An Exclusive Interview With Leena Lindiwe-Miss Namibia 2024 First Runner-Up

A-CHOICES: Hi, Leena, Thank you for granting the interview. Your career is soaring and we’re excited to speak with you about it.What sparked your interest in beauty pageants? 

LEENA: Thank you for the opportunity. My interest in beauty pageants was sparked by a deep desire to combine my passion for personal development with my commitment to social impact. Growing up, I admired how pageants could empower individuals, fostering confidence and providing a platform for meaningful advocacy, but it was never something I ever thought I would be doing as I grew up more of a Tomboy and today I’m grateful to the Lord that I’m thriving in pageantry. For me, it was not just about the glamour, but about the chance to use that platform to inspire and create positive change in the world.

A-CHOICES: Growing up in Namibia, what was it like? Please give a concise autobiography of yourself and your educational background.

LEENA: Leena Lindiwe Mugena (23) is a computer science student majoring in software engineering/development at the Namibia University of Science and technology (Nust), an influencer, and model who owns a small cleaning and errands business. Elegance, intelligence and beauty all in one. She is the current Miss Nust 2023 which was her first ever beauty pageant and a students representative council member at Nust. She is the current Miss Namibia first Runner up 2024.

A-CHOICES: What do you remember the most about your first serious modelling job? Was it nerve-wracking?

LEENA: My first serious modeling job was both exciting and nerve-wracking. It was a major campaign for the best institution in Namibia called the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), and I was anxious about performing well,I’m such a perfectionist. However, the nerves pushed me to prepare thoroughly and practice diligently. That experience not only improved my skills but also taught me how to handle high-pressure situations. It became a turning point in my career, boosting my confidence and setting a strong foundation for future projects. I would never wanna stop here. I did all this without a mentor or team till to date as Miss Namibia first runner 2024

A-CHOICES: Tell me a little about your organisation called Teen Purpose Africa and its mission.

LEENA: I founded Teen Purpose Africa in 2019 with the goal of creating opportunities for youth who were unable to complete their high school education but still have a passion for acquiring or building on skills in areas such as sports, music, or further education. I chose to involve only women around my age to help run the organization and its mission but for those who want to be a part of it or needs our assistance is more than welcome. We are currently seeking funding to expand our operations nationally, with the hope of eventually establishing Teen Purpose branches in Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond.

A-CHOICES: Looking back, what has been the greatest challenge in your career so far?

LEENA: Looking back, the greatest challenges in my career have been multifaceted. First, navigating the public space and becoming a topic of widespread discussion has been overwhelming. I joined Instagram on August 6, 2023, and within 8-9 months, I reached over 15,000 followers—a rapid growth that was astonishing. Realizing that I am now one of the youngest well-known figures in my country was both exciting and daunting, especially without a mentor. I’ve relied on my emotional intelligence and guidance from God to navigate this journey.

Another challenge was balancing my social life with my art and school commitments. I have learned to prioritize activities that I believe will have a significant impact on my future, while cutting out social engagements that do not contribute positively or are distracting.

Lastly, not having a mentor has been a significant challenge. I’ve had to manage everything on my own

A-CHOICES: Do you have a mentor or role model who is helping you along the way in your career? 

LEENA: School wise yes I do. But when it comes to my modeling career I don’t, it would be lovely to get one someday. Just a few people I really admire and get some inspiration from.

A-CHOICES: For what in your life do you feel most grateful? 

LEENA: I feel most grateful for living my purpose and using my gifts to inspire so many young people with big dreams and ambitions. I am thankful for discovering my gift, having a very supportive family, and, most importantly, for the ability unwaveringly believe in myself.

A-CHOICES: If you were granted three wishes right now, what would you ask for?

1. To become one of the best models in the world, become international , and see myself on the biggest screens in NYC. Smiling 

2. To have so much money and build my dream orphanage and helpless home. A wish I wrote when I was like 16 or 15

3. To be happy for the rest of life till the day die. Almost impossible but yeah

A-CHOICES: Are there any projects that you are working on at the moment?Any community service activities or other business ventures?

LEENA:My foundation is called Omedi empowerment . Boy Child Empowerment Programme

The camps are Brought to you by the 4×4 initiative (weeklong camps for 50 Boys during school vacations) o Focus on Character Building

o Opportunity for Partners to capacitate Camp-site outside Okahandja with Tents and matrasses

The more your belief in your Dream, the more you will get out of it

Motivation 

In the year 2021 my dad got retrenched from work and it took a toll on his mental health and this when I realized that men need assistance just as much as anybody else. In the end we are all human beings and nobody has experience of life that is why it is crucial to assist people of all genders in their quest to empowerment.

90% of societal problems i.e. GBV, includes males (mentally, psychologically and physically males are stucked) males o Boy child experience stages of toxic masculinity and low self-esteem; lack of information; personal trauma o Adopted more pragmatic approaches towards empowerment, enlightenment a

A-CHOICES: What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

LEENA: I started my first pageant on August 1, 2023, and that’s when I bought my first pair of heels. Miss Namibia is my second pageant. I grew up as a tomboy, and today I’m very feminine.

A-CHOICES: The piece of advice that has become your mantra?

LEENA: IN THE END, WE ONLY REGRET THE CHANCES WE DIDN’T TAKE.

A-CHOICES: Let’s talk about the importance of branding yourself. What advice can you share with aspiring talent?

LEENA: Branding yourself is crucial for standing out in the competitive world of pageants and beyond. Embrace Your Journey, Be Authentic, Engage with Your Audience, Define Your Unique Value, Develop a Consistent Image, Never fear Evolving

A-CHOICES: What are you currently working on or have coming up?

LEENA: Working on finishing my degrees. Focusing on building my modeling and pageant career. Building and expanding teen purpose Africa and Omedi empowerment. And so much more that I have stored just a matter of time.

A-CHOICES: How would you describe Miss Namibia 2024 winner, Prisca Anyolo?

LEENA: She’s amazing, phenomenal, and beautiful, I would listen to her talk at any given time. I’m excited to see her represent Namibia at Miss World and Miss Universe, as a nation we are praying to place higher this year.

A-CHOICES: What’s it like being first runner-up?

LEENA:Being the first runner-up is an incredibly satisfying experience that makes you feel both proud and reflective. It indicates that I’ve gotten really near to realising my dream and that people have appreciated and valued my efforts and attributes. It is evidence of my diligence, commitment, and fortitude. Even if it might not be the most desirable award, it provides a special platform for ongoing development, inspiration, and influence over others. Accepting this post opens doors to new and interesting opportunities and enables me to use my accomplishments and knowledge to make a meaningful contribution. especially considering that I accomplished all of this without receiving any form of coaching.

A-CHOICES: Do you get recognised much in public and what sort of reaction do you normally get from people? 

LEENA: Every single time, I laugh at myself sometimes for thinking that I’m just gonna walk to the mall freely and no one would want to take pictures. I get really emotional to the point where I would cry with my admirers because my reaction and their reactions are always priceless. I never knew that my dream to be a beacon of hope was going to  happen this soon

A-CHOICES: What are your favourite beauty products? 

LEENA: The ones I have been using and I love these products.

Skin- Cetaphil, Nivea, Vaseline, Clinique, Mary Kay , Anew, beauty  OF Jose

Makeup brands – Maybelline, Fenty Beauty. Honestly, I’ve got a lot just depends on the season.

A-CHOICES: How do you deal with pageant nerves? 

LEENA: To be honest all I do is tell myself that it is show time and backstage before my turn I don’t talk to anybody. I try to stay in my element as much as possible. I also tell myself, that no stage is too big or too small when you are passionate about what I’m doing.

A-CHOICES: What makes a good pageant role model? 

LEENA: I would honestly say a relatable and authentic soul but most importantly humble. Someone who understands that being a beauty queen puts you in a position of being a leader and being a leader you’re now committed to serving and inspiring people and creating projects that will make a significant contribution to the nation and its people.

A-CHOICES: What would you say are your major achievements? 

LEENA: My personal achievements The time I won Miss Nust,m and then won student representative council elections and wing miss Namibia first runner up. And getting into the school of computer science.

My socials

Managing my foundations and making sure that I got sponsors even though I’m looking forward to getting more I’m happy that I’m able to get my community projects running

A-CHOICES: The most significant thing that you learned about yourself as a Miss Namibia first runner-up? 

LEENA: When I combine my confidence, self-belief, passion, and hard work I’m unstoppable and my heart really was created to serve others in the best way possible.