Rachael Warner – Model , Mum and former Miss World Finalist
In the 1990s, Rachael Warner made her mark on the pageant world, winning several prestigious titles including Miss Sheffield, Miss Wales, and Miss United Kingdom.
Her success took her onto the global stage, proudly representing the UK at the 1996 Miss World final in Bangalore, India, as well as at Miss Europe in Istanbul and Miss International in Japan. Rachael also worked in Korea with the Miss World organisation, promoting British industry alongside the DTI.
Today, Rachael balances life as a devoted mum of two daughters while continuing her modelling career.
Reflecting on her journey, Rachael shares: “From a very young age I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do with regards to my involvement and was inspired by BWAP, the multicultural diversity and empowerment of the women involved and the inspiration it brought to me as a young
girl.
ARIEL LAVI -FILM PRODUCER
Ariel Lavi is an International Film Producer and Screenwriter .He produced films in the US, Mexico, Nigeria, Italy, and Canada . His films won 131 awards at film festivals all over the world . He was a judge at Sunset Film Festival and Hollywood Screenings Film Festival in 2023 . He is the owner of the film production company Lavi Company in Miami,FL .He is a writer in Swagger Magazine . He was featured on the most famous magazines all over the world- Sky , L’Officiel, Billboard, Flaunt , Daily Front Row . He is followed by top celebrities on Instagram from Hollywood , Europe, and Dubai.
Olivia Green -Beauty Queen
In 2017 Olivia won the first ever Miss Premier Ceylon title and also placed 2nd
runner up in Miss England the same year. From winning the title of Miss Premier
Ceylon Olivia had the privilege of visiting the beautiful island of Sri Lanka twice. This
was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
During her visit to the island she visited a local orphanage and worked alongside a
local charity to help pack food relief packages to help the local people who had been
effected by the floods that had hit the area. Through placing 2nd runner up in Miss
England final I was also fortunate enough to be asked to travel to China to complete
in another international pageant.
Miss England opened up many new opportunities for me and I will be forever grateful
of this. Miss England is a completion that embowers women to be their true and
authentic selves and although there may only be one winner on the evening, even if
you do not walk away with the crown it does not mean your journey is over it may
just be the start of something new.
Mila Walenda – Creative Director
Mila Walenda is a creative director and media
entrepreneur with a visionary outlook. Mila studied at Fashion University New York and graduated from Veronika Lemle’s exclusive “FashionProducer” course in 2022. In 2021, she also successfully completed the “International Photo Model” program. Her photographs have been published in renowned magazines such as Gmaro and Mvibe, even landing her on a magazine cover. As the head of Eight Partners Ltd, Mila specialises in high-quality television productions, digital content, andinternational broadcasting projects. Passionate about storytelling and innovation, she develops projects that merge fashion, culture, and entertainment. Mila is also the driving force behind Mila & Sal, a growing media brand, and is actively exploring new television opportunities for a global audience. Her dedication to inclusivity and creativity makes her a sought-after voice in media and fashion.
Danny Thompson – DANNY THOMPSON EVENTS
Grand Station, Wolverhampton, is honoured to be hosting the Miss England Semi-Finals on Friday, 3rd October. As one of the region’s premier event venues, we are proud to provide an elegant and historic setting for this prestigious occasion. Beyond the celebration of beauty and talent, the competition shines a light on the remarkable charitable work carried out by its contestants, who dedicate their time and efforts to raising vital funds and awareness for good causes. In particular, we are delighted to support the incredible work of Beauty with a Purpose, the Miss World charity that has transformed countless lives across the globe. Hosting such a distinguished event not only reflects the stature of Miss England but also Grand Station’s commitment to championing initiatives that inspire positive change within our community and beyond.
Jessica Gagen – Miss England 2022 & Miss World Europe –
Jessica is widely recognised as one of the most successful Miss England titleholders of recent years. A trailblazer both on and off the stage, she made history at the 71st Miss World competition by securing the titles of Miss United Kingdom and Miss World Europe, which lead her to tour the world with the Miss World Organisation to witness the incredible charitable impact the contest has across the globe. Before entering the world of Miss England, Jessica enjoyed a thriving career as an international fashion model, signing with numerous agencies across the globe and working with prestigious high fashion brands including Max Mara and Moncler at Milan Fashion Week. Her modelling work laid the foundation for her poise, confidence, and platform-building prowess. What set Jessica apart was her exceptional dual career path: whilst she was the reigning Miss England she graduated in aerospace engineering, seamlessly blending brains and beauty in an industry where women remain underrepresented. During her reign as Miss England, she was appointed ambassador for both The National Numeracy Charity and International Women in Engineering Day, using her voice to challenge stereotypes and champion education. A passionate advocate for STEM education, Jessica has dedicated her platform to inspiring the next generation—particularly young women—to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Prior to and after her Miss England win, Jessica toured the UK hosting STEM School Talks for free in primary and secondary schools across the country, aiming to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. Her educational content has reached millions online, and she has collaborated with leading aerospace organisations including the European Space Agency (ESA) and Boeing to engage the next generation in STEM. Her influence in the industry led to keynote speaking engagements and panel appearances at air shows, universities, and conferences in both the UK and USA. In 2024, she emceed the International Space Station’s Research and Development Conference, and was a keynote speaker at both the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough International Airshow, reinforcing her role as a powerful communicator and respected voice in the aerospace community. In addition to her professional and advocacy work, Jessica continues to raise money for charities by completing endurance running challenges, including this year’s London Marathon, to support causes close to her heart. Her work continues to garner international media attention, and she remains a leading figure in the movement to empower women in STEM, proving that one can quite literally reach for the stars—and bring others along for the journey.
PC Rani Gundhu QPM who started work with WMP in the 1980s, picked up the Sislin Fay Allen Lifetime Achievement Award at the NBPA Conference held in Stansted.
Having served for nearly 40 years, Rani’s dedication to the force was recently recognised with a lifetime achievement award for her incredible work in driving diversity and supporting communities.
She was nominated by BAPA for the difference she has made, with nearly four decades of exemplary, relentless dedication to service pioneering community cohesion and integration.
Rani has extensive experience working in numerous roles and departments including vice, serious complex crime, major public events, CID, domestic violence, PR, Recruitment, Learning and Development, major incident rooms, Response and Neighbourhood, amongst others. She continues to move with the times and is now a positive action co-ordinator, supporting others on their policing journey.
