A Suffolk entrepreneur is taking her quest to inspire and empower young women to the world stage.

Natalie Moloney is set to travel to Jamaica next summer for the world final of the Miss United Nations pageant.

The 27-year-old, from Melton, near Woodbridge, is hoping to bring home the international title after being chosen to represent Great Britain at the sixth annual event.

A mother-of-two and creative director of Pink Lemonade Productions, a venue and event staging and styling company, Natalie’s other ventures include the Inner Beauty Initiative – a free programme of ‘mini workshops’ championing confidence in adolescent and teenage girls across the region – and the Very Merry Christmas Project, raising money and collecting donations to provide gifts for local children’s homes.

She will be promoting both projects during her reign as GB titleholder, before travelling to the Caribbean in July.

Natalie has already scooped two business awards endorsed by leading entrepreneurs Jacqueline Gold and Theo Paphitis, and was also named Miss East Coast Curve earlier this year, but hopes to add a global recognition to her growing list of achievements.

“I am just a small town girl with big dreams to make a real difference in the world,” she said. “But with support, I know I can bring home a United Nations win for our gorgeous country.

“The Miss United Nations pageant ethos is ‘For the Glamour. For a Purpose. For the World’. I am dedicated to promoting this ethos.”

The pageant allows representatives to participate in community and charity projects before going head-to-head in the finals, where rounds include national costume, fashion, sportswear, swimwear, evening gown and talent, as well as an all-important interview.

During the trip, Natalie will also participate in a national dish cook-off, and visit schools and children’s homes.

But before setting off, she needs to raise £2,000 to cover her flights, accommodation, meals, local travel and all other expenses, and has so far gained sponsorship from Clacton Business Services, while WildFowler Photography took Natalie’s headshots.

“All I have ever wanted to do is be an ambassador for strong women and inspire the powerful women of the next generation,” she said.