Fitness Universe Tour

As a first time competitor, Nora Shams was a Top 3 Finalist at the recent Ms. Bikini New England and Model New England at Foxwoods Resort Casino, an amazing show will over 200 talented competitors. The 5'7", 130 lbs., Magna Cum Laude college graduate is used to conquering life's challenges. Nora is also an Army airborne and Iraqi combat veteran which she says helped to forge a whole new perspective to her character.

She explains, "I am airborne qualified and a Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran (425th Infantry BDE stationed in Alaska). During my deployment I was the only female on my squad and I faced many challenges because of that.

Once I was off active duty, it was difficult for me to deal with my experiences overseas. I felt humiliated, destroyed and lost all my confidence. Thirty five pounds later (from gaining weight) I realized that I was unhappy with living an sedentary life style and most importantly I needed to rebuild what was knocked down from my deployment.

Working out has been my self-medication and through working out I feel empowered. I gained my confidence back and inspired people at the gym (that witnessed my weight loss). I gave them hope and the reality that hard work does pay off. I want to continue to give people inner strength through fitness and be a role model for other women that have shared similar experiences. For that reason, I recently joined the Army reserves."

No doubt, Nora will continue to be a fresh, exciting and unique presence on stage again soon.