Miss Universe Colombia organization, at a press conference held in Medellin yesterday, announced that María Fernanda Aristizabal is the new Miss Universe Colombia 2022 and will represent Colombia at Miss Universe 2022. She received the sash from Miss Universe Colombia 2021 Valeria Ayos.

María Fernanda Aristizabal, at the press conference before her official sashing, spoke, “It is a moment that I have been waiting for a long time. I want to thank each one of you for being present here and I am happy to once again have a band on my chest called Colombia, I am happy because I never felt it far from me and Colombia is always in my heart.”

Maria finished her studies of social communication at the Luis Amigó Catholic University of Medellin in July 2021. The stunning beauty won Miss Colombia 2019 by outgoing titleholder Gabriela Tafur, becoming the first woman from Quindío Department to win the title. As Miss Colombia 2019, she was supposed to represent Colombia at Miss Universe 2020.

However, In June 2020, Natalie Ackermann gained ownership of the Colombian franchise to Miss Universe and confirmed that a new pageant would be held to select the Colombian representative in 2020 and that Aristizábal would not be representing Colombia at Miss Universe. After finishing her reign as Miss Colombia, Maria began talks to be adjudged as Miss Universe Colombia 2022 and after reaching an agreement, the decision was made.

“Today I am very grateful  for the decision that was made today, today I can say thank you for letting me fulfill this  dream , live this process and joy of carrying my country on my chest, of shouting  Colombia with pride  . A queen needs her country behind her with a very strong support and I know that I have them with me from my hand”, Maria said on her win. A separate coronation event will be held for the newly appointed queen where she will receive the crown.

Congratulations Maria!