-shaking discoveries, and audacious enough to do this over and over. 
READ MORE: FAIZA TO REPRESENT KILKENNY

The 73rd Miss Universe Competition takes place in Mexicothis November 16. The highly-anticipated event will feature 90 women from around the globe vying for the job of Miss Universe, selected via events including personal statements, in-depth interviews, evening gown, and swimwear. The evening will culminate with the 72nd Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua crowning her successor at the end of the event.

Tickets for the Miss Universe Ireland final are available from www.g8events.ie and highlights will be shown on social media @missuniverseireandorg.