Miss Universe 2024: A Global Celebration of Empowerment

The 2024 Miss Universe competition, held in the vibrant city of Mexico City, promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. More than 120 women from across the globe are vying for the coveted crown, each bringing their unique stories, talents, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. This year's competition marks a significant milestone, with the reigning champion, Sheynnis Palacios, the first woman from Nicaragua to hold the title, set to crown her successor.

A Diverse Array of Aspirations

The contestants represent a remarkable tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. Among them is Franceska Rustem, a 19-year-old model and television host from Albania, who uses her platform to actively combat bullying. Nelma Ferreira, a 26-year-old from Angola, champions gender equality and works tirelessly to reduce world hunger through her initiative, É Kamba, which focuses on sexual and reproductive education for young women. Magalí Benejam, a 29-year-old model from Argentina, showcases her dedication to animal rights, complementing her already impressive career in the fashion industry. Emma Avanesian, at 32, embodies the spirit of a multi-faceted career, transitioning from singing and dancing to modeling and finance, before establishing her own modeling agency. Her drive and determination to guide young women to success showcases the inspiring journeys these contestants have undertaken.

The Power of Resilience

Anouk Eman, 32, from Aruba, shares a compelling story of resilience. After a spinal surgery that involved the installation of 24 iron rods to address severe scoliosis, which almost derailed her Olympic synchronized swimming dreams, she emerged stronger than ever, becoming an “iron woman,” a true testament to her strength and perseverance. Her unwavering commitment to volunteering with the Red Cross Aruba demonstrates her dedication to community service. This showcases the resilient spirits of the contestants and their ability to overcome adversity.

Zoe Creed, a 23-year-old model and online pilates instructor from Australia, is passionately advocating for women's health, particularly after her personal experiences with endometriosis. She advocates for women's concerns to be taken seriously and encourages others to champion their health needs.

Initiatives for Change

Selvinique Wright, 32, from the Bahamas, founded Women's Health Us First after being diagnosed with uterine fibroids, highlighting her commitment to raising awareness and empowering women to take control of their health. Similarly, Shereen Ahmed, 30, from Bahrain, founded Hope Bahrain to provide resources and support to mothers in need, highlighting the impact of a single mother's experience on driving change. The determination to address significant health issues and empower women is remarkable.

Aniqa Maisha Alam, a 32-year-old makeup artist and women's empowerment advocate from Bangladesh, balances her roles as a mother and a driving force for positive change, demonstrating how women can balance personal responsibilities and professional goals.

A Global Network of Support

The contestants' initiatives extend beyond their individual countries. Eleonora Kachalovskaya, 24, from Belarus, advocates for children and teenagers with special needs, showcasing the global concerns driving these women. Kenza Ameloot, a 22-year-old business student and model from Belgium, dedicates her time to aiding children in need, frequently traveling to Rwanda to help her mother's homeland.

Halima Hoy, a 30-year-old certified personal trainer from Belize, volunteers with UNICEF, demonstrating her dedication to the well-being of children and the elderly. Juliana Barrientos, a 27-year-old biochemist and pharmacist from Bolivia, is another shining example of using professional experience to drive change. With experience in in-vitro fertilization, she is a strong advocate for women's empowerment.

Ruby Pouchet, a 29-year-old communications specialist and government official from Bonaire, is the first woman to represent her country in 25 years and is passionate about environmental protection and sustainability.

Championing Health and Sustainability

Thanolo Keutlwile, a 28-year-old doctor from Botswana, launched Diamond For Development, an initiative highlighting the sustainable growth of the diamond industry in her country and the positive impact it's had on development. Luana Cavalcante, a 25-year-old model from Brazil, made history as the first married woman and mother to win the Miss Universe Brazil title. Deyounce Lowenfield, a 20-year-old entrepreneur from British Virgin Islands, focuses on empowering younger generations through her work and platform. Elena Vian, a 38-year-old mother and costume designer from Bulgaria, also demonstrates her advocacy for animal rights.

Davin Prasath, a 33-year-old from Cambodia, is committed to empowering women and children, working to overcome poverty and educational barriers through her initiative, Voice for Change - Tuk Chet Association. Noura Njikam, a 25-year-old from Cameroon, is outspoken against domestic violence, showing her commitment to tackling a critical issue affecting women worldwide.

Diverse Backgrounds, Unified Purpose

Ashley Callingbull, a 35-year-old member of the Enoch Cree Nation from Canada, serves as a First Nations activist, having given speeches at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University. Raegan Rutty, a 22-year-old gymnast and fisherwoman from the Cayman Islands, advocates for mental health awareness. Emilia Dides, a 25-year-old singer from Chile, promotes the importance of music therapy for mental wellbeing. Jia Qi, a 26-year-old from China, focuses on health and fitness.

Daniela Toloza Rocha, a 30-year-old fashion designer from Colombia, designs inclusive garments and champions women's rights. Elena Hidalgo, a 32-year-old model from Costa Rica, advocates for gender equality while pursuing a degree in nutrition. Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala, a 21-year-old from Côte d'Ivoire, fights against maternal mortality, emphasizing the importance of women's health in developing countries. Zrinka Ćorić, a 23-year-old from Croatia, provides menstrual supplies to girls in Tanzania through her Cycle of Support project.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Marianela Ancheta, a 31-year-old model and businesswoman from Cuba, is the first woman to represent her country in the competition since 1967, emphasizing her commitment to mental health support. Kimberly de Boer, a 19-year-old graphic design student from Curaçao, utilizes painting as a form of self-expression and mental health therapy. Katerina Dimitriou, a 29-year-old model and social media influencer from Cyprus, documents her travels and fashion choices on social media. Marie Danči, a 28-year-old from Czech Republic, promotes authenticity.

Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old dancer and aspiring lawyer from Denmark, advocates for mental health support and animal rights. Celinee Santos, a 24-year-old law school graduate from the Dominican Republic, champions sustainability and the empowerment of young girls. Ilda Amani, a 26-year-old business administration graduate from the Democratic Republic of Congo, promotes peace and amplifies the voices of Congolese women. Mara Topić, a 29-year-old actor and director from Ecuador, advocates for mental health through her initiative, Mentes Valientes. Logina Salah, a 34-year-old model, TV presenter, makeup artist, and life coach from Egypt, works to destigmatize Vitiligo.

Florence García, a 26-year-old philanthropist and entertainment reporter from El Salvador, is pursuing a double major in business administration and mass communications. Diana Angono Mouhafo, a 25-year-old model and business administration student from Equatorial Guinea, balances her career, studies, and motherhood. Snit Tewoldemedhin, a 25-year-old from Eritrea, honors her sister with Down syndrome and her late mother, who had breast cancer, by using her platform to make a difference. Valeria Vasilieva, a 23-year-old actor and entrepreneur from Estonia, volunteers at the Centre of Children at Risk. Manshika Prasad, a 24-year-old from Fiji, advocates for domestic violence survivors.

Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Achievement

Wirtavuori, a 24-year-old from Finland, supports children's mental health through her Mind the Future project. Ampiot, a 20-year-old from France, supports people with cancer. Theissen, a 26-year-old from Germany, works as a social worker and yoga teacher, promoting mental health awareness. Shyanne Mcintosh, a 25-year-old accountant from Gibraltar, made history as the shortest contestant ever to compete. Christina Chalk, a 31-year-old with experience in pharmacology, fashion, and technology from Gibraltar, founded the Self Esteem Queens project. Christianna Katsieri, a 21-year-old model from Greece, has won several pageants in her home country.

Coraly Desplan, a 20-year-old model from Guadeloupe, is advocating for those affected by sickle cell anemia. Ana Gabriela Villanueva, a 22-year-old model and law student from Guatemala, works to end chronic malnutrition. Saran Bah, a 29-year-old master's student from Guinea, champions women's rights and health through her EmpowerHER platform. Ariana Blaize, a 26-year-old nursing student from Guyana, hopes to inspire younger generations. Stephanie Cam, a 31-year-old model and content creator from Honduras, lives in New York City and demonstrates that geographic location does not limit aspirations. Joanne Rhodes, a 24-year-old cofounder of the Hong Kong Art Foundation from Hong Kong, is a passionate travel enthusiast.

Nóra Kenéz, a 28-year-old model and pharmacist from Hungary, founded a gym designed to create a safe space for women. Sóldís Vala Ívarsdóttir, an 18-year-old high-school student from Iceland, dreams of becoming a pilot. Rhea Singha, a 19-year-old model, actor, and social worker from India, has been competing in pageants since the age of 15. Clara Shafira Krebs, a 22-year-old fashion designer from Indonesia, founded Our Safe Space to support Indonesian women's mental health. Sofia Labus, a 21-year-old criminology student from Ireland, advocates for the homeless and immigrant communities.

Ofir Korsia, a 23-year-old actor, dancer, and self-development coach from Israel, volunteers at an elementary school. Glelany Cavalcante, a 30-year-old model and communications student from Italy, lives in Italy with her husband and dog. Rachel Silvera, a 25-year-old environmental advocate and pharmacy student from Jamaica, advocates for environmental protection. Kaya Chakrabortty, a 22-year-old figure-skating champion and emergency medical technician from Japan, has plans to become a doctor. Madina Almukhanova, a 24-year-old model and choir conductor from Kazakhstan, advocates for homeless and abandoned animals.

Irene Ng'endo Mukii, a 26-year-old software engineer from Kenya, advocates for youth empowerment through her Inspirene Revolution initiative. Ariel Han, a 22-year-old fashion business management student from South Korea, advocates for environmental sustainability. Maya Turdalieva, a 26-year-old model from Kyrgyzstan, advocates for wildlife conservation. Phiranya Thipphomvong, a 28-year-old model and actor from Laos, supports children's education through her We All Together initiative. Maria Vicinska, a 26-year-old model and cabin crew member from Latvia, advocates for animal rights. Nada Koussa, a 26-year-old clinical psychologist from Lebanon, champions mental health. Cassandra Chiu, a 23-year-old dancer, model, and digital creator from Macau, advocates for mental health and animal rescue.

Sandra Lim, a 23-year-old actor, model, host, and martial artist from Malaysia, is an ambassador for Shelter Home for Children Malaysia. Mariyam Saina Naseem, a 21-year-old advocate for mental health and women's empowerment from Maldives, made history as the first Miss Maldives to compete in Miss Universe despite opposition from the country's Ministry of Youth Empowerment. Beatrice Njoya, a 40-year-old specialist in the gaming industry from Malta, is the oldest woman to compete in Miss Universe and an advocate against violence against women. Catherine Edouard, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Martinique, is an ambassador for Plaisir d'Enfant, a youth organization supporting children with autism. Tania Vishaka René, a 27-year-old IT project manager and model from Mauritius, advocates for climate action through her Zero Waste initiative.

María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, a 24-year-old with degrees in communication and marketing and artificial intelligence from Mexico, showcases the intersection of technology and societal progress. Djulieta Calalb, a 20-year-old organizer of fashion events from Moldova, champions sports development. Nominzul Zandangiin, an 18-year-old from Mongolia, is dedicated to ensuring quality education for everyone. Rumina Ivezaj, a 19-year-old from Montenegro, is an environmental conservation advocate. Thet San Andersen, a 23-year-old fashion designer and entrepreneur from Myanmar, hopes to inspire youth in her country. Prisca Anyolo, a 28-year-old international model, journalist, and entrepreneur from Namibia, empowers young women through job creation. Sampada Ghimire, a 23-year-old digital marketer, educator, and holistic health coach from Nepal, tutors children. Faith Landman, a 28-year-old maternity photographer from the Netherlands, advocates for children's rights in Tanzania.

Victoria Velasquez Vincent, a 29-year-old with master's degrees in architecture and heritage conservation from Nicaragua, showcases her passions for architecture, music, and heritage. Geyssell García, a 29-year-old from Nicaragua who develops initiatives for manufacturing and marketing Nicaraguan products, showcases her commitment to national economic development. Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student and athlete from Nigeria, champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tea Gjorgievska, a 21-year-old from North Macedonia, inspires a world where everyone feels valued. Lilly Sødal, a 21-year-old student of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation from Norway, advocates for climate action. Noor Xarmina, a 29-year-old model and actor from Pakistan, was a biologist before becoming a venture capital investor. Naomi Méndez, a 32-year-old entrepreneur and business developer from Panama, is the co-founder of Storm Cycling.

Ava Vahneshan, a 26-year-old singer, model, and Chinese medicine specialist from Portugal, is part of the Lisbon Project, a nonprofit supporting migrants and refugees. Tatiana Calmell del Solar, a 30-year-old actor and model from Peru, advocates for mental health. Chelsea Manalo, a 25-year-old model from the Philippines, is the first Filipino of African descent to win the Miss Philippines title. Kasandra Zawal, a 29-year-old beauty and fashion journalist from Poland, enjoys yoga and traveling. Andreia Correia, a 26-year-old model and mental-health advocate from Portugal, has won several pageants. Jennifer Colón Alvarado, a 36-year-old esthetician and iridologist from Puerto Rico, is the first mother and contestant over 28 to win the title of Miss Puerto Rico. Loredana Salanță, a 32-year-old freelance journalist from Romania, covers major film festivals. Valentina Alekseeva, an 18-year-old from Russia, aspires to become an oncologist.

Skye Faucher, a 26-year-old cancer genomics scientist from Rwanda, is an accomplished volleyball player and environmental conservation advocate. Haylani Kuruppu, a 26-year-old social worker, fitness trainer, and author from Samoa, made history as the first Miss Samoa to compete in 38 years. Fatou Bintou Gueye, a 23-year-old from Senegal, advocates for women's education and empowerment. Ivana Trišić Relic, a 30-year-old law school graduate from Serbia, advocates for ending global hunger. Charlotte Chia, a 26-year-old with master's degrees in strategic public relations and law from Singapore, works at the Singapore Women's Association. Petra Siváková, a 24-year-old model and interior design student from Slovakia, is working on her own jewelry brand. Khadija Omar, a 23-year-old model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur from Somalia, made history as the first woman to represent Somalia at Miss Universe while wearing a hijab.

Michelle Jiménez, a 21-year-old from Spain, shares her journey through the foster care system. Mellony Dassanayaka, a 25-year-old model, international banker, and TV host from Sri Lanka, was a national basketball player. Pooja Chotkan, a 22-year-old with a background in geosciences from Suriname, advocates for the environment and youthful empowerment. Laura Bircher, a 24-year-old model and mental-health advocate from Switzerland, raises awareness for anxiety and depression. Judith Peter Ngusa, a 26-year-old model, actor, and postpartum health activist from Tanzania, made history as the first mother to win Miss Tanzania. Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a 21-year-old from Thailand, advocates for breast cancer awareness. Jenelle Thongs, a 32-year-old dentist from Trinidad and Tobago, aspires to become a published author. Ayliz Duman, a 20-year-old from Turkey, promotes kindness and inclusion.

Raynae Myers, a 23-year-old law and politics graduate from Turks and Caicos, advocates for gun violence prevention. Emilia Dobreva, a 27-year-old model from the United Arab Emirates, made history as the first Miss United Arab Emirates to compete and has walked at New York Fashion Week. Alina Ponomarenko, a 21-year-old with a degree in international law and justice from Ukraine, created the “Tree of Love” initiative. Yanina Lucas, a 28-year-old model and software developer from Uruguay, has been studying programming since age 15. Stephany Andujar, a 28-year-old esthetician and makeup artist from Venezuela, owns Sandujar Esthetics. Alma Cooper, a 22-year-old Army officer and West Point graduate from the United States, is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University. Nigina Fakhriddinova, a 25-year-old model from Uzbekistan, overcame childhood trauma and inspires others to believe in a brighter future. Ileana Márquez Pedroza, a 28-year-old from Venezuela, advocates for young mothers through the Niña Madre Foundation. Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên, a 28-year-old model and health content creator from Vietnam, owns a fashion brand. Brandina Lubuli, a 28-year-old lab technologist from Zambia, advocates for women's empowerment. Sakhile Dube, a 28-year-old fashion designer from Zimbabwe, promotes universal access to quality medical services. The culmination of their journeys will undoubtedly be a spectacle that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Their collective stories of resilience and triumph embody the essence of female empowerment and the power of dreams. This year’s Miss Universe competition is set to be one that inspires many for years to come.