Gorseinon 16 year-old is Miss Wales finalist

A young woman from Gorseinon, Swansea has been selected as a Miss Wales 2023 finalist. 

16-year-old Mia Williams from Gorseinon, studies full time at Gower College Swansea, where she studies 4 A levels, as well as working a part time job.

She says she is passionate about encouraging others to speak out about mental illness and has built an online Instagram platform to raise awareness about how to support people dealing with mental illnesses. Such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder etc. Her platform is used as a safe space and she encourages people to speak up if they are struggling.  

Mia, who is sponsored by The Cosmetik Clinic, said: “I am so excited to begin my Miss Wales 2023 journey and progress through the new adventures and experiences in store through the Miss Wales competition.

“My priority is to fundraise for the Miss World charity, Beauty with A Purpose, and to spread the Miss Wales message of confidence in young women. Aswell as raising awareness for mental health and the day-to-day struggles people face.

“I’m also looking forward to all the friends and memories I’ll make along the way.” 

The Miss Wales 2023 final will take place in April and involve a three-day event including an empowerment day designed to boost the confidence of contestants; the Miss Wales Charity Ball in aid of the Miss World charity Beauty With A Purpose; and a catwalk event in front of an audience and panel of judges. 

The events will take place in the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and The Riverfront in Newport. 

In the run up to the final, the girls will undertake a series of challenges including raising money for the Miss World Charity, Beauty With A Purpose. They will also be taking part in a random act of kindness day on St David’s Day and holding female-related events to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March. 

As well as the fundraising and personal development opportunities, the finalists will also have the opportunity to enjoy the glamorous side of the Miss Wales experience including attending special events, doing photoshoots and working with the media. 

Miss Wales organiser, Paula Abbandonato, said: “Miss Wales is committed to Beauty With A Purpose and that means empowering young women and raising money for good causes through the glamour and fun of pageantry. The girls get to make great friends and experience new opportunities while really doing their bit for charity.” 

The current Miss Wales is 21-year-old Darcey Corria from Barry. The reigning Miss World is Karolina Bielawska from Poland. 

The last time Wales won Miss World was in 1974 when Helen Morgan from Barry took the crown. Sophie Moulds from Ferndale came close in 2012 when she was placed first runner up. 

The new Miss Wales will represent Wales at Miss World 2023 and will enjoy a year of VIP experiences while supporting a number of children’s charities in Wales.