The Miss Universe Greece organization has appointed Rafaela Plastira as Miss Universe Greece 2021 and she will represent Greece at the 70th edition of Miss Universe. With Rafaela’s appointment, Greece is all set to make a return to the Miss Universe competition after two years. The beauty queen succeeds Miss Universe Greece 2018 Ioanna Bella.

Rafaela took to social media following the announcement to share the news, writing, "My dream since I was a little girl has come true... I can't wait to represent my country again!!"This time it’s going to be very different for me. It will be my last pageant, so I will give me all into it. I had a dream recently that I don't remember much about, but it stuck with me: I walked on the Miss Universe stage wearing a very creative unique Greek National Costume. So, this year my national costume will be inspired by me!! I want to keep it as a little secret & as a surprise until the time is ticking for Miss Universe. Stay tuned...My journey has already started. I’m so grateful and blessed at the same time! Can’t wait!!!! Let’s go to the Universe, Greece is back. "

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Rafaela is 21-years-old. She has graduated from a Dutch School (MAVO) specializing in care and welfare and currently works as a professional model in both Greece and the Netherlands. She is fluent in three languages, English, Dutch, and German, and in her spare time does Muay Thai and swimming.

The beauty queen feels blessed and honoured to be able to represent Greece at Miss Universe 2021 and believes that she will perform her best on-stage to make Greece proud. Rafaela shares, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." She is no stranger to the world of beauty pageants, having been crowned Star Hellas 2019 and representing Greece at Miss World 2019, where she was highly praised for her performance but fell short of the top spot. She won the Miss Teen Thessaly title in 2016 while she competed in the Miss World Summer Beauty pageant in Albania in 2017.

Rafaela is a strong, confident, and beautiful woman who is determined and focused on representing her country in the best way possible at Miss Universe 2021. With her experience and confidence, she could emerge as a strong contender for the title. She is strong and she encourages other women around her to be the same. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had up to this point, which have allowed her to gain experience and knowledge about the beauty pageant.

Congratulations!