The Miss Universe 2023 on Sunday left the world in awe, showcasing an extraordinary group of finalists who not only embody beauty but also intelligence, passion, and a commitment to making positive change.
Here’s a look at the top 10 finalists who captured the hearts of the audience and judges alike.
10. Miss Venezuela
At 26, flight attendant and seasoned pageant contestant Diana Silva is on a mission to educate teen girls about sex, improve emotional health, and ensure access to contraception in underprivileged communities. Her dedication to empowering the youth echoes through her Voice for Change video.
9. Miss Spain
Athenea Pérez, 27, with a degree in marketing and advertising, advocates for racial equality in Spain. Her commitment extends to fighting interpersonal violence, particularly for adolescent girls. Pérez founded “The Importance of Signs” program, helping teenagers recognize signs of abuse and access mental health and legal support.
8. Miss Philippines
Entrepreneur and psychology graduate Michelle Marquez Dee, 28, is not just a beauty queen but an activist for autism acceptance. Having two siblings on the autism spectrum, Dee became the Autism Society Philippines’ Goodwill Ambassador in 2019, using her platform to raise awareness.
7. Miss Peru
Camila Escribens, 25, overcame health challenges and pursued her dream of helping children in Peru through her nonprofit organization AMA. Focused on providing ample nutrition and sports to children, Escribens considers these basic rights that every child deserves.
6. Miss El Salvador
Isabella García-Manzo, 20, balances her studies in hospitality and business management with giving surfing lessons to children. Her mission is to instill confidence and personal empowerment in the younger generation, making a positive impact through her passion.
5. Miss Puerto Rico
Studying for her master’s degree in psychology, 25-year-old Karla Guilfú Acevedo is a mental health advocate and founder of the nonprofit “Let’s Begin to Heal.” Her organization aims to prevent suicide, provide mental health care, promote physical activity, and contribute to communities.
4. Miss Colombia
Journalist and model Camila Avella, 28, breaks stereotypes as a married woman and mother competing in Miss Universe. Committed to empowering young mothers, Avella provides training in mental health, finance management, and entrepreneurship.
3. Miss Australia
Moraya Wilson, 22, pursuing a degree in business marketing, stands out as a model and coach for skiing and track. A former alpine ski racer, Wilson believes in the power of sports to harness individual potential and aims to promote sports among young girls.
2. Miss Thailand
First runner-up Anntonia Porsild, 27, an entrepreneur with a degree in communications, focuses on helping women gain financial independence through her platform, the Little Steps Project. Her commitment extends to empowering women who work from home.
1. Miss Nicaragua
Crowned Miss Universe 2023, 23-year-old Sheynnis Palacios, with a degree in mass communications, is a passionate advocate for mental health. Overcoming anxiety attacks during her studies, Palacios initiated the “Understand Your Mind” project, supporting women experiencing mental health issues.
These exceptional women, beyond their beauty and grace, are using their platforms to make a lasting impact on the world, inspiring positive change and exemplifying the essence of the Miss Universe competition.
