Miss Universe is back, and this time, more than 120 women are competing for the iconic crown.
The 2024 competition will take place on Saturday night in Mexico City. The winner will be crowned by Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, the first woman from Nicaragua to win the title.
Here’s every woman competing in this year’s competition.
Albania: Franceska Rustem
Franceska Rustem, 19, is one of the youngest contestants featured in this year’s Miss Universe competition.
Born in Durrës, Albania, she works as a model and television host. She’s also outspoken against bullying across her social media platforms.
Angola: Nelma Ferreira
Nelma Ferreira, 26, works in company management and administration.
While she describes herself as being committed to volunteering and supporting social causes, Ferreira is particularly passionate about improving gender equality and reducing world hunger.
She also leads a project called É Kamba, which provides sexual and reproductive education to young women in Angola.
Argentina: Magalí Benejam
Magalí Benejam, 29, is a model who’s walked in fashion shows, starred in advertisements, and appeared in magazines.
She’s taken makeup, hairstyling, public speaking, and runway classes to compete in Miss Universe, and describes herself as a perfectionist.
Benejam is also a vegetarian and supporter of animal rights.
Armenia: Emma Avanesian
Emma Avanesian, 32, wears many hats. Now a mother and the founder of a modeling agency, she’s previously worked as a singer, dancer, model, fitness instructor, and financier.
She dreams of working as an actor and cinematographer on Hollywood films and is passionate about guiding young women to success.
Aruba: Anouk Eman
Anouk Eman, 32, was close to achieving her dream of becoming an Olympic synchronized swimmer when she suddenly needed spinal surgery to manage severe scoliosis.
She told the Miss Universe organization that the 24 iron rods now installed in her back have transformed her into an “iron woman.”
In her free time, she often volunteers with Red Cross Aruba.
Australia: Zoe Creed
Zoe Creed, 23, holds two jobs: model and owner of an online pilates training service.
She’s especially passionate about advocating for women’s health.
Inspired by her experience with endometriosis, she’s now outspoken against women’s concerns being dismissed and hopes to encourage others to stand up for themselves.
The Bahamas: Selvinique Wright
Selvinique Wright, 32, founded her organization, Women’s Health Us First, after being diagnosed with uterine fibroids.
Through the platform, she aims to raise awareness about the condition and encourage women to take ownership of their health.
Bahrain: Shereen Ahmed
Shereen Ahmed, 30, was raised by a single mother and has now made it her mission to advocate for others. Her initiative, Hope Bahrain, aims to provide resources to moms in need and uplift their spirits.
She works as a journalist, television host, and social-media content creator.
Bangladesh: Aniqa Maisha Alam
Aniqa Maisha Alam, 32, holds many titles: mother, makeup artist, and women’s empowerment advocate.
She got married seven years ago and welcomed her first child, a son, last year.
Belarus: Eleonora Kachalovskaya
Eleonora Kachalovskaya, 24, is passionate about sports, traveling, and advocating for children and teenagers with special needs.
She previously graduated from the Belarusian State University of Culture and Art.
Belgium: Kenza Ameloot
Kenza Ameloot, 22, is a business student and a professional model. But her biggest passions are helping children in need and furthering students’ education.
In her spare time and on holidays, Ameloot often visits her mother’s home country of Rwanda.
Belize: Halima Hoy
Halima Hoy, 30, has roots around the world. She was born to a Garifuna mother from Guatemala and a mestizo Muslim father, as she told the Miss Universe organization.
As for work, Hoy is a certified personal trainer. She also volunteers with Unicef Belize to raise awareness for children, the elderly, and others vulnerable to non-communicable diseases.
Bolivia: Juliana Barrientos
Juliana Barrientos, 27, holds the titles of biochemist and pharmacist. She’s worked specifically on in vitro fertilization and is an advocate for women’s empowerment
Her hobbies include playing piano and speaking multiple languages.
Bonaire: Ruby Pouchet
Ruby Pouchet, 29, works as a communications specialist and government official. Her biggest passion is protecting the environment, and she believes women can lead the fight for sustainability.
Pouchet is the first woman to represent Bolivia in the Miss Universe competition in 25 years.
Botswana: Thanolo Keutlwile
Thanolo Keutlwile, 28, is a doctor of women’s health at the Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana. She previously graduated with degrees in medicine and surgery.
Her initiative during the Miss Universe competition is titled Diamond For Development. It highlights how her home country has used diamonds to its advantage and supports the industry’s sustainable growth.
Brazil: Luana Cavalcante
Luana Cavalcante, 25, made history as the first married woman and mother to earn the Miss Universe Brazil title.
She works as a model and has one son, whom she hopes will one day be inspired by her Miss Universe journey.
British Virgin Islands: Deyounce Lowenfield
Deyounce Lowenfield, 20, is an entrepreneur who recently graduated with a business administration degree.
She’s practiced yoga to prepare for her appearance in Miss Universe and aims to empower younger generations through her work and platform.
Bulgaria: Elena Vian
Elena Vian, 38, previously earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of Bordeaux. She’s also a mother and designs costumes for various stage performances in her spare time.
Vian describes herself as an animal rights activist and regularly shares photos of her travels on social media.
Cambodia: Davin Prasath
Davin Prasath, 33, spends much of her time volunteering and providing community service.
She’s particularly passionate about empowering women and children to overcome poverty and educational barriers. Prasath started her initiative, Voice for Change – Tuk Chet Association, to speak for these groups and make an impact.
Cameroon: Noura Njikam
Noura Njikam, 25, has many passions, with art and culture among her top interests.
But she’s also outspoken online about ending domestic violence and encouraging young people to use their voices and speak out against injustices.
Canada: Ashley Callingbull
Ashley Callingbull, 35, is a member of the Enoch Cree Nation and serves as a First Nations activist within her community.
This role has led her to give a speech at Harvard University and receive a United Nations Role Model award.
But her skills don’t stop there. Callingbull is also a sports television host, model, and actor.
Cayman Islands: Raegan Rutty
Raegan Rutty, 22, made history in 2020 when she represented the Cayman Islands as a gymnast at the Olympic Games. She began the sport at age 4 and is also a fisherwoman.
She’s also passionate about ending the stigma surrounding mental health.
Chile: Emilia Dides
Emilia Dides, 25, isn’t new to competition. In 2019, she was crowned the winner of a famous Chilean singing contest and is still pursuing her music career.
Dides believes that music can greatly promote strong mental health and is eager to share the benefits of music therapy with the world.
China: Jia Qi
Jia Qi, 26, was formerly a sprint athlete, something she began when she joined the National Youth Athletics Team at age 10.
Health and fitness are important to Qi, who regularly shares her wellness tips on social media.
Colombia: Daniela Toloza Rocha
Daniela Toloza Rocha, 30, works in senior management and public relations and is also a fashion designer who focuses on inclusive garments.
She regularly posts about her outfits on Instagram and dresses in meaningful garments that honor women and her home country.
Costa Rica: Elena Hidalgo
Elena Hidalgo, 32, is a mother and model who advocates for gender equality.
She’s also determined to prove that you can reach any dream you set out to achieve. Hidalgo is doing so herself by studying to earn a degree in nutrition.
Côte d’Ivoire: Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala
Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala, 21, is on a mission to change the world for women. After earning a degree in finance, she’s now focused on fighting maternal mortality with her Miss Universe initiative.
She also promotes peace on Instagram and aims to blend modernity and tradition in her home country.
Croatia: Zrinka Ćorić
Zrinka Ćorić, 23, is a student at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management. When she’s not in class, she works at an IT and distribution company.
But Ćorić’s true passion is humanitarian aid through her project Cycle of Support, which brings hygiene and menstrual supplies to girls in Tanzania.
Cuba: Marianela Ancheta
Marianela Ancheta, 31, is the first woman to represent Cuba in the Miss Universe competition since 1967. On Instagram, she said she felt honored to wear the country’s sash.
Additionally, Ancheta works as a model and a businesswoman and advocates for mental-health support.
Curaçao: Kimberly de Boer
Kimberly de Boer, 19, dreams of working in the art industry. She’s currently a graphic design student and wants to study art history in the Netherlands.
She’s also a painter who uses the craft as a form of artistic expression and mental-health exercise.
Cyprus: Katerina Dimitriou
Katerina Dimitriou, 29, is bringing her fashion skills to the Miss Universe competition. She began modeling at age 12 and now works as a social-media influencer.
On Instagram, Dimitriou often documents her outfits in the various countries she travels to.
Czech Republic: Marie Danči
Marie Danči, 28, describes herself as a “movie and theatre nerd.” She also plays basketball and loves trying new food.
During the Miss Universe competition, Danči aims to remain true to herself and advocate for individual authenticity throughout industries.
Denmark: Victoria Kjær Theilvig
Victoria Kjær Theilvig, 21, has accomplished her dance dreams across Europe. Now, she aims to become a lawyer.
Additionally, Theilvig regularly advocates for mental-health support, supports animal rights causes, and works as a beauty entrepreneur.
Dominican Republic: Celinee Santos
Celinee Santos, 24, is now completing an internship at the San Cristóbal Court in Santo Domingo after graduating from law school.
Sustainability and building a better world are also important to Santos, an advocate for young girls in the Dominican Republic.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ilda Amani
Ilda Amani, 26, is from the province of South Kivu.
Though her home is in the midst of conflict, Amani aims to promote peace through her career ventures and amplify the voices of Congolese women on the Miss Universe stage.
She has a degree in business administration and management.
Ecuador: Mara Topić
Mara Topić, 29, is a director and actor who has appeared on shows like “Law and Order” and worked alongside artists such as Daddy Yankee.
Her Miss Universe initiative, Mentes Valientes, advocates for mental health and translates to Brave Minds.
Egypt: Logina Salah
Logina Salah, 34, graduated with a degree in finance. But her accomplishments surpass a single field.
She’s now a mother, model, TV presenter, makeup artist, and life coach. Salah is also using her current platform to de-stigmatize Vitiligo, a skin condition she has.
El Salvador: Florence García
Florence García, 26, is bilingual and multitalented.
Though she’s now a philanthropist and entertainment reporter, she’s also pursuing a double major in business administration and mass communications.
Equatorial Guinea: Diana Angono Mouhafo
Diana Angono Mouhafo, 25, is now a model but previously graduated with a degree in commerce and marketing.
She also has a 4-year-old son and is studying business administration.
Eritrea: Snit Tewoldemedhin
Snit Tewoldemedhin, 25, is using her role in the Miss Universe competition to honor two family members who mean a lot to her.
She cites her sister, who has Down syndrome, and her late mother, who had breast cancer, as inspiration.
Estonia: Valeria Vasilieva
Valeria Vasilieva, 23, is an actor, entrepreneur, and social-media star.
She also runs a talent agency to help others achieve their entertainment dreams and volunteers at the Centre of Children at Risk in Estonia in her spare time.
Fiji: Manshika Prasad
Manshika Prasad, 24, feels her role in the Miss Universe competition surpasses fashion and crowns.
Instead, she’s focused on advocating for domestic violence survivors, including herself, and preventing future violence against women.
Finland: Matilda Wirtavuori
Wirtavuori, 24, has a master’s degree in business from Tampere University.
She works as both a model and entrepreneur, and she created the charity project Mind the Future to support children’s mental health.
France: Indira Ampiot
Ampiot, 20, was crowned Miss Guadeloupe in 2022, as she is from the region. She then won Miss France while representing Guadeloupe in 2023.
As she shared in her Voices for Change video, Ampiot hopes to use her Miss Universe platform to support people with cancer.
Germany: Pia Theissen
Theissen, 26, has dedicated her life to supporting others with their mental health, working as a social worker and yoga teacher.
She is also an occupational therapist.
Gibraltar: Shyanne Mcintosh
Shyanne Mcintosh, 25, is an accountant. She is representing Gibraltar at Miss Universe after it has been absent from the pageant for 34 years.
According to the Gibraltar Chronicle, she is the shortest contestant in history to compete at Miss Universe.
Great Britain: Christina Chalk
Christina Chalk, 31, got her degree in pharmacology but has worked in fashion and technology. She now works with Concierge Auctions.
Chalk, who is both Scottish and Filipina, also founded the Self Esteem Queens project.
Greece: Christianna Katsieri
Christianna Katsieri, 21, is a model.
She has won several pageants in Greece, including Miss GS Hellas and Miss Earth Greece.
Guadeloupe: Coraly Desplan
Coraly Desplan, 20, is a model and fashion enthusiast.
In her Voices for Change video, Desplan said she hopes to use her platform to help people with sickle cell anemia because she has family members who have struggled with the disease.
Guatemala: Ana Gabriela Villanueva
Ana Gabriela Villanueva, 22, is a model and law student.
She also won a gold medal for her Voices for Change initiative, “Together we end the poverty.” The project aims to end chronic malnutrition in Guatemala.
Guinea: Saran Bah
Saran Bah, 29, is a master’s student pursuing her degree in business administration. She also works for a government nonprofit.
Bah is the first Miss Guinea to represent the country at Miss Universe, and she is using her title to support her platform, EmpowerHER, which champions women’s rights and health.
Guyana: Ariana Blaize
Ariana Blaize, 26, is a nursing student at Georgia State University in the US.
Blaize is no stranger to pageants. In 2024, she competed in Miss Georgia USA and placed in the top 16.
Honduras: Stephanie Cam
Stephanie Cam, 31, is a model and content creator, as well as a single mom.
Although she is representing Honduras in the pageant, Cam lives in New York City.
Hong Kong: Joanne Rhodes
Joanne Rhodes, 24, is the cofounder of the Hong Kong Art Foundation, which she opened in 2023 after getting her master’s degree in art from University College London.
Also a travel enthusiast, Rhodes has visited over 20 countries to date.
Hungary: Nóra Kenéz
Nóra Kenéz, 28, works as both a model and a pharmacist.
Kenéz also founded a gym designed to make women feel safe and supported while they exercise.
Iceland: Sóldís Vala Ívarsdóttir
Sóldís Vala Ívarsdóttir, 18, is among the younger contestants in the pageant.
She is still a high-school student and hopes to become a pilot, according to Missology.
India: Rhea Singha
Rhea Singha, 19, is primarily a model and actor, but she is also a social worker and entrepreneur.
Singha has been competing in pageants since she was 15.
Indonesia: Clara Shafira Krebs
Clara Shafira Krebs, 22, is a fashion designer who has her own label, Lucille. She also models.
Krebs founded Our Safe Space, a community to help Indonesian women connect and maintain their mental health.
Ireland: Sofia Labus
Sofia Labus, 21, is a criminology student at the University College Cork and the founder of Cork Nail Tech.
As she told the Irish Examiner, Labus hopes to use her Voices for Change platform to advocate for people who are homeless and immigrant communities.
Israel: Ofir Korsia
Ofir Korsia, 23, is an actor, dancer, and self-development coach who volunteers at an elementary school.
Although she is representing Israel in the pageant, Korsia lives in Los Angeles.
Italy: Glelany Cavalcante
Glelany Cavalcante, 30, has been working as a model for 14 years and is studying for a degree in communications, according to her Miss Universe bio.
Cavalcante currently lives in Italy with her husband and their dog.
Jamaica: Rachel Silvera
Rachel Silvera, 25, is an environmental advocate and third-year pharmacy student.
She previously won first runner-up at the Miss Jamaica 2022 competition.
Japan: Kaya Chakrabortty
Kaya Chakrabortty, 22, is a two-time national figure-skating champion, according to her Miss Universe bio.
Chakrabortty was born to a Japanese mother and a Bangladeshi father. She has degrees in human biology and neuroscience from Michigan State University. The pageant queen is now an emergency medical technician and has plans to become a doctor.
Kazakhstan: Madina Almukhanova
Madina Almukhanova, 24, is a professional model and choir conductor. The pageant queen loves learning new languages, including Japanese and Italian.
Almukhanova is an advocate for homeless and abandoned animals.
Kenya: Irene Ng’endo Mukii
Irene Ng’endo Mukii, 26, is a software engineer, teacher, and dancer.
According to her Miss Universe bio, the pageant queen advocates for youth empowerment and wants to “instill self-belief through mentorship” with her Inspirene Revolution initiative.
Korea: Ariel Han
Ariel Han, 22, is pursuing a degree in fashion business management at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
According to her Miss Universe bio, she advocates for environmental sustainability and hopes to become the CEO of an ESG-focused fashion brand.
Kyrgyzstan: Maya Turdalieva
Maya Turdalieva, 26, is a model. In her Miss Universe bio, Turdalieva said she is dedicated to “transforming challenges into opportunities for those in need.”
For Thursday’s national costume contest, Turdalieva paid homage to snow leopards in the Tian Shan mountain range. She wanted her costume to advocate for wildlife conservation in her home country.
Laos: Phiranya Thipphomvong
Phiranya Thipphomvong, 28, is a model and actor who advocates for children’s education.
Through her We All Together initiative, the pageant queen has visited schools in rural areas of Laos to donate materials and highlight why education is important, according to The Laotian Times.
Latvia: Maria Vicinska
Maria Vicinska, 26, is a model and cabin crew member, according to her Miss Universe bio.
She is an advocate for animal rights and wants to “inspire others while championing the voiceless.”
Lebanon: Nada Koussa
Nada Koussa, 26, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in clinical psychology.
She now works as a clinical psychologist.
Macau: Cassandra Chiu
Cassandra Chiu, 23, is the first Miss Macau to compete at Miss Universe.
Chiu is a dancer, model, and digital creator. She is also an advocate for mental health and animal rescue, according to her Miss Universe bio.
Malaysia: Sandra Lim
Sandra Lim, 23, is an actor, model, host, and martial artist.
In her Miss Universe bio, Lim says her athletic career was cut short by a spinal injury. Now, she’s an ambassador for Shelter Home for Children Malaysia, which “provides education and emotional support for children in need.”
Maldives: Mariyam Saina Naseem
Mariyam Saina Naseem, 21, advocates for mental health and women’s empowerment.
Naseem is the first Miss Maldives to ever compete at Miss Universe. Her participation in the competition was opposed by the country’s Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, which said the pageant “fundamentally conflicts with the Islamic beliefs, cultural values, and traditions upheld by the Maldivian people,” according to Ceylon Today.
Malta: Beatrice Njoya
Beatrice Njoya, 40, is a single mother of three. She is the oldest woman to win the Miss Malta title and will make history as the oldest woman to compete at Miss Universe.
Njoya is a specialist in the gaming industry. She is a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse and now works with local NGOs to “advocate against all forms of violence against women,” according to her Miss Universe bio.
Martinique: Catherine Edouard
Catherine Edouard, 25, is an “entrepreneur who specializes in strategic communication to boost local businesses,” according to Loop Caribbean News.
Edouard is an ambassador for Plaisir d’Enfant, a youth organization that supports children with autism. The pageant queen also advocates for women’s empowerment through sports and self-defense.
Mauritius: Tania Vishaka René
Tania Vishaka René, 27, is an IT project manager and model, according to her Miss Universe bio. She is fluent in four languages.
The pageant queen advocates for the climate crisis through her Zero Waste initiative, which promotes composting.
Mexico: María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa
María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, 24, has a degree in communication and marketing.
She is getting her master’s degree in artificial intelligence, according to her Miss Universe bio.
Moldova: Djulieta Calalb
Djulieta Calalb, 20, is the first-ever Miss Universe Moldova.
The pageant queen organizes fashion events in Moldova and Romania. She is also an advocate for sports development.
Mongolia: Nominzul Zandangiin
Nominzul Zandangiin, 18, wants to use her platform to ensure that quality education is accessible to everyone, according to her Voice for Change video.
“I am a fierce and resilient Mongolian woman, born and raised on the vast plains, shaped by a proud heritage,” she writes in her Miss Universe bio. “I carry the spirit of my ancestors while pursuing my dreams on the global stage.”
Montenegro: Rumina Ivezaj
Rumina Ivezaj, 19, is the first Miss Montenegro to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
Ivezaj is an environmental conservation advocate. She enjoys dancing, yoga, and meditation.
Myanmar: Thet San Andersen
Thet San Andersen, 23, is a fashion designer and entrepreneur.
Andersen is the first Anglo-Burmese woman to represent Myanmar at Miss Universe. She hopes to use her platform to “inspire and develop youth communities in Myanmar,” according to her Miss Universe bio.
Namibia: Prisca Anyolo
Prisca Anyolo, 28, is an international model, journalist, and entrepreneur.
Anyolo also owns Elysian Beauty Parlour, where she empowers “young women through job creation,” according to her Miss Universe bio.
Nepal: Sampada Ghimire
Sampada Ghimire, 23, is a digital marketer and educator.
The pageant queen also tutors children and works as a holistic health coach and model.
Netherlands: Faith Landman
Faith Landman, 28, is a mother and maternity photographer, according to her Instagram.
Landman advocates for women’s empowerment and education. She also collects items for children in Tanzania, where her grandmother is from.
“Above all, I have a clear mission. I believe that a child’s future should not depend on where their cradle is placed,” she wrote on Instagram. “Children are the most vulnerable group and cannot advocate for themselves. That’s why, as a mother, I feel the obligation to stand up and use this platform.”
New Zealand: Victoria Velasquez Vincent
Victoria Velasquez Vincent, 29, has master’s degrees in architecture and heritage conservation.
The pageant queen is also a pianist and singer.
Nicaragua: Geyssell García
Geyssell García, 29, was first runner-up at Miss Nicaragua in 2020. She was crowned the winner of Miss Nicaragua 2024 by Sheynnis Palacios, who became the first woman from the country to win Miss Universe when she took the crown in 2023.
García helps develop initiatives for manufacturing and marketing Nicaraguan products, according to her Miss Universe bio.
Nigeria: Chidimma Adetshina
Chidimma Adetshina, 23, has had a tumultuous journey to the Miss Universe stage. She previously competed for Miss South Africa 2024 but withdrew from the competition following social-media attacks regarding her nationality. She was then invited to compete in the Miss Nigeria competition, which she won in September.
Adetshina is a law student and athlete who champions “diversity, equity, and inclusion” as part of her Miss Universe platform.
North Macedonia: Tea Gjorgievska
Tea Gjorgievska, 21, is the first woman to represent North Macedonia on the Miss Universe stage.
According to her bio, Gjorgievska’s mission is “to inspire a world where every person feels valued and has a voice.”
“I believe that true impact comes from uplifting one another and creating spaces where everyone can thrive with confidence and purpose,” she added.
Norway: Lilly Sødal
Lilly Sødal, 21, first competed for Miss Norway in 2021. She is a student of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
According to a video on her YouTube channel, Sødal hopes to use her platform to spread awareness about the climate crisis. She is an advocate for personal sustainability and eco-consciousness.
Pakistan: Noor Xarmina
Noor Xarmina, 29, has degrees in biology and business studies. She worked as a biologist before becoming a venture capital investor.
Xarmina now works as a full-time model and actor. She is the second woman to represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe competition.
Paraguay: Naomi Méndez
Naomi Méndez, 32, is an entrepreneur and business developer who lives in the United Arab Emirates.
She’s the cofounder of Storm Cycling, a fitness studio in Dubai.
Persia: Ava Vahneshan
Ava Vahneshan, 26, is a singer, model, and Chinese medicine specialist. She currently lives in Lisbon, where she appeared in a singing talent competition called “The Voice of Portugal.”
Vahneshan is also part of the Lisbon Project, a nonprofit that advocates for migrants and refugees in Portugal.
Peru: Tatiana Calmell del Solar
Tatiana Calmell del Solar, 30, is an actor, model, and mental-health advocate. Her most recent film is “Bienvenidos al paraíso.”
The pageant queen previously placed first runner-up at Miss Peru 2022 and went on to compete at Miss International 2022, where she made it to the top three.
Philippines: Chelsea Manalo
Chelsea Manalo, 25, is the first Filipino of African descent to win the Miss Philippines title.
Manalo began modeling at the age of 14. She has a degree in tourism management and previously competed at Miss World Philippines 2017, where she reached the top 15.
Poland: Kasandra Zawal
Kasandra Zawal, 29, is a beauty and fashion journalist who has written for outlets such as Glamour Poland and Elle Polska.
In her free time, Zawal enjoys yoga and traveling.
Portugal: Andreia Correia
Andreia Correia, 26, is a seasoned pageant queen. She has also won the titles of Miss Portugal UK 2019 and Miss Aura International 2020. She was crowned Miss Portugal 2024 by Marina Machete, who made history as the first trans woman to place in the top 20 at Miss Universe.
Correia is a model and mental-health advocate.
Puerto Rico: Jennifer Colón Alvarado
Jennifer Colón Alvarado, 36, became the first woman over 28 and the first mother to win the title of Miss Puerto Rico. Mothers, married women, and contestants over 28 only became eligible to compete at Miss Universe starting in 2023.
The single mother of three is an esthetician and iridologist. In 2009, she was the first runner-up at Miss Puerto Rico and represented her country at Miss World that same year. The pageant queen was also featured in the Bravo reality show “Mexican Dynasties” in 2019.
Romania: Loredana Salanță
Loredana Salanță, 32, studied history, film, and law. She is an international model.
Salanță also works as a freelance journalist, covering major film festivals, including Venice and Cannes. She is an international voter for the Golden Globes.
Russia: Valentina Alekseeva
Valentina Alekseeva, 18, graduated from high school this year and is now studying at the Pirogov National Research Medical University in Moscow.
In her Miss Universe bio, Alekseeva said she aspires to become an oncologist.
Saint Lucia: Skye Faucher
Skye Faucher, 26, is a cancer genomics scientist. She earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she studied biochemistry, molecular biology, and computational biology.
Faucher is also an accomplished volleyball player and an environmental conservation advocate.
Samoa: Haylani Kuruppu
Haylani Kuruppu, 26, is the first Miss Samoa to walk the Miss Universe stage in 38 years. She previously won first runner-up at the Miss Global 2023 competition.
According to Samoa Observer, Kuruppu is a social worker, fitness trainer, and author.
Senegal: Fatou Bintou Gueye
Fatou Bintou Gueye, 23, is the first Miss Senegal to walk the Miss Universe stage since 1987.
The pageant queen advocates for women’s education and empowerment in Senegal.
Serbia: Ivana Trišić Relic
Ivana Trišić Relic, 30, is a law school graduate. She is fluent in Serbian, English, and Spanish.
According to her Miss Universe bio, the pageant queen advocates for ending global hunger, homelessness, and malnutrition. Her platform was inspired by her own experiences with food instability as a child when Serbia was involved in several wars in the 1990s.
Singapore: Charlotte Chia
Charlotte Chia, 26, is the director of communications at the Singapore Women’s Association, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women, children, and older people, according to her Miss Universe bio.
Chia has a master’s degree in strategic public relations, as well as a master’s in law.
Slovakia: Petra Siváková
Petra Siváková, 24, has been modeling internationally since she was 15. The pageant queen has also worked as a social-media marketer and studied interior design.
She is currently working on her own jewelry brand.
Somalia: Khadija Omar
Khadija Omar, 23, is making history as the first woman to represent Somalia at the Miss Universe competition. In 2021, she also became the first pageant queen to wear a hijab at Miss World.
Omar was born at the Hagadera Refugee Camp in Kenya. Her family migrated to Canada when she was 10. She now works as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur.
Spain: Michelle Jiménez
Michelle Jiménez, 21, was born and raised in Barcelona. According to DR1.com, the pageant queen was in the foster care system in Spain from the ages of 12 to 18.
“I’m very grateful because, ultimately, the woman I am today is thanks to everything I went through,” she said in an interview.
Sri Lanka: Melloney Dassanayake
Mellony Dassanayaka, 25, has a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
According to her Miss Universe bio, the pageant queen is a former national basketball player who now works as a model, international banker, and part-time TV host.
Suriname: Pooja Chotkan
Pooja Chotkan, 22, is the first Miss Suriname to walk the Miss Universe stage since 1999.
Chotkan has a background in geosciences, according to her Miss Universe bio. She is an advocate for the environment and youthful empowerment.
Switzerland: Laura Bircher
Laura Bircher, 24, is a model and mental-health advocate.
According to a video on her Instagram page, Bircher wants to spread awareness for anxiety and depression.
Tanzania: Judith Peter Ngusa
Judith Peter Ngusa, 26, is a model, actor, and the first mother to win Miss Tanzania, according to her Miss Universe bio.
Ngusa previously won Miss United Nations 2022. She is a postpartum health activist.
Thailand: Opal Suchata Chuangsri
Opal Suchata Chuangsri, 21, has a bachelor’s degree in international relations and hopes to become a diplomat one day.
The pageant queen had to undergo a breast lump removal surgery when she was 16. Now, she is an advocate for breast cancer awareness.
Trinidad and Tobago: Jenelle Thongs
Jenelle Thongs, 32, has already won Miss Congeniality at the 2024 Miss Universe competition.
The pageant queen has a degree in biology and manages her own dental practice, according to Loop Trinidad & Tobago News. She aspires to become a published author.
Turkey: Ayliz Duman
Ayliz Duman, 20, was born in Germany and is fluent in English and German, according to the Turkish Gazette.
In her Miss Universe bio, Duman said she is “passionate about spreading kindness, promoting inclusion, and empowering young women.”
Turks and Caicos: Raynae Myers
Raynae Myers, 23, is the first Miss Turks and Caicos to appear at Miss Universe since 2014. The pageant queen trained for the competition in Colombia, practicing her “catwalk, fitness, and interview skills,” according to TCI Sun.
Myers graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in law and politics. She has also served as a youth parliamentarian and advocates for gun violence prevention and awareness.
UAE: Emilia Dobreva
Emilia Dobreva, 27, is the first-ever Miss United Arab Emirates to compete at the Miss Universe competition. She is a mother of three.
Dobreva began modeling when she was 12. She has walked the runway at New York Fashion Week and appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, according to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
Ukraine: Alina Ponomarenko
Alina Ponomarenko, 21, won the title of Miss Ukraine through an online selection process due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Ponomarenko graduated with a degree in international law and justice. She began working at a law firm at the age of 15. The pageant queen created the “Tree of Love” initiative to support the older residents of Odesa, Ukraine.
Uruguay: Yanina Lucas
Yanina Lucas, 28, graduated with a degree in software engineering and has been studying programming since she was 15, according to her Miss Universe bio.
The pageant queen now works as a model and software developer.
US Virgin Islands: Stephany Andujar
Stephany Andujar, 28, is a licensed esthetician and a professional makeup artist.
Andujar owns Sandujar Esthetics, which provides eyelash extensions, face threading, and makeup services, according to Loop Caribbean News.
United States: Alma Cooper
Alma Cooper, 22, is an Army officer and West Point graduate, where she was in the top 5% of her class.
Cooper is now a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, pursuing a master’s degree in data science.
She is the first Afro-Latina woman to win Miss USA. Cooper told BI that she wants to use her platform to uplift “the voices of individuals whose stories may not be heard, whose stories may not be shown.”
Uzbekistan: Nigina Fakhriddinova
Nigina Fakhriddinova, 25, is a model. She is the first-ever Miss Uzbekistan to compete in the Miss Universe competition.
Fakhriddinova details how she overcame childhood trauma in her bio for the Miss Universe Uzbekistan site. The pageant queen said she was subject to domestic violence from her stepfather for 13 years. She eventually had to undergo a craniotomy, forcing her to learn how to walk and write again. After years of working with a psychologist, Fakhriddinova decided to compete in pageants to inspire people to “believe in a brighter future.”
Venezuela: Ileana Márquez Pedroza
Ileana Márquez Pedroza, 28, is the first mother to represent Venezuela at the Miss Universe pageant.
The pageant queen became a mother when she was 16 years old, according to Hola. She now advocates for the Niña Madre Foundation, which supports young mothers and helps them continue their education.
“My life has been defined by beauty, strength, and perseverance,” she wrote in her Miss Universe bio. “I proudly carry the values of resilience and empowerment.”
Vietnam: Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên
Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên, 28, is a model, health content creator, and owner of a fashion brand, according to her Miss Universe bio.
She has appeared in several Vietnamese reality TV shows, including “The Amazing Race Vietnam” and “The Face Vietnam.”
Zambia: Brandina Lubuli
Brandina Lubuli, 28, is a lab technologist with a degree in business administration from the National Institute of Public Administration.
Lubuli is also a philanthropist and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the first married woman and mother to represent Zambia in the Miss Universe competition.
Zimbabwe: Sakhile Dube
Sakhile Dube, 28, is a fashion designer. She previously won Miss Supranational Africa in 2023.
According to her Miss Universe bio, Dube is a healthcare advocate who uses her platform to promote “universal access to quality medical services” in Zimbabwe.
The post Meet the 125 women competing to be Miss Universe 2024 appeared first on Business Insider.
