Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023, marking the first-ever victory for her country in the prestigious beauty pageant.
This momentous achievement capped off a year filled with firsts and breakthroughs for the competition, as per USA Today.
Sheynnis Palacios: Mental Health Advocate to Miss Universe
Sheynnis Palacios, a 23-year-old mental health activist and audiovisual producer, stood out among 83 other beauty queens from around the globe to claim the coveted title. She is not just a beauty queen; she is a multitalented individual with a passion for positively impacting the world.
Nicaragua's journey to the Miss Universe crown had been long and challenging. The nation had participated in the pageant since 1955 but had just managed to secure the top spot. Sheynnis Palacios broke the mold and set a new standard for beauty and intelligence on the Miss Universe stage.
Sheynnis' journey into the world of pageantry began when she won the title of Miss Lasallista while studying at the La Salle Managua Pedagogical Institute in her hometown of Managua. Her dedication to her education and extracurricular activities paid off, as she later pursued Mass Communication at Central American University, where she excelled in sports as a member of the volleyball varsity team.
However, life could have been smoother sailing for Sheynnis. She worked tirelessly in her mother's snack business to support her family and pay for her education. Her mother's journey to find better opportunities in another country left Sheynnis to care for her grandmother and younger brother, showcasing her resilience and determination.
One of the remarkable aspects of Sheynnis' reign as Miss Universe is her commitment to raising awareness about mental health. She struggled with anxiety attacks in her youth and decided to use her platform to make a difference. She launched a TV segment titled "Understand Your Mind," where she interviewed experts in emotional care, shedding light on important mental health-related topics, according to Phil Star.
Beauty and Empowerment at Miss Universe 2023
During the Miss Universe 2023 competition, Sheynnis was impressed with her grace and poise and her national costume and evening gown inspired by the beauty of Nicaragua's natural landscapes. Her charisma and intelligence shone through during the question-and-answer segment, where she eloquently spoke about the values that guide her as a leader and role model for others.
When asked about living in another woman's shoes, Sheynnis chose the British author, philosopher, and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft. She emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women in all fields, a sentiment that resonates powerfully today.
Sheynnis Palacios' win represents a significant step forward in the pageant's history, showcasing diversity and empowerment. The 72nd edition of Miss Universe included two transgender women, two mothers, and one plus-sized model, Jane Dipika, who was crowned Miss Nepal. These women are challenging conventional beauty standards and making their mark on the global stage.
Sheynnis Palacios admired past Miss Universe winners, including Andrea Meza from Mexico and Catriona Gray from the Philippines, known for their genuineness and humility. Catriona, who returned as a backstage correspondent, and Andrea were among the first to congratulate Sheynnis on her groundbreaking achievement.
As Sheynnis Palacios embarks on her journey as Miss Universe 2023, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of a nation and a powerful message of empowerment, resilience, and the importance of understanding one's mind. Her victory is a testament to the limitless potential of women worldwide, and she is set to inspire generations to come, Firstpost reported.
