The Miss Universe Puerto organization is preparing to host the coronation night for their next queen, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2021 as they have begun with their castings and callbacks. The winner of this edition will succeed Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020 Estefanía Soto Torres and will head over to Costa Rica to represent Puerto Rico at the 70th Miss Universe later this year.
One of the earliest candidates to receive a callback pass for Miss Universe Puerto Rico casting is Sthephanie Marie Miranda, who is also the current Miss Ohio USA 2020. Sthephanie was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Ohio at the age of five. She is a 26-year-old graduate of Campbell Memorial High School.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and said her experiences at YSU helped shape her into the pageant queen she is today. Not new to the world of pageantry, this diva was previously named Miss Ohio Latina 2013, Miss Ohio International 2015 and Miss Latino America in 2018 and made it till the Top 16 at Miss USA 2020.
Miranda’s tactic for a successful pageant is to not view the other competitors as competition and to focus on self-improvement. “Being able to just represent my culture on the stage is one of the things that makes me even more proud of being on that stage. I love my culture to death. I take it wherever I go,” she said.
Growing up in a Puerto Rican household influenced her strong relationship with her grandmother and made it even more devastating when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Being one of her grandmother's primary caregivers has inspired her to fight for a cure and document her life and memories on her own YouTube channel.
As an influencer and aspiring actress, she is passionate about connecting with her generation, traveling, photography, and of course sharing her Puerto Rican culture. She wants to use her position and platforms to heighten awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, in honor of her grandmother. She also became the on Honorary Chair for 2020’s Walk To End Alzheimer’s in her hometown.
Sthephanie is excited and full of emotions as she moves one step closer to representing Puerto Rico at Miss Universe 2021. There is no doubt that she’ll outstand at the pageant with her experience, charm and confidence. She is definitely a strong candidate for the crown and a potential winner.