We’ve managed to pull together fifteen of this year’s Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland contestants who will be competing to be crowned Miss NI 2012 in the grand finale at the Europa Hotel on Monday 14th May.

In total 26 contestants will be vying for the title of Miss NI 2012 and just looking at the girls here today the judge’s decision won’t be an easy one! These girls, along, with 11 others will go forward to a full weekend of VIP engagements and photocalls on the 12th and 13th May, followed by the Gala Final at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Monday 14th May. The lucky winner will not only go on to be crowned Miss NI 2012, but she will also receive thousands of pounds worth of prizes and of course, go on to represent NI at this year’s Miss World held in Inner Mongolia.

Tiffany Brien, 21
I’m currently a student at University of Ulster, Jordanstown, studying Marketing. I’m not entirely sure what area I would like to concentrate on in the future, but it’s a choice between a or mixture of sport, media, marketing or event management. I’m really enjoying meeting all of the other girls and making new friends, this truly is the experience of a lifetime and I plan to use all of the advice and feedback given to me throughout the process in my future endeavours. Winning would be a huge honour and everything else in my life would be put on hold to fulfil the role.

Kerryanne Foster, 22
I’m a law student at Jordanstown University and hope to practice as a Criminal Law Solicitor in the future. Entering the Miss NI contest is the beginning of a new journey for me. I am determined to make this journey meaningful and will therefore endeavour to work hard and enjoy every moment of it. I can’t begin to imagine the sense of great pride and honour I would feel if I were to be chosen as an ambassador for Northern Ireland. To be chosen as a representative of our country would be a very prestigious reward for me.

Cathy Henning, 21
I’m a nursery assistant at a day nursery on the Malone Road. I hope to one day either own my own business in childcare or work in the beauty therapy industry. I’ve certainly made some great friends throughout the process of the competition and I also hope to learn how to conduct a confident stage presence. Winning would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent my country and to have new experiences I could only ever dream about.

Shaunagh Devlin, 19
I’m a student at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, studying Communication, Advertising and Marketing. In the future I want to purse a career in commerce and preferably use my media skills to appear on the likes of television or advertising campaigns. I hope to have the opportunity to meet so many great and influential people and to find out even more about myself through this experience. To win the contest would mean the world to me I’d love the chance to make myself, my family and my country proud.

Lucia Girvin, 22
I’m a  drama teacher, but I graduated in forensic psychology and criminal justice, however, there are no jobs in this field at the minute. I would love to live the dream and become a professional model or singer. So far Miss NI has greatly increased my confidence and self esteem. I will also take away a lot of happy and exciting memories that I’ll treasure with me forever. I know it’s a real cliché but it honestly would mean the world to me if I won. I’d be speechless for the first time ever!
 
Lesley Millar, 23
I’m a graphic designer/account executive at McCadden Design and I aim to be a successful businesswoman in the field of design or PR and I hope to own my own business one day. I know I’ll take away fantastic memories full of fun and giggles, and hopefully a lot of new friendships. I'm always keen to meet new people and broaden my horizons. Being able to say that I won the title of Miss Northern Ireland would be the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me.

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