Sheynnis Palacios Makes History as the First Nicaraguan Miss Universe

 

Sheynnis Palacios, a 23-year-old communicologist from Nicaragua, made history by winning the 2023 Miss Universe competition held late Saturday night in El Salvador.

She is the first Nicaraguan woman to wear the coveted crown. Palacios, who battled anxiety herself, expressed her commitment to promoting mental health.

The first runner-up was Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, and the second runner-up was Miss Australia, Moraya Wilson. The competition featured 84 contestants in its 72nd edition.

Palacios clinched her victory with a confident response to the question of which woman's shoes she would like to spend a year in, choosing Mary Wollstonecraft, an 18th-century English writer and philosopher known for her advocacy of women's rights and feminism. Palacios emphasized her goal of closing the gender salary gap to empower women in various fields.

This year's Miss Universe event, held in El Salvador for the first time since 1975, served as an opportunity for President Nayib Bukele to showcase improvements in the country's safety under his administration. Bukele, despite facing international criticism for issues like eroding checks and balances and human rights concerns, thanked the world for being part of El Salvador's rebirth.

Palacios' win not only marked a personal achievement but also a historic moment for Nicaragua. She had previously represented Nicaragua in the 2017 Teen Miss Universe pageant and the 2021 Miss World pageant.

The judging panel included notable figures such as model Halima Aden, "Queer Eye" star Carson Kressley, TikTok influencer Avani Gregg, and former Miss Universe winners Janelle Commissiong and Iris Mittenaere. The competition saw the elimination of contestants in various rounds, leading to the final three: Palacios, Porsild, and second runner-up Moraya Wilson.

In the final round, Palacios, asked about spending a day in someone else's life, chose Mary Wollstonecraft, praising her for breaking boundaries and providing opportunities for women. The top five also included Miss Colombia, Camila Avella, and Miss Puerto Rico, Karla Guilfú, with Spain’s Athenea Pérez crowned Miss Congeniality.

Palacios' victory not only celebrated her personal success but also symbolized a significant moment in Nicaragua's pageant history, marking the first time a Nicaraguan woman has been crowned Miss Universe.