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Meet the 125 women competing to be Miss Universe 2024
Albania: Franceska RustemMiss Albania 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe Franceska Rustem, 19, is one of the youngest contestants featured in this year's Miss Universe competition.Born in Durrs, Albania, she works as a model and television host. She's also outspoken against bullying across her social media platforms. Angola: Nelma FerreiraMiss Angola 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 Kamba, which provides sexual and reproductive education to young women in Angola. Argentina: Magal BenejamMiss Argentina 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe Magal 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 AvanesianMiss Armenia 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 EmanMiss Aruba 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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 CreedMiss Australia 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 WrightMiss Bahamas 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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 AhmedMiss Bahrain 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 AlamMiss Bangladesh 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 KachalovskayaMiss Belarus 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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 AmelootMiss Belgium 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 HoyMiss Belize 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 BarrientosMiss Bolivia 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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 empowermentHer hobbies include playing piano and speaking multiple languages. Bonaire: Ruby PouchetMiss Bonaire 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 Bonaire in the Miss Universe competition in 25 years. Botswana: Thanolo KeutlwileMiss Botswana 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 CavalcanteMiss Brazil 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 LowenfieldMiss British Virgin Islands 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 VianMiss Bulgaria 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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 PrasathMiss Cambodia 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 NjikamMiss Cameroon 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 CallingbullMiss Canada 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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 RuttyMiss Cayman Islands 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 DidesMiss Chile 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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 QiMiss China 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 RochaMiss Colombia 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 HidalgoMiss Costa Rica 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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. Cte d'Ivoire: Marie-Emmanuelle DiamalaMiss Cte d'Ivoire 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 oriMiss Croatia 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe Zrinka ori, 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 ori's true passion is humanitarian aid through her project Cycle of Support, which brings hygiene and menstrual supplies to girls in Tanzania. Cuba: Marianela AnchetaMiss Cuba 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images 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. Curaao: Kimberly de BoerMiss Curaao 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 DimitriouMiss Cyprus 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 DaniMiss Czech Republic 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe Marie Dani, 28, describes herself as a "movie and theatre nerd." She also plays basketball and loves trying new food.During the Miss Universe competition, Dani aims to remain true to herself and advocate for individual authenticity throughout industries. Denmark: Victoria Kjr TheilvigMiss Denmark 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images Victoria Kjr 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 SantosMiss Dominican Republic 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe Celinee Santos, 24, is now completing an internship at the San Cristbal 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 AmaniMiss Democratic Republic of Congo 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 TopiMiss Ecuador 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images Mara Topi, 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 SalahMiss Egypt 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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 GarcaMiss El Salvador 2024 Courtesy of Miss Universe Florence Garca, 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 MouhafoMiss Equatorial Guinea 2024. Courtesy of Miss Universe 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.
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