Speaking after her win, the new Miss Correctional said the pageant showed her society sees them as humans, despite being convicted for heinous crimes.

“It gives me hope and the crown makes me feel that I am out of prison. We know that when we eventually walk free, we will become better people,” she told the BBC.

Sia was reportedly convicted of manslaughter for killing her partner with whom she had a son. She’s serving a 5-year jail term.

She plans to return to school once released.