Google Techie Takes 40 Days Off Work to Pursue Miss Universe Dream

Umanga Kumawat, a Google employee, took 40 days off from work to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. She described the experience as challenging but rewarding, recalling the moment she learned of her selection as one of her happiest memories.

Managing the competition alongside her job was not easy, Kumawat said. She practiced for hours after work, endured sore feet, and faced days when even getting up felt difficult. "I had to be okay with struggling, starting from scratch and giving myself time to learn," she added.

Kumawat expressed pride in trusting her instincts and giving herself the chance to pursue this dream. She said the biggest perk was being surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the industry, people who have built and are building incredible things in tech. Her message to others is to follow their heart and be willing to go through a little discomfort along the way.