She’s an entrepreneur, mother, wife, voice over artist, MC, registered psychometrist, author and blogger; and now Marzenna Almendro will add ‘top 100 finalist in the Mrs South Africa pageant‘ to the list.
The Bedfordview mother to a four-year-old has been selected for the top 100 and will go on to compete at the semi-final weekend, which will be held at Emperors Palace from April 26 to 28.
The contestants will be submitted to intense judging sessions by an esteemed panel of judges and the winners will be announced on April 28.
Mrs South Africa gives married South African women who have real-life careers, families, and hobbies the chance to compete for the prestigious title. Glamour and sophistication are some of the criteria, but the women who enter and win all have relatable stories as well.
Almendro says she has never been a ‘beauty pageant’ kind of girl, but when she learned that Mrs South Africa was so much more than a beauty pageant, she did a little bit of digging.
Bedfordview beauty crowned second princess at Mrs SA finale
“I looked at their values, the past winners, and I found such a synergy between the Mrs South Africa vision and my own. Mrs South Africa gives average women a platform to do amazing things. What’s interesting is that the ‘average’ South African woman is Superwoman in her own right. She is a wife, a mother, a home-maker, a career woman, a friend, a mentor, and many times the glue that holds her family together,” explained Almendro.
With the many hats she wears Almendro says her most cherished roles in the world are those of mother and wife.
“Understanding the many hats women wear in society, I feel it’s my calling to inspire women such as myself. My social media feeds are filled with uplifting articles, quotes, and general messages of encouragement, self-love and acceptance. I too wear many hats and juggle many tasks, but I consider myself just one of the average women.”
She quickly adds that women are anything but average.
“We are brave, ambitious, powerful women who many times don’t give ourselves enough credit. My wish is that I can motivate and inspire South African women no matter their background, education or scars to be unapologetic in recognising themselves as massive forces in society, to come forward and take on those leadership roles, and to teach our daughters to be fearless, and our sons to respect our women.”
The ’32 years young’ (as she describes herself) finalist says she sees growing old as a privilege.
“Society has taught us to be ashamed of our wrinkles, our age spots, and our maturing bodies. However, many of us don’t experience the pleasure in growing old. I’d love to challenge women to embrace their age and to see it as a blessing.”
Marzenna is fervent about giving back to her community, regularly hosting collections for needy causes. She is the official Ambassador for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), and is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental illness.
“I’ve been involved with this incredible NGO for approximately nine years now. Mental illness is taboo in so many societies, not just in South Africa.”
With a passion for writing, she self-published her book “Chasing the Dream: A Guide to Practice Management in the South African Context” in April 2016.
“The popularity surpassed my expectations, affording me the opportunity to create a free online forum to mentor like-minded health professionals and entrepreneurs who have started their own private practice,” she explained.
Almendro’s passion for entrepreneurship led to the opportunity to create two National Qualifications (NQF 2 and 4) for the South Africans Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for New Venture Development in 2016.
After managing a retail radio station a few years ago, she gained experience in writing advertising copy and voice over work and has also done television presenting. She describes herself as a polished MC, and has had the pleasure of MCing many events. Her biggest audience has been the national Pick ‘n Pay Women’s Walks (in collaboration with the Pink Drive), where she has taken to various stages all over South Africa.
To support your local Bedfordview finalist, SMS “Marzenna Almendro” to 35959. (SMSes are charged at R3 each and free SMSes don’t apply).
