Crowned With Courage

Local Advocate Set To Sparkle on National Stage

By Hannah McNamara

Jenna Kerschbaumer is redefining the pageantry world, turning years of heartache into a mission grounded in confidence-building - not just for herself, but for the wonderful women around her.

This October, she’ll step onto the Melbourne stage to compete in the Ultimate International Miss Australia pageant, proudly promoting self-love and empowerment with every stride.

Throughout school, Jenna was bullied for her appearance, so much so that she dropped out early and carried emotional scars for years. She says it took more than a decade to recover, and rediscover her self-worth.

“When I was younger, I actually dropped out of school because I was bullied,” Jenna said.

“It took me over 10 years to unlearn the lies I was told about myself and learn how to truly love who I am.”

In 2005, she entered her very first pageant on the Gold Coast, and ever since then, her confidence has blossomed.

Now, she’s loving the skin she's in, and embracing her most authentic self, with a clear mission to uplift others.

“I think it’s so important for young women – especially in this social media age – to realise they don’t have to look or act a certain way. You deserve to love yourself exactly as you are.”

“It’s all about giving yourself permission to grow into the person you want to be, no matter what challenges you’ve faced.”

With that mindset, Jenna is shedding light on the true meaning of modern pageantry - beyond just appearance.

“This pageant celebrates more than just appearances. It’s about empowerment, purpose, and making a difference in our communities,” she said.

“People think pageants are just about sparkly dresses and crowns, but they’re so much more. You grow as a person, gain real-life skills like public speaking, and connect with a sisterhood of strong, like-minded women.”

Though she’s focused on representing Mackay at the national level, Jenna is also making waves at home through her very own fundraiser – Mackay Beeyoutiful Charity Pageants – offering women and girls aged seven and up the same sense of connection, confidence and glamour right here in the region.

Founded in 2022, Beeyoutiful Charity Pageants unites women and girls of all ages, backgrounds and beauty, with the goal of combating bullying, low self-esteem and harmful body image pressures. Men are also welcome to participate, with the event focused on helping all individuals rediscover their worth beyond social media filters.

And better yet – it’s all for a good cause.

The next event will be held on Friday, August 30, with all proceeds going to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

“This is the first year we’ve supported the Starlight Children’s Foundation. In the past, we’ve supported the Mackay Hospital Foundation and other local causes,” she said.

“It’s just a lovely way to give back to the local community by promoting confidence, self-love, and a positive mindset, especially for women and young people.”

“If anyone is struggling with confidence or mindset, they’re welcome to reach out to me personally. I’m not a certified coach… just someone who’s been through a lot, and if I can help even one person, that’s exactly why I do this.”

Now preparing for her return to the national stage after a few years away, Jenna says she’s embracing the moment.

“It’s been three or four years since I last competed at a national level, so I’m really looking forward to meeting new people, getting back on stage, and raising awareness for my platform: Freedom to Flourish.”

“I’m just so grateful for the chance to advocate, sparkle, and represent something bigger than myself.

“The motto of the pageant is: ‘Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.’

“And that’s why I chose to be part of it… because it aligns with everything I believe in.

“I’m hoping this experience will open the door to representing Australia internationally next year… that would be an absolute dream come true.”

Wearing a crown of resilience, Jenna Kerschbaumer is determined to walk the stage with sparkle, strength and heart.

For more information or to enter the upcoming local pageant, visit the Beeyoutiful Charity Pageants Facebook page.

After overcoming years of bullying and self-doubt, Jenna Kerschbaumer is using pageantry to promote confidence, self-love, and empowerment, both on the national stage and through her Mackay-based Beeyoutiful Charity Pageants supporting others to flourish. Photos supplied

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