Summary
In a vibrant twist of tradition, the Miss Germany pageant is set to crown a new queen, but this year, beauty walks hand-in-hand with brains and a heart full of purpose. Breaking free from the old notions of mere looks and the iconic 90-60-90 measurements, the competition now champions candidates who weave their dreams into tangible societal impact. Among the top ten finalists are three remarkable women from Berlin, each with inspiring journeys and aspirations that reach far beyond the spotlight. First, we meet Apameh Schönauer, a 39-year-old architect whose story echoes resilience. At just six years old, she fled war-torn Iran with her family, settling in Flensburg. Today, she stands tall in Berlin, a successful architect and a devoted mother of two. “I want to create change,” she declares passionately. Apameh has founded Shirzan, a network dedicated to uplifting marginalized women. “We empower women to share their stories, draw inspiration from one another, and harness their full potential,” she reveals, embodying hope and empowerment. Next, there’s the effervescent Larissa Neumann, a 23-year-old marketing and media student known for her participation in Germany’s Next Topmodel, where she captured hearts and reached the seventh place. Standing at almost 1.80 meters, she’s turned what many perceived as a challenge into her greatest strength. With a flourishing online presence as a content creator, boasting 330,000 followers on TikTok and 181,000 on Instagram, she uses her platform to discuss issues close to her heart, particularly the struggles of single parents—an experience she knows well, having been raised by her mother alone. “It’s a reality many face, and it needs more attention,” she insists, bridging personal experience with advocacy. Rounding out this powerhouse trio is Isabel Gebien, a 35-year-old trailblazer who once held the title of North German Hip-Hop champion. Today, she channels her vibrant energy into social justice. “Growing up in a multicultural environment shaped who I am,” she reflects. As a business consultant and mother of a three-year-old, Isabel aims to amplify the voices of the underprivileged through her podcast, “Equality 365”, where she fervently pushes for equal opportunities for all. As the anticipation builds for the grand event on Saturday, February 24, at Europa-Park Rust, the stage is set not just for a beauty queen to be crowned, but for a champion of social change. This year, the glimmering crown will symbolize not just beauty, but the deep-seated commitment to creating a brighter, fairer future for everyone. The age-old pageant is taking on a new, vibrant persona, and it’s a story worth watching. Every one of these aspiring queens embodies a unique narrative, and as they step into the limelight, they promise to shine—beyond mere glamour—into realms of influence and responsibility that echo in the fabric of society itself.
Original Source: www.bz-berlin.de
