Meet the Latinas Competing for the Miss Universe 2025 Crown

She's the youngest contestant in this year's Miss Universe pageant, but that doesn't make her any less capable. As a model, Giulia knows how to work in front of the cameras, a passion she balances with her studies in Graphic Design.

In early September, Nicaragua crowned Itza Castillo, a 30-year-old native of Managua. Castillo is a professional model and a strong supporter of educational causes, as she is the second generation in her family to have a higher education.

At the Esplendor Cervantes Hotel in Montevideo, Valeria Baladan was crowned Miss Universe Uruguay. With elegance and charm, the 24-year-old model won over the judges. Pageants are no strangers to her; in 2014, she won the title of Miss Latin America Uruguay, and last year she competed for the Miss Universe Uruguay crown, but was defeated by Yanina Lucas.

Originally from the Dominican Republic but residing in New Jersey, Yamilex Hernández earned her place in the pageant after participating in the reality show Miss Universe Latina, El Reality, where 30 women competed for the crown that represents their community. Through challenge after challenge, and with tests that demonstrated the strength, spirit, and heart of the contestants, on Monday, July 21, 29-year-old Hernández was chosen by a panel of judges and the public as the winner of $100,000 and the opportunity to compete in Miss Universe 2025.

She is 22 years old, and like some of her fellow contestants, she is trilingual, speaking Spanish, English, and Italian. Her professional focus is on fashion design with a marketing focus, and she is also a model, singer, actress, decorator, and event planner. These multifaceted qualities make her an ideal candidate for Miss Universe 2025.

One of this year's top favorites. The 25-year-old Venezuelan was in the final stretch of her undergraduate studies in Economics at Florida International University when her interest in Miss Universe was sparked. The beautiful model has made a lasting impression with her elegance at the pageant.

Representing Miss Olancho, Alejandra is 31 years old and, in addition to dreaming of winning the crown in November, is dedicated to social causes. Fuentes holds a degree in International Relations from the Central American Technological University (UNITEC) in Honduras. Alejandra was also crowned by Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Miss Universe 2024.

The Jet Set tragedy last April deeply affected Jennifer's life, and she almost didn't participate in the Miss Universe pageant. Her mother, Roselin Marte Nova, was one of the victims of the nightclub collapse. This painful experience made her stronger: "I understood that her death would be the main reason for me to walk this new path, and I'm sure it will transform my life and many other lives," she affirmed. Jennifer was crowned by the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig.

An engineer by profession, as well as a model, 25-year-old Zashely is among the favorites to win the crown this coming Thursday. From a young age, she developed a passion for art, sports, and dance - the pillars that would shape her character and vocation.

At 34 years old, Vanessa, an actress and presenter with extensive experience in front of television cameras, is running to represent her country and take the Miss Universe crown this year.

A graduate in Political Science and International Relations, Raschel is also a professional model. The 24-year-old contestant from Guatemala speaks Spanish, English, and German.

Model, singer, and image consultant, this Argentinian, originally from the province of Entre Ríos, is ready to fight tooth and nail for this year's crown. Aldana is 25 years old and determined to make her own mark in Thailand.

Despite being at the center of controversy due to her current residence in Los Angeles, Karla is ready to represent Peru. Currently 33 years old, she studies acting and production, and professionally works as an administrator with sales experience. Karla is also happily married and has said that her partner fully supports her in this dream.

One of the names that has been making headlines at the competition is that of Fatima Bosch, the Mexican representative, who had a confrontation with Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, after he publicly insulted her during the sash presentation. The 25-year-old model is ready to represent her country with courage, confidence, and elegance

Originally from Santiago, Chile, the 28-year-old model is making a strong impression in the competition. With a solid international modeling career, she was crowned in early August to represent her country. During the competition, Inna became embroiled in controversy over a video recorded by her makeup artist, where she appeared to snort white powder from her arm. She later apologized.

Lina has been famous since birth. The Cuban representative is the daughter of television host Lili Estefan and belongs to one of the most renowned families in the Latin music world. However, Lina is determined to make a name for herself and has worked hard to shine on her own merits. This marks the beginning of her dream, and she is already making history as the second Cuban candidate in 63 years to participate in Miss Universe.

Her beauty caught the judges' attention, but her personality ultimately convinced them that she would be the perfect representative for Miss Universe 2025. At 26, Mahyla already has extensive experience in pageants, having participated since she was eight. She is also a model in Switzerland, where she has appeared on the covers of magazines. The polyglot also speaks three languages: Spanish, English, and Swiss German.

Gabriela is 24 years old and a journalist by profession. Passionate about her roots, she hopes to go even further than Julia Gamma, who in 2020 was the first runner-up in Miss Universe.

At 27, Yanina is already a professional model, having worked in television and fashion in her hometown. Gómez holds the crown because of her confidence, discipline, and exceptional poise, which could take her beyond the top 10 in the grand finale.