One of the only back to back wins at the coveted Miss Universe pageant belongs to a country known for its obsession with pageantry, Venezuela. To be the lady to bring such an esteemed honour home, Stefanía Fernández Krupij’s life changed forever, and for the better.
Miss Venezuela 2008 and Stefanía Fernández Krupij was crowned Miss Universe 2009 on 23 August 2009 at the Imperial Ballroom in Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau, The Bahamas. It was the first back to back victories in Miss Universe history. A true moment of pride for Venezuelans as outgoing titleholder, Dayana Mendoza, Miss Venezuela 2007 and Miss Universe 2008 crowned her successor from her home country.
After her crowning, Fernández was interviewed by all major news and lifestyle channels. Her arrival to Venezuela was transmitted by Venezuelan television; she had a homage in Super Sabado Sensacional during five hour special on Venevisión (Venezuela's main TV network). Fernández received a Guinness record for being the first contestant to Miss Universe which is crowned by a compatriot.
The President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, congratulated Fernández, and he gave her his support against her campaign against AIDS. He also gave his government's support.
Stefania was surely not a name Venezuela could forget anytime soon. The beauty queen did not only maintain her political views on her advocacy. During the 2014 Venezuelan protests, Fernández took part in the "Your Voice is Your Power" campaign denouncing violence, human rights violations and the censorship of media in Venezuela.
She also had her stint with controversy. On 23 August 2010, Fernández passed her crown to Ximena Navarrete, Miss Mexico. During her final catwalk, she unveiled a Venezuelan flag with only seven stars. The Venezuelan parliament (the National Assembly) had voted a modification of the flag from seven to eight stars in 2006; former President Hugo Chávez had favored this decision. The display of the old flag was seen as a protest against the new policies of Chávez.
Stefania walked out of the controversy spotless and with grace. Even almost a decade after her reign as Miss Universe is over, she maintains her various facets as a model, businesswoman, Misses coach and continues to be involved in social work for the AidforAids foundation. In this way, it demonstrates that women are capable of achieving and achieving everything that is proposed. Just like her, there are many integral women who are part of society and from now on, they will be able to share knowledge, secrets and life experiences that they surely have in common.