Andrea Meza of Mexico was crowned 69th Miss Universe during a three-hour televised competition held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood in Florida last Monday.
Andrea bested 73 other candidates for the crown. She is the third Miss Universe from Mexico - the first being Lupita Jones (1991) and Ximena Navarrete (2010).
Other winners:
1st runner-up: Brazil
2nd runner-up: Peru
3rd runner-up: India
4th runner-up: Dominican Republic
Candidates who finished in the Top 21 were Colombia, Australia, France, Myanmar, Jamaica, USA, Indonesia, Argentina, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Nicaragua, Thailand, Costa Rica and Vietnam (fan votes).
Miss Myanmar won best in national costume.
Andrea has a degree in software engineering and is proud to be a woman who graduated in a male dominated field of study.
She is an activist, focused on women's rights and inclusion and currently works closely with the Municipal Institute for Women, which aims to end gender violence.
Andrea has also been part of a global charity association raising funds in India, Indonesia and China for the downtrodden. She is a certified make-up artist and model, who is also passionate about being active.
She practices cross fit and extreme sports, such as rappel and sand boarding. Her concern for the wellbeing of the world and animals led her to become a vegan. Andrea is also the official Tourism Brand Ambassador for Chihuahua, promoting the best touristic attractions and rich culture her beautiful home offers.
Fun facts
- Andrea loves singing, she feels it’s a very powerful way to show her emotions.
- She has 40 cousins and loves having a big family.
- Andrea can do a three-minute plank!