AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DEBORAH MUNGAI, MISS AFRICA GREAT BRITIAN 2024/25

Hello and welcome to the June edition of A-CHOICES Magazine,this edition marks the end of the first half of the year and it has been an incredible journey with you all.On our cover for this edition is Deborah Mungai,who was crowned Miss Africa Great Britain 2024-25 in London on the 26th of October 2024.The elegant and humble beauty queen shared in an exclusive interview with A-Choices Magazine why she joined the pageant industry and how she intends to change the narratives, being a passionate individual.Mungai also shared how her mother is her pillar of support and has inspired her to pursue and achieve her dreams.

With a vision to advocate for the empowerment and progression of female education, Mungai aims to be an influential voice in this arena.Her journey is a testament to herleadership, passion, and dedication to meaningful change.

Established in 2011, the Miss Africa GB pageant was founded to provide a platform for young African girls born or residing in the United Kingdom. It serves as an avenue to showcase their beauty and, more significantly, their rich cultural heritage, talent, and creativity.It is a fully packed interview and you would find it an interesting read.

A-CHOICES: Hi Deborah can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and your educational background? 

DEBORAH: I’m Deborah Mungai, the reigning Miss Africa GB 2024-2025, a youth advocate, and a creative entrepreneur. I studied HND Digital Technology and Cybersecurity, which fueled my passion for innovation and digital empowerment. My journey has always been about using my voice and skills to create meaningful impact, whether in tech, fashion, or community work.

A-CHOICES: Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

DEBORAH: One of my most special childhood memories was visiting Korogocho, Kenya, with World Vision. I saw children playing with handmade footballs, and despite their challenges, their joy was contagious. That moment sparked my passion for community work, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to making a difference.

A-CHOICES:Tell us about your Journey to the Crown;How did you become Miss Africa GB 2024?

DEBORAH: My journey started with a leap of faith. I had never competed in a pageant before. I saw Miss Africa GB as more than just a title it, was a platform for change. From the auditions to the finale, I focused on being authentic, purpose-driven, and community-focused. My passion for youth empowerment and my charity work truly resonated with the judges and the audience, and that’s how I won the crown.

A-CHOICES:Did you ever imagine your life would turn out like this when you were announced the winner? 

DEBORAH: Honestly, no. I knew I wanted to create impact, but I never imagined how quickly things would evolve. I Infact was also okay with not winning, as I would still have wanted to work towards what i promised to do. Winning the crown opened doors I never thought possible, allowing me to champion causes I care about, connect with influential leaders, and inspire young people across Africa and the UK.

A-CHOICES:A beauty pageant is a competition that has traditionally focused on judging and ranking the physical attributes of the contestants. What unique characteristics would you say you brought to the Miss Africa GB competition? 

DEBORAH:I brought authenticity, leadership, and a purpose-driven mindset. My focus was never just on appearance but on how I could use this platform to bring tangible change. I shared my journey openly, spoke about real issues affecting youth, and showed that pageantry can be a force for good.

A-CHOICES:What makes a good pageant role model? Would you say that Beauty pageants contribute to national development?

DEBORAH:A good pageant role model is someone who inspires beyond the stage, uses their voice for impact, and uplifts others. Beauty pageants absolutely contribute to national development by promoting culture, tourism, social causes, and leadership. They provide a platform for advocacy and empower young women to step into leadership roles.

A-CHOICES:As a role model for young African women,what message do you want to convey?”

DEBORAH:Your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and you are enough. I want young African women to know that they don’t have to fit into a mold to be successful, they can create their own path, lead with confidence, and impact their communities.

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

DEBORAH:I remind myself why I’m here. Purpose over fear, always. I also use deep breathing, visualization, and affirmations to stay calm and confident as well as ground myself. 

A-CHOICES:Previous beauty competitions/pageants won? 

DEBORAH:Miss Africa GB 2024 is my first pageant, and I won Miss Congeniality (Peer Choice Award) and Miss Proactive alongside the main crown.

A-CHOICES: What or who empowers you to be yourself and work hard every day? 

DEBORAH: My mother is my biggest inspiration. Seeing her dedication to community work, advocacy, and raising me as a single parent taught me resilience and purpose.

A-CHOICES: What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

DEBORAH: Honestly, my guilty pleasure is sleeping, I love a good rest! And when I’m not catching up on sleep, I’m definitely snacking on something delicious.

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

DEBORAH: Funding to scale my youth empowerment projects across Africa and the UK.
  More visibility and representation for African women in tech, pageantry, and leadership.
  A global platform to inspire and support the next generation.

A-CHOICES: Tell me about your visit to the World Vision?

DEBORAH:It was a full-circle moment for me. Having grown up seeing my mother work with World Vision, visiting their projects as Miss Africa GB reinforced my passion for advocacy. Meeting the youth beneficiaries reminded me why empowerment and skills development matter so much.

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

DEBORAH: Yes! I’m currently working on #WeAreNotLeavingAnyoneBehind – The Pia Sisi Tuko Initiative to support boys in skills development and entrepreneurship in Kenya. In the UK, I’m leading projects through Inspired Generation Club, tackling youth challenges like mental health and education barriers.

A-CHOICES: What has been a challenge you’ve experienced in life, and how did you overcome it?

DEBORAH:Being an immigrant in the UK came with struggles, culture shock, identity struggles, language barriers, and lack of access to scholarships despite being legally here. I overcame it by building my own opportunities, seeking mentorship, and pushing through adversity.

A-CHOICES: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? 

DEBORAH:“Move with purpose, and the right doors will open.”

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

DEBORAH:I’m actually quite introverted! People see the confident, public-speaking side, but I love my quiet me time moments.

A-CHOICES:Which photographer do you most like working with and why?

DEBORAH: Majpho, he captured my entire journey from the start, and his eye for storytelling is unmatched. He also brings the fun into our shoots, pushing me to do poses out of the box and honestly making content creation an art.

A-CHOICES: What qualities make a photographer brilliant?

DEBORAH:The ability to capture raw emotion, tell a story through visuals, and make their subject feel empowered.

A-CHOICES:With all the superstardom you have achieved as Miss Africa GB,how were you able to stay grounded?

DEBORAH:I remind myself why I started and who I’m doing this for. The impact is bigger than me, it’s about the community, the youth, and the change I want to see.

A-CHOICES:What do you love about the Great Britian?What would you like to change about Great Britian?

DEBORAH:I love its diversity and opportunities, I’ve had access to platforms that have shaped my journey. However, I’d love to see more inclusion, especially in education opportunities for young immigrants and underrepresented communities. I would also like to see more female leaders, in rooms where decisions are made.