Sheynnis Palacios, a 23-year-old Nicaraguan model and beauty queen, was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on Saturday night in the 72nd annual beauty pageant held in San Salvador.
Sheynnis outperformed 83 other contenders, becoming the first Nicaraguan delegate to win the Miss Universe title.
Sheynnis is no stranger to pageantry, having begun competing in national pageants when she was 16 years old.
Nicaraguan consistently advanced to the next round on coronation night, with good performances in both the swimsuit portion and the evening gown competition.
the Nicaraguan’s aim, according to the Miss Universe organization, is to “work in the service of humanity, by running a newsroom and producing content and commercials for international brands.”
Aside from the Nicaraguan’s victory, there were several other historic firsts at the event, including two mother candidates, two transgender women, and a plus-size individual.
Last year’s winner, R’Bonney Nola Gabriel of the United States, was crowned the next beauty queen.
