Winner of Teen Petite USA, Sri American Shayleena Wijeyrathna speaks to Deputy Editor Tina Edward Gunawardhana on her transition from a shy teenager to a pageant queen promoting autism awareness through her non profit organization Difference is Beautiful.
Advocating beauty with a purpose Sri American Shayleena Wijerathna is a 15 year old sophomore in High School who is the reigning Teen Petite USA titleholder. Shayleena uses her platform to promote Autism awareness through the non-profit organization called Difference is Beautiful that she has created. Winning the Teen Petite USA title has also given Shayleena the opportunity to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week in a special segment for petite women. Currently represented for acting by Dreamscope Entertainment, Shayleena actively auditions for movies and commercials with the help of her manager.
Shayleena believes in championing diversity and is happy to see many non stereotypical women take part in such competitions. Whilst some may question the need for such pageants, Shayleena believes that these pageants are character building and enable people like herself to evolve into confident women who champion causes and make a difference to their communities.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty can mean different things to everyone. Beauty in my mind is when a person feels comfortable and beautiful in whatever makes them happy. Whether that’s doing bold makeup looks, or rocking the no makeup look. If you feel beautiful in what you're wearing and how you look, then that’s beauty.
When did you first take part in a pageant?
I took part in my very first pageant in August of 2022.
What motivated you to take part in your first pageant?
Being the oldest of 3 girls in my family, I want to be a role model. When the idea came up of doing a pageant, I was a little hesitant but I realised I could be a role model to girls all over the world who don’t have someone to look up to.
Could you tell us about your purpose?
I want to show teens around the world that hard work, determination, persistency and believing in yourself is the key to success.
How daunting is it to make an impromptu speech at these pageants?
Before doing pageants it was extremely daunting and hard for me to makes speeches, as my speaking skills grew it became natural to me because I figured out who I was.
Do you think pageants have a place in the world today?
In this world today I do think pageants have been overlooked. People see pageants as these systems that are unhealthy and have unrealistic expectations, but that is further from the truth. Pageants have evolved into something that helps women show their best selves no matter what they look like and how they would influence our generation as well as the younger generation.
What are the charity projects you have been involved in for pageant purposes?
My platform is Autism Awareness and normalizing Autism. I’ve created a non-profit called Difference is Beautiful, that helps kids get access the therapies and help they need by posting YouTube videos showing methods therapists use. I have observed them conducting sessions. I’ve also partnered with medical professionals to make YouTube videos to help families.
