The Miss Universe 2023 pageant culminated on Sunday, showcasing the remarkable endeavors of ten outstanding finalists who not only captivated audiences but also left an enduring mark with their dedicated advocacy for global betterment.
Let’s delve into the narratives of these exceptional women who stood out amidst a pool of global contenders:
Miss Venezuela – Diana Silva At 26, Silva, a flight attendant, pledges to empower teenage girls by fostering education on sexuality, enhancing emotional well-being, and ensuring access to contraception in underprivileged communities. Her impactful “Voice for Change” video vividly demonstrates her unwavering commitment to a brighter future.
Miss Spain – Athenea Pérez Pérez, a marketing and advertising graduate, champions racial equality in Spain and combats interpersonal violence, especially for adolescent girls, through her program, “The Importance of Signs,” aimed at recognizing signs of abuse and facilitating mental health and legal support.
Miss Philippines – Michelle Marquez Dee Entrepreneur and psychology graduate Dee advocates for autism acceptance, leveraging her platform as the Autism Society Philippines’ Goodwill Ambassador to promote awareness and understanding of autism.
Miss Peru – Camila Escribens Despite health challenges, 25-year-old Escribens initiated the AMA nonprofit, focusing on providing nutrition and sports activities to children, affirming her dedication to enhancing the lives of the younger generation.
Miss El Salvador – Isabella García-Manzo Balancing her studies in hospitality and business management, García-Manzo imparts surfing lessons to children, aiming to nurture confidence and personal empowerment among youth through her passion for surfing.
Miss Puerto Rico – Karla Guilfú Acevedo Studying for her master’s in psychology, 25-year-old Acevedo advocates for mental health care and suicide prevention via her nonprofit, “Let’s Begin to Heal,” while promoting physical activity and community engagement.
Miss Colombia – Camila Avella Journalist and model Avella challenges stereotypes as a married woman and mother, empowering young mothers through mental health, finance, and entrepreneurship training.
Miss Australia – Moraya Wilson Wilson, pursuing a business marketing degree, promotes sports among young girls, leveraging her skiing and track coaching experience to emphasize the value of physical activity and self-discovery.
Miss Thailand – Anntonia Porsild Entrepreneur Porsild, focused on women’s financial independence, aids women working from home through the Little Steps Project, advocating for gender equality and economic empowerment.
Miss Nicaragua – Sheynnis Palacios Crowned Miss Universe 2023, 23-year-old Palacios, a mass communications graduate, champions mental health awareness through her project, “Understand Your Mind,” providing support for women facing mental health challenges.
These exceptional women, beyond their grace and beauty, leverage their platforms to create a lasting impact, embodying the essence of the Miss Universe competition: a fusion of compassion and intelligence, redefining true beauty.
