Dina Fekadu: Missosology's Beauty Talks

After competing in several international pageants before, this seasoned pageant veteran's biggest break had finally arrived and she thinks that her country is ready to win under her power. Thanks to her national director Andy Abulime's kind of support that cannot be quantified, Dina has perfected her skills and is ready to fight in order to get that crown.

• What would your friends say to describe you?
Most of them would perhaps describe me as someone that is quiet, focused, determined, gentle and humble.

• Tell something about your childhood dream.
It had always been to be a famous person, one way or another. I guess we all wanted to be that famous person we seen on TV.

• Can you share to us your beauty secret?
Well if I did that it would not be a secret any more, I will tell you one day but only after I patent it! (smiles...)

• What is your favorite part of your body & why?
My eyes. I think you can tell a lot about a person from their eyes and you can also say a lot with your eyes.

• What's inside your bag right now?
Lots of girly stuff, my obligatory phone, my address book, some chewing gum, dental floss, makeup and photos of my family.

• How would you define "beauty?"
Beauty is a combination of internal grace and charm in a well-maintained package.

• What were your reasons for joining the Miss Universe Ethiopia pageant?
This is the biggest and most prestigious pageant in Ethiopia if not in Africa and it provides opportunities unrivalled by any other organization in Ethiopia. Every year, our Miss Universe Ethiopia National Director Mr Andy Abulime sends Ethiopian girls to over 15 international pageants around the world and we proudly promote Ethiopia and its culture like no other organization in Ethiopia has done in the past or do now. The platforms and opportunities provided by the organization are truly astonishing considering the lack of sponsorship and the hard work and sacrifices involved in doing things on such a scale.

• How were you elected as Miss Universe Ethiopia? Describe the judging process.
We had a series of events that started off with a fashion show. We did some charity work where we went to visit some kids to encourage them to visit a rural library in their communities. It was followed by our national costume presentation show, which was very exciting indeed, and it became the talk of the town. We had the grand finals the next day. We were all given a chance to parade on stage then it went down to the Top 10 and then Top 5 and at which point I was elected Miss Universe Ethiopia 2006.

• What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown?
I think my experience is what won it for me. There were some suggestions that I should not participate because I was 2nd runner-up last year and many people wanted to see a new face, but I believe that everybody deserves a second chance. The best and most qualified girl should represent our country.

• Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest.
I am undergoing a strict diet and exercise regime. I love to swim so that helps me stay in shape but I also go to the gym. I think I am a naturally fit person so I do not have to watch my diet too much. Mentally, I am dong my home works as well by reading something about Miss Universe and other pageants.

• Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why?
Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kweglagobe of Botswana! She shocked the world when she won her Miss Universe title. She shows that it is possible to win and have your dreams come true.

• Describe your fashion sense and style.
It all depends on my mood. I can go casual, or glam myself up! I am not a person who is outrageously a sexy dresser, but I do have my moment. I guess it depends on the right place, at the right time and the right dress.

• How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe?
It is a friendly place rich on hospitality just waiting to be discovered.

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
I think every woman should carry herself with respect and dignity. Some over do it, while others cross the line and expose too much. There is nothing wrong with being a little sexy but the body is a temple and it should be treated with respect if you expect to get respect.

• Supposed there is a Genie who happens to be mad at you for a wrong deed committed and his punishment is to turn you into an animal for a year. You can't plead to alter his decision but you get to decide what type of animal you would become, what creature would you choose and why?
I would become a puppy because they are full of innocence and playful and learns new tricks so when I come back, I would have learnt a thing or two.

• If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why?
Nothing. I would give it to a starving child because it would not make any difference since it was my last day on earth.

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
Be your self no matter what!

• Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you?
I guess representing my country at Miss International 2005 and meeting so many girls from different countries.

• Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Universe Ethiopia titleholder.
It has created a positive role model in Ethiopia and my responsibilities include promoting literacy by working with various charities and HIV related organizations.

• Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms?
It is the ultimate accolade for femininity and beauty to be crowned the most beautiful girl in the Universe!

• What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Ethiopia at Miss Universe 2006 pageant?
I am sure this is a breakthrough year for us! Andy, my National Director has done a fantastic job and we have worked so hard against huge obstacles. I am sure it is time that Ethiopia hit the mark. I am excited and ready to win, we just have to keep our fingers crossed.

• Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology.
Life is full of ups and downs and we should always try to be the best person we can be all the time.

Main > Beauty Talks > Miss Universe Ethiopia 2006, Dina Fekadu
	After competing in several international pageants before, this seasoned pageant veteran's biggest break had finally arrived and she thinks that her country is ready to win under her power. Thanks to her national director Andy Abulime's kind of support that cannot be quantified, Dina has perfected her skills and is ready to fight in order to get that crown. • What would your friends say to describe you? Most of them would perhaps describe me as someone that is quiet, focused, determined, gentle and humble. • Tell something about your childhood dream. It had always been to be a famous person, one way or another. I guess we all wanted to be that famous person we seen on TV. • Can you share to us your beauty secret? Well if I did that it would not be a secret any more, I will tell you one day but only after I patent it! (smiles...) • What is your favorite part of your body & why? My eyes. I think you can tell a lot about a person from their eyes and you can also say a lot with your eyes. • What's inside your bag right now? Lots of girly stuff, my obligatory phone, my address book, some chewing gum, dental floss, makeup and photos of my family. • How would you define "beauty?" Beauty is a combination of internal grace and charm in a well-maintained package. • What were your reasons for joining the Miss Universe Ethiopia pageant? This is the biggest and most prestigious pageant in Ethiopia if not in Africa and it provides opportunities unrivalled by any other organization in Ethiopia. Every year, our Miss Universe Ethiopia National Director Mr Andy Abulime sends Ethiopian girls to over 15 international pageants around the world and we proudly promote Ethiopia and its culture like no other organization in Ethiopia has done in the past or do now. The platforms and opportunities provided by the organization are truly astonishing considering the lack of sponsorship and the hard work and sacrifices involved in doing things on such a scale. • How were you elected as Miss Universe Ethiopia? Describe the judging process. We had a series of events that started off with a fashion show. We did some charity work where we went to visit some kids to encourage them to visit a rural library in their communities. It was followed by our national costume presentation show, which was very exciting indeed, and it became the talk of the town. We had the grand finals the next day. We were all given a chance to parade on stage then it went down to the Top 10 and then Top 5 and at which point I was elected Miss Universe Ethiopia 2006. • What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown? I think my experience is what won it for me. There were some suggestions that I should not participate because I was 2nd runner-up last year and many people wanted to see a new face, but I believe that everybody deserves a second chance. The best and most qualified girl should represent our country. • Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest. I am undergoing a strict diet and exercise regime. I love to swim so that helps me stay in shape but I also go to the gym. I think I am a naturally fit person so I do not have to watch my diet too much. Mentally, I am dong my home works as well by reading something about Miss Universe and other pageants. • Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why? Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kweglagobe of Botswana! She shocked the world when she won her Miss Universe title. She shows that it is possible to win and have your dreams come true. • Describe your fashion sense and style. It all depends on my mood. I can go casual, or glam myself up! I am not a person who is outrageously a sexy dresser, but I do have my moment. I guess it depends on the right place, at the right time and the right dress. • How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe? It is a friendly place rich on hospitality just waiting to be discovered. • What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women? I think every woman should carry herself with respect and dignity. Some over do it, while others cross the line and expose too much. There is nothing wrong with being a little sexy but the body is a temple and it should be treated with respect if you expect to get respect. • Supposed there is a Genie who happens to be mad at you for a wrong deed committed and his punishment is to turn you into an animal for a year. You can't plead to alter his decision but you get to decide what type of animal you would become, what creature would you choose and why? I would become a puppy because they are full of innocence and playful and learns new tricks so when I come back, I would have learnt a thing or two. • If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why? Nothing. I would give it to a starving child because it would not make any difference since it was my last day on earth. • Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by? Be your self no matter what! • Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you? I guess representing my country at Miss International 2005 and meeting so many girls from different countries. • Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Universe Ethiopia titleholder. It has created a positive role model in Ethiopia and my responsibilities include promoting literacy by working with various charities and HIV related organizations. • Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms? It is the ultimate accolade for femininity and beauty to be crowned the most beautiful girl in the Universe! • What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Ethiopia at Miss Universe 2006 pageant? I am sure this is a breakthrough year for us! Andy, my National Director has done a fantastic job and we have worked so hard against huge obstacles. I am sure it is time that Ethiopia hit the mark. I am excited and ready to win, we just have to keep our fingers crossed. • Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology. Life is full of ups and downs and we should always try to be the best person we can be all the time.
		FAST FACTS
		Name:	Dina Fekadu	Age:	20
		Title:	Miss Universe Ethiopia 2006	Height:	1.77
		Occupation:	Student	Weight:	56 kg
		Interests:	swimming, basketball, horse riding

	Interview conducted by Nicholo Paulo G. Ventura. Special Thanks to Miss Universe Ethiopia Director Andy Abulime, Dina Fekadu & to everyone who made this interview possible. BACK TO INDEX