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In a world where societal pressures and challenges often overshadow the dreams of young women, one figure stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment; Wilhelmina Montoedi from Pretoria, a woman whose title, Miss Influence, is more than just a crown—it’s a mission.
For Montoedi, the Danville Pretoria West resident, being Miss Influence is a deeply personal and powerful role. “To me, Miss Influence means motivation, empowerment, and inspiration. It’s about being a role model, a hero to others,” she says with a conviction that echoes in every aspect of her life. Wilhelmina embodies these qualities daily by empowering others to be their best through recognition and support, inspiring young girls to realize their limitless potential, and working tirelessly to improve societal issues that affect her community.
Her passion for empowerment, particularly for young girls, stems from a deep desire to tackle the societal issues she witnessed growing up. “My passion sparked from wanting to solve societal issues such as gender-based violence and serving my community,” Wilhelmina shares. She believes that by empowering young girls to be strong in chasing their dreams, she can help shape a better future for all.
With a background in nursing and modeling, Wilhelmina has been uniquely prepared for her role as a motivational figure. “Both careers have taught me to persevere through hardships, how to interact with people, and how to solve problems,” she explains. Her experiences in public speaking and confidence-building through modeling have reinforced her commitment to women’s empowerment.
Wilhelmina is particularly passionate about addressing social issues like gender-based violence, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy. Through her journey as Miss Influence and now as the 1st Runner Up, she has actively campaigned against these issues, conducting school outreach programs to educate and inspire young minds. “I’ve been addressing these issues through campaigns and school reach-outs, and I continue to do so even after winning the title,” she says with determination.
Balancing the demands of being a role model with her own self-care is no easy task, but Wilhelmina has found strength in her support system. “I have a good support system. Friends and media colleagues motivate me each day, and I always make sure to surround myself with positive energy,” she explains. To maintain her self-esteem, she watches shows and series that teach about confidence and avoids anything that might bring her down.
One of the most meaningful moments in her journey came during a school tour, where she realized the profound impact of her words. “I received feedback from the learners saying that by just talking to them, I made a difference in their perspectives,” she recalls. “They felt better, and I knew I had made a real difference in their lives.”
Looking ahead, Wilhelmina’s vision as Miss Influence is clear. “My greatest aim is to send the message to the world that ‘Nothing is Impossible,'” she says passionately. She hopes to inspire and empower girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them realize their potential and encouraging them to make bold moves in their studies and careers. “There’s a lot of greatness unrecognized in those places, and I want to empower them to do greater things,” she adds.
As she continues her journey, Wilhelmina has her sights set on entering an international pageant. With a secured position from a national pageant, she is poised to take her message of empowerment to a global stage. “I want to bring awareness that a woman is powerful and leave a legacy of inspiration and empowerment,” she says, looking forward to the future.
Wilhelmina’s story is a proof to the strength and resilience of women everywhere. Through her role as Miss Influence, she is not just wearing a crown—she is carrying the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of countless young girls who look up to her as a role model. And in doing so, she is shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
