BIO: Ameeksha Devi Dilchand (Mauritius) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Mauritius 2012

Ameeksha Devi Dilchand

BIO:
A player of soccer during her childhood, 26 year old Ameeksha grew up in Curepipe which is situated on the central plateau of the Caribbean island. During her college years, she continued playing soccer for 6 years.

She has a law degree and would like to later go on to become a politician. This beauty queen will soon start concentrating on her Bar Vocational Practice to become a barrister to serve her nation.

Standing 5'8.5" tall, Ameeksha previously competed and awarded "Miss Friendship" at the recently concluded Miss International 2012 pageant held in Japan.

Her dream is to eventually work as either a Minister of Education or Minister of Sports & Leisure for her home country of Mauritius and would love to meet the Manchester United Footballer Luis Nani.

She believes that if we start right now by giving a hand to the needy person next to us, we will be heading towards a better future both economically and socially.

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BIO: Kimberley Leggett (Malaysia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Malaysia 2012

Kimberley Leggett

BIO:
A tomboy growing up and made many friends through various activities ranging from playing the drums to dancing, Kimberley feels ironic getting her to wear dresses was a battle. Now, the 19 year old beauty from Penang likes sports, travel, nutrition, fitness and fond of collecting fridge magnets. She enjoys running, and even used to sprint for the state of Penang.

Leggett is currently a student at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, and hopes to eventually transfer to UCLA in the United States. With the height of 5'9" tall, her dream job is to be an anchorwoman for E! News.

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BIO: Greta Mikalauskyte (Lithuania) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Lithuania 2012

Greta Mikalauskyte

BIO:
A woman who treasures family and friends as her priority in life, 19 year old Greta grew up in Siauliai and spent summers with her cousins and grandmother enjoying nature and the village air. She recently attended College of Vilnius to study Dance Pedagogy.

Mikalauskyte stands 5'8.5" tall and her dream job is to open a dance studio and become a choreographer. She also hopes to one day provide dance classes to orphans.

She would loved to have met Marilyn Monroe, and she believes that every person can make the world better, all you need is a bit of passion and effort.

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BIO: Rina Chibany (Lebanon) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Lebanon 2012

Rina Chibany

BIO:
21 year old Rina grew up in the small city of Zahle with her parents and twin sister, who happens to be her 1st run-up in the national finals of Miss Lebanon 2012 pageant.

Chibany standing 5'10" tall is currently a student taking up Interior Architecture and hopes one day she can achieve her dream job of owning an interior design company. She has been an active swimmer for 18 years now and likes painting and reading.

Rina likes to sing like no one is listening, and dance like no one is watching. She also fond of collecting seashells and pebbles from the ocean and really values her family’s heirloom jewelry.

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BIO: Sung-hye Lee (Korea) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Korea 2012

Sung-hye Lee

BIO:
Appointed as a goodwill ambassador for an NGO ‘World Human Bridge’ as well as Special Friend for 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang which striving to achieve harmony between the disabled and the able-bodied and successfully launch the Special Olympics, 24 year old Sung-Hye from Seoul recently published her autobiography “Flower Blossoms by Process” last October to serve as a role-model for adolescents.

Lee stands 5'7" tall and enjoys both sports and arts. She is proficient in violin, cello, o-go-mu (Korean traditional dance) and she is studying at Parsons the New School of Design with the dream of one day becoming a prominent CEO in the fashion sector. Thanks to her father, who is a doctor, she was able to travel around the world, serving for those in need. These experiences led her to develop a passion for helping those in need.

As a beauty queen, Sung-hye strongly believe that beauty is a virtue to be cherished and remembered rather than to be visualized. She dreams to promote hope to those suffering and hurt globally with my innate beauty.

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BIO: Ayako Hara (Japan) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Japan 2012

Ayako Hara

BIO:
A tennis player for the past 12 years, 24 year old Ayako from Sendai City loves cooking, partaking in Japanese traditions such as Japanese Tea Ceremony and Japanese Incense Ceremony and likes to collect tableware because she loves to have meals with people.

Standing 5'7" tall, Hara currently works as a professional model and would like to establish support groups for children all around the world to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

She was deeply influenced by the life of Steve Jobs and believes that encounters with people are the most important thing for her and she ill continue to cherish everyone as my family.

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BIO: Chantal Zaky (Jamaica) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Jamaica 2012

Chantal Zaky

BIO:
24 year old Chantal from Port Antonio was born in Hempstead, New York USA to a Jamaican Mother and American Father. Growing up traveling the world because of having parents who is passionate in embracing different cultures, her biggest passion in life is education and treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS.

Standing 5'9.5" tall, this beauty had several years of training in modeling. Her hobbies include traveling, sports, and swimming in the ocean. One day, she hopes to have a career in Broadcast Media and Journalism.

Zaky is an active volunteer for Jamaica AIDS Support for Life and hope to be able to use her pageant and life experiences to positively impact and motivate other young women to become whoever they aspire to become and not be afraid of the challenges of life.

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BIO: Grazia Pinto (Italy) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Italy 2012

Grazia Maria Pinto

BIO:
24 year old Grazia Maria grew up in Sicily who interest in fashion, so she spends a lot of her free time shopping with close friends. Her most preiced possession are earrings she bought herself with her first paycheck.

Pinto stands 5'9.5" tall. Her dream job is to become a famous actress and her favorite actor is Johnny Depp.

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BIO: Lina Makhuli (Israel) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Israel 2012

Lina Makhuli

BIO:
A volunteer in the children’s oncology department of her local hospital, 19 year old Lina was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia and at the age of 5, her family moved to Israel and grew up in Haifa. She likes to spend her time reading books in different languages, writing short stories, cooking, and working out.

Standing 5'11" tall, Lina is an avid reader of fashion blogs and hopes to meet the editor-in-chief of American Vogue Anna Wintour someday. Her career ambition is to become a diplomat for her country to relieve the tensions of the Middle East.

She believe that there is no need to look at the past and think what could have been. She thinks that everything happens for a reason and for the better, no matter how hard or painful it is.

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BIO: Adrienne Murphy (Ireland) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Ireland 2012

Adrienne Murphy

BIO:
Raised in Dublin where she spent her childhood playing sports with her brother, 22 year old Adrienne is passionate about fitness, and likes to participate in several forms of athletics in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She embraces her heritage through Irish Dance, and has a degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications.

Standing 5'8" tall, Murphy have mistaken as a tomboy growing up. But her dream career now is to become a Victoria's Secret model.

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BIO: Maria Selena Nurcahya (Indonesia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Indonesia 2012

Maria Selena Nurcahya

BIO:
A woman who family is her main source of inspiration, motivation, courage, success and happiness, 22 year old Maria Selena grew up in Semarang with family of 5 with two older brothers. Her hobbies includes sports, such as basketball and tennis, and arts, such as playing piano and sketching. She also like to collect basketball jerseys.

This 5'10" tall beauty currently attends the Bandung Institute of Technology in their School of Business and Management. She hopes to one day raise the education standards of the poor in her home country.

Nurcahya's dream job is to be a famous supermodel and actress and wish to meet model and animal activist Miranda Kerr someday.

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BIO: Shilpa Singh (India) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe India 2012

Shilpa Singh

BIO:
A passionate dancer and runway model who has lived in over 8 cities across her home country of India, 23 year old Shilpa from Samastipur is very thankful for this upcoming Miss Universe pageant because it will give her the opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures.

Presently, this 5'8.5" tall beauty works as a software engineer for a company based in her country. She mentored and trained a team of girls before on how to walk on the runway for a fashion show.

During her spare time, Singh loves to cook, play basketball, swimm, and play pool.

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BIO: Agnes Konkoly (Hungary) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Hungary 2012

Agnes Konkoly

BIO:
Currently works as a wedding organizer and a volunteer in a Hospice House in Budapest, 25 year old Agnes loves to spend time watching movies, playing sports, and studying psychology. She dreams of becoming an established wedding planner someday.

She has participated in triathlons for the past 10 years, and recently won a bronze medal with her team. Also, she previously competed and finished in the top 20 finaliss of Miss Supranational 2011 contest.

Konkoly stands 5'7.5" tall and very excited to take part in Miss Universe 2012 pageant as Las Vegas is one of the places she dreamed of going to.

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BIO: Jennifer Andrade (Honduras) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Honduras 2012

Jennifer Denise Andrade

BIO:
Has over 80 pairs of designer high heel shoes as her collection, 24 year old Jennifer was raised between Tegucigalpa and San Lorenzo. Her interests include health and nutrition, running, singing, Pilates and Latin cinema.

Standing only 5'2" tall, her career ambition is to work in the entertainment industry, and hopefully pursue a career in acting or singing. She once worked as a stand-in and hand-double for Jennifer Lopez and hopes to meet Salma Hayek in the future.

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BIO: Christela Jacques (Haiti) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Haiti 2012

Christela Jacques

BIO:
19 year old Christela has devoted much of her time volunteering with the national effort to rebuild Haiti due to the last earthquake that hit the country. The family photo album which survived the earthquake is one of the many things she value the most.

Standing 5'9.5" tall, Jacques has a special interest in creating fashion illustrations, although never been to New York, her drawings allows her to channel her creativity in a world where art, drawing and body movement come together to illustrate a world of great style and beauty.

She likes spending time with her family, and listening to music. Her career ambition is to obtain a college degree in Tourism Administration once conditions in her home country improve.

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BIO: Ruqayyah Boyer (Guyana) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Guyana 2012

Ruqayyah Boyer

BIO:
Passionate about the well-being of others and her goal is to one day have a positive impact on the world through her philanthropic efforts, 22 year old Raqayyah was raised in the extremely close-knit community of Linden, a region known for it’s sandy hills and blue lakes.

Her greatest interest in life is philanthropy and helping others and dreams to one day become a Global Ambassador working with the United Nations. She also enjoys indulging in the arts, including poetry, dance, music. Presently, she is studying to become a lawyer, specializing in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Standing 5'10.5" tall Boyer hopes to write as many books in her lifetime educating her readers on the true meaning of beauty.

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BIO: Laura Godoy (Guatemala) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Guatemala 2012

Laura Beatriz Godoy Calle

BIO:
24 year old Laura grew up in Guatemala City always surrounded by nature together with her big family of cousins and had a happy childhood because she always had the support of her parents, brother and sister, with whom she have lived a lot of exciting experiences as we have learned that family comes first.

Standing 5'8.5" tall, Godoy graduated from Catholic School as an Elementary Teacher. Her biggest passions revolve around nutrition and studying people’s health. One day, she dreams of establishing a Center for Recovery and Nutritional Education. Also, she has been playing volleyball since she was eight years old and even played for Guatemala’s national team.

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BIO: Alyssa Cruz Aguero (Guam) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Guam 2012

Alyssa Cruz Aguero

BIO:
24 year old Alyssa was born and raised in Barrigada and enjoys comedy films, TV shows, going to the beach and collecting high-heels which has a variety of heights, styles and colors. She also is an avid paddler who loves to be outside.

Standing 5'11" tall, Aguero hopes to become a nutritionist and is passionate about the importance of healthy living and dreams to create a children’s wellness center in her home country of Guam. The superstar singer Beyonce influenced both in aspirational and inspirational as a woman.

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BIO: Holly Hale (Great Britain) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Great Britain 2012

Holly Hale

BIO:
22 year old Holly was born in London, but moved to Essex at the age of two and later to Wales with two younger sisters. Holly loves to read, playing the piano, paint and draw during her leisure time. She is very interested in human behavioral studies that's why she took up Psychology at Cardiff University. She hopes to become a successful clinical psychologist with her own practice in the near future.

Standing 5'11" tall, Hale enjoys sports. She often surf and even once shared her surfboard with a stray seal that climbed aboard. She also won the national title in Karate when she was 15.

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BIO: Gifty Ofori (Ghana) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Ghana 2012

Gifty Ofori

BIO:
24 year old Ofori grew up in the suburbs of Accra, the capital city of Ghana, in a household where discipline, hard work, and achievement were always emphasized. Quite the tomboy, she would often be found playing outside with her siblings and friends. During her spare time, she likes gardening, nature, and travel. She's currently working as a registered nurse and hopes to one day become a doctor.

Standing tall at 5'8" tall, Gifty collects pebbles picked along the coast of Ghana and other West African beaches. Her dream job is to become a medical journalist on an international news network. She's very passionate and determined to pursue every goal and opportunity presented to her.

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BIO: Tamar Shedania (Georgia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Georgia 2012

Tamar Shedania

BIO:
Grew up in the small town of Zugdidi, Tamar standing 5'10" tall started joining beauty pageants and modelling at the early age of 14. She loves making jewelry, spending time with children, traveling, and acting at the National Georgian Theatre. She currently works at the Ministry of Agricultural Development in her home country of Georgia.

20 year old Shedania dreams of becoming a famous actress and hopes to meet Meryl Streep someday.

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BIO: Channa Divouvi (Gabon) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Gabon 2012

Channa Divouvi

BIO:
Working as an airport hostess, 21 year old Channa was raised in the friendly neighborhood of Libreville. Her mother was blind and her positive attitude throughout all challenges gives the beauty queen a different perspective in life.

Standing 5'9.5" tall, Divouvi is fond of cooking, reading, shopping and collecting seashells to use them to make decorations. Her dream job is to own her own association that helps the visually impaired in her country. She would also like to start a cosmetic company that caters to women of color.

Channa previously competed and represented her country in Miss International 2012 in Japan.

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BIO: Sara Yasmina Chafak (Finland) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Finland 2012

Sara Yasmina Chafak

BIO:
Started cooking and creating her own baking recipes at age of 5, and drove a car for the first time at the age of 8, Sara grew up in Finland’s capital, Helsinki and spent her summers camping out near the lakes of her home country. Her interests include singing, playing soccer, and traveling.

Chafak stands 5'7.5" tall and currently a student of International Marketing at the Estonian Business School in the School of Economics. She was also trained in close combat fighting which she learned as a member of the Finnish Defence Forces.

"Self-image is all in your head and it comes from your heart. I hope that every woman learns to embrace herself, because everyone is perfectly imperfect in their own way."

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BIO: Helen Getachew (Ethiopia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Ethiopia 2012

Helen Getachew

BIO:
22 year old Helen grew up in Addis Ababa where she had a very spiritual upbringing. She likes reading the Bible, spending time with family and friends, fashion and decorating and making things around her beautiful. She dreams to one day be involved in working with organizations that help the poor, especially children.

Standing 5'9.5" tall, Getachew thinks that the biggest problem facing the world today is food shortage. She would also like to meet Liya Kebede someday because she's fascinated of her work with UNICEF.

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BIO: Natalie Korneitsik (Estonia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Estonia 2012

Natalie Korneitsik

BIO:
23 year old Natalie grew up in Tallinn and spend her summer in Belarus. She was a very well-rounded child. Growing up, she used visiting theatre schools, doing gymnastics, playing tennis, and participating in school events. Her deepest interests are photography, piano and writing. She also fond of collecting wise quotes and Starbucks cups from different cities and countries. One day, she hopes to be somehow involved in organizing, marketing, and developing shows and events because she loves communicating with and inspire other people.

Standing 5'9" tall, Korneitsik was chosen to be a delegate from her country to the European Youth Parliament in Strasbourg at the age of 15. She was deeply influenced by singer Winston Churchill and like to meet him someday.

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BIO: Ana Yancy Clavel (El Salvador) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe El Salvador 2012

Ana Yancy Clavel

BIO:
Passionate about education, Ana hope that as a public figure she can help others go beyond their expectations. If ever she could meet any celebrity, it would be deaf actress Marleen Martin as she is incredibly accomplished despite her disability. She also learned sign language at a very young age in order to communicate with her cousin.

20 year old Yancy from San Salvador enjoys collecting earrings, playing the flute and contemporary styles of dance. She is currently studying at the Universidad de El Salvador taking up Nursery School Education. Her career ambition is to one day open a child development center for education.

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BIO: Carolina Aguirre (Ecuador) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Ecuador 2012

Carolina Andrea Aguirre Perez

BIO:
20 year old Carolina feels she's happiest when on stage; it’s as if she were finally at home. That is because this beauty grew up in a house that was always full of music, as her mother is a professional singer. An avid singer as well, she has received voice lessons from her mother throughout her life. She also loves working out and learning ballet, jazz and flamenco dance styles.

Standing 5'10" tall, Aguirre is presently studying Journalism and hopes that she can somehow incorporate her learned writing skills in her dream job as a performer. She and her cousin used to collect Disney Pins as they love to go to Disney World together. She hopes on meeting Johnny Depp someday, and as a music lover, she values most on her Ipod.

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BIO: Dulcita Lynn Lieggi (Dominican Republic) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Dominican Republic 2012

Dulcita Lynn Lieggi

BIO:
A huge fan of both Charlie Chaplin and Lucille Ball, Dulcita has a passion in acting and has a big collection of movies. She also she enjoys writing web-articles and watching movies. Although born in Santo Domingo, she spent her childhood in several different places, including Italy and upstate New York. Because of her strong interest in film, she is planning on going back to school to study production so she can be familiar with both sides of the camera.

This beauty adores Lady Gaga's individuality and confidence despite being bullied when younger. She believes that staying true to who you are and believing in yourself no matter what is the most valuable lesson she had learned.

23 year old Lieggi previously competed in Miss Italia nel Mondo pageant twice. First is on 2009 where she represented Caribbean region. And second was on 2011 where she compete for the Dominican Republic.

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BIO: Josefine Hewitt (Denmark) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Denmark 2012

Josefine Hewitt

BIO:
Josefine once volunteered at a program wher she got to teach 57 young girls how to walk on the runway. She felt great to see and feel the changes the girls went through in just a few hours. They were so happy and grateful which warmed her personally.

This 19 year old was born in Copenhagen but raised in the city of Esbjerg along the west coast of Denmark. She is very fond of nature, and spends as much time as she can enjoying it, hoping to potentially become a veterinarian one day. She also like fashion, and she would also be happy to work in this industry. Her favorite fashion designer is Karl Lagerfeld.

Standing 5'9" tall, Hewitt's career ambition is to open a shelter for abandoned animals.

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BIO: Tereza Chlebovska (Czech Republic) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Czech Republic 2012

Tereza Chlebovska

BIO:
22 year old Tereza is passionate about life involves music because she is an avid singer, who also enjoys dancing, and playing the piano. She is also fond of playing volleyball and other sports with her family. She is currently a student taking up Music at the University Ostrava. One day she hopes to achieve her dreams of becoming a TV personality, singer, or model.

This beauty standing 5'8" tall is from Tremesne where she is proudly once saved a man in a wheelchair from oncoming traffic. She also have a pleasant childhood experience growing up.

A chocolate lover, Chlebovska if possible would meet Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

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BIO: Ioanna Yiannakou (Cyprus) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Cyprus 2012

Ioanna Yiannakou

BIO:
Born in the coastal city of Paphos, Ioanna loves reading, exercising, spending quality time with family and friends and have special interest in watching documentaries about ancient Greek philosophers. She took piano lessons while growing up, but currently studying at the European University Cyprus and hopes to work in either aesthetics or acting in the future.

Yiannakou stands 5'11.5" tall and greatly admires and been influenced by Angelina Jolie for both her successful career as well as her philanthropic endeavors. She believe her life goal is to make all of the people who surround my life happy and help them in every way I can.

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BIO: Monifa Jansen (Curacao) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Curacao 2012

Monifa Joanne Marie Jansen

BIO:
19 year old Monifa from Willemstad hopes to broaden her knowledge of the world by traveling. At the moment she spends her days preparing herself for the Miss Universe pageant which includes a lot of exercise and toning.

She learned to play guitar from her father at a very young age. She also indulges in other art forms such as playing the piano, singing, painting, and dancing which she also trained in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and her nation’s traditional dances such as the Waltz, Mazurka, Danza, Tumba and Tambu.

Jansen has participated in numerous sports, and has run triathlons for the past 3 years. She also represented her country before in Miss World 2011 pageant. Her dream job is to become a Hollywood actress someday.

This beauty standing 5'8.5" tall collect books, that she then donates to less fortunate children in schools. She believe that if you want something done, you have to get out there and do it yourself. You have to be the example for others.

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BIO: Elizabeta Burg (Croatia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Croatia 2012

Elizabeta Burg

BIO:
19 year old Burg was born and grew up in a small village called Vrbanja. She is fond of reading, horseback riding, playing volleyball and hiking during her leisure time. She is presently studying Economics and Management at Zagreb School of Economics and Management in Croatia and hopes to run her own modeling agency and to become a successful model one day.

Elizabeta stands 5'10" tall and loves to buy a new pair of earring whenever she travels. One thing she excites the most in this year's Miss Universe competition is to wear her National Costume which was made specially for her by her grandmother.

In her views about her society, she thinks that the biggest problems facing the world today is the division of the rich and the poor. She think we should all be more considerate of one another.

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BIO: Nazareth Cascante (Costa Rica) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Costa Rica 2012

Nazareth Cascante

BIO:
As of young age of 22 years, Nazareth has multiple pageant experiences. She was former Miss Teen International 2009 and both 1st runners-up in Miss Atlantico Internacional 2009. Aside from joining beauty contests, she is also studying to be a pharmacist at UCIMED in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her career goal is to create a chain of pharmacies in Costa Rica.

Casante from Alajuela stands 5'8" tall. She enjoys reading, exercise, music and dancing which she has been trained for tango, belly dancing, merengue, salsa, bolero and vallenato. A porcelain doll given to her by her grandmother was one of the things she values the most.

This Latina stunner admires Martin Luther King Jr. for promoting public awareness for civil rights, equality and freedom in a peaceful manner. She believes that she's kind of person who is studious and dedicated, with goals in life. She is friendly, caring, responsible, and educated. She like to spend quality time with her family and friends and living life intensely.

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BIO: Daniella Alvarez (Colombia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Colombia 2012

Daniella Margarita Alvarez Vasquez

BIO:
24 year old Daniella has studied many folklore dances native to her home country of Colombia, including Pulla, Mapale, Cumbia, as well as the Cha Cha and Samba. She used to wear yellow during special moments and occasions. She alsoo has gotten to participate in several PR conventions since she was 18.

Standing 5'8" tall, Alvarez from Barranquilla has a special interests on environmentalism, learning languages, music, and traveling. Her dream job is to become a famous TV anchor woman, or an Ambassador for Colombia.

Margarita is proud to say that she has gotten to volunteer with more than 65 charity foundations. She believes that every person learn from experiences, good and bad, and these experiences mold us into who we are today.

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BIO: Ji Dan Xu (China) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe China 2012

Ji Dan Xu

BIO:
10 years from now, Ji Dan hopes to travel the world empowering women to be the best of who they are. She want to teach them to embrace their beauty while embarking on a fulfilling life.

This 22 year old beauty grew up in JiLin Province where she was raised by her grandmother and 11 cousins. She has been dancing since the age of 6, with a special love for the Flamenco form and also played piano since the age of 3 and has competed on a national level.

Xu stands 5'11" tall from Shanghai loves traveling, baking, and women’s fashion. She dreams to have her own fashion brand someday. She finished degrees in Fashion Design, Culinary Arts, and Business Management.

One of her unforgettable experience was being on stage with Jackie Chan and singer Song Zu Ying.

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BIO: Ana Luisa Konig (Chile) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Chile 2012

Ana Luisa Konig

BIO:
The beauty queen who loves to meet Jack Nicholson someday, Ana grew up in a rural area, 30 km north of Santiago, Chile. She enjoys outdoor sports such as walking and long boarding. She likes to listen to good music and playing the guitar, having company and a good conversation. She is currently a student taking up fashion design and would love to one day own a textiles factory.

Luisa stands 5'9.5" tall and believes that the most important thing is to have enthusiasm in day to day life.

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BIO: Lindsay Japal (Cayman Islands) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2012

Lindsay Japal

BIO:
Born and raised in George Town, Lindsay is an avid diver who's always trying to find new ways to explore life under the sea. In her spare time, she loves to try new foods or relax with a good book or movie.

Standing 5'9" tall, Japal formerly competed and represented her country at the Miss World 2011 pageant. She is currently studying finance and marketing in order to pursue a successful career in the financial service industry.

This exotic beauty is an official member of the Cayman Islands Ocean Literacy Committee. Her dream job is to be a journalist for National Geographic and also like to be a food critic.

Lindsay grew up playing clarinet and steel drums. "Living in a small country with over 100 different nationalities represented, I have learned to appreciate diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. I believe this exposure will serve me well in whichever future endeavor I choose."

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BIO: Zhana Yaneva (Bulgaria) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Bulgaria 2012

Zhana Yaneva

BIO:
"My parents are the people who have brought me up and taught me to be what I am now...they have shown me the most important thing is to make a difference between good and bad and to have the courage to fulfill my dreams" said Zhana from Sofia.

This 23 year old grew up with her mom, dad, and younger sister. Her is fond of tennis, skiing, and jogging in the park. She has the passion to continue to remain an active volunteer for orphanages. She also hopes of one day having her own television program where important topics in her society can be discussed.

Yaneva standing 5'10" has a lucky charm gold coin, which has been passed down from her great-great-great-grandmother. When she was younger, she used to collect different napkins from everywhere she traveled. In the near future, she hopes to own a gallery for modern art.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Abigail Hyndman (British Virgin Islands) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe British Virgin Islands 2012

Abigail Hyndman

BIO:
22 year old Abigail grew up between the U.S and British Virgin Islands. Growing up in the islands, she had a very peaceful childhood where the air was filled with the sea breeze. She's currently studying Biology at the Xavier University of Louisiana in efforts to pursue her goal of becoming a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. During her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and hanging out with her family.

This 5'9" tall beauty from Road Town considers Jennifer Hudson as her celebrity role model and admires her accomplishments in life. She likes science, and spends hours reading biomedical research journals for fun.

Hyndman almost became a nun when she was younger, and volunteered extensively with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in college. Now, aside from medicine, she see herself owning a small bakery that caters to the many people who yearn sweets as much as her.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Gabriela Markus (Brazil) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Brazil 2012

Gabriela Markus

BIO:
24 year old Gabriela from Teutonia is fond of going to the movies, theater, and listening to good music. Gabriela is currently studying Food Engineering at the University of State of Rio Grande do Sul and has worked for her school’s microbiology laboratory.

Her hobbies includes collecting cups, and buys a new one each place she travels. She had an experience of conquering her fear of heights when she went parachute jumping in Hawaii.

Markus stands 5'11" tall and took up both jazz dance and German dance classes when she was young.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Sheillah Molelekwa (Botswana) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Botswana 2012

Sheillah Molelekwa

BIO:
19 year old native of a small village in her country, Sheillah was raised by her grandmother and eventually moved in with her mother in Gaborone. She likes to spend her free time reading, swimming, drawing and singing. She is most passionate about helping others around her, and is always looking to participate in ways through which she can benefit those in need.

Molelekwa is currently studying Accounting at Botho College in the capital of Botswana. With this degree, she hopes to become an auditor at a national bank and she hopes to give back to the community in every way possible in the near future. Her dream project for her country is to build a cancer hospital.

This 5'9" tall African beauty wishes to meet Russell Simmons. Her most prized possession is the Bible.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Yessica Mouton (Bolivia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Bolivia 2012

Yessica Mouton

BIO:
Former 1st run-up at the Reina Hispanoamericana 2011, 24 year old Yessica lived in many cities throughout her home country of Bolivia. Her favorite way to spend time is with her big family. She also enjoys playing basketball and traveling. She is currently studying Public Relations at the Universidad Nur in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in efforts to achieve her dream of being the CEO of her own PR firm.

This beauty enjoys buys something handmade from every place she visits and she considers her mother as her inspiration in life.

Standing 5'7.5" tall, Mouton have been influenced and hoping to meet Nelson Mandela someday. She believes that governors in her country should work in giving better education and health conditions to people, so they can develop skilled labor and generate improvements in the entire economy.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Laura Beyne (Belgium) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Belgium 2012

Laura Beyne

BIO:
Laura grew up in the multicultural city of Brussels, Belgium. With a father from Belgium and a mother from Congo, this 20 year old beauty was raised in both cultures as the youngest child in a large family. She loves dancing, singing and sports. She has several career ambitions in hopes of traveling the world, ranging from working as a businesswoman in real estate to modeling.

Beyne stands 5'7.5" tall and her biggest dreams is to build a hospital in Congo with her father. Nelson Mandela influenced her a lot and she believes that the most important thing in life is a good education.

"I’m not very attached to material things, but I could not live one day without my family and friends."

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Celeste Marshall (Bahamas) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Bahamas 2012

Celeste Marshall

BIO:
Born and raised in the island of New Providence, Bahamas, 20 year old Celeste spent her childhood going to the beach, modeling, and dancing. In 10 years later, she hopes to be running a successful Pediatric Clinic.

Standing 5'11.5" tall, Marshall lived in Guatemala for six month in order to learn Spanish language. She likes to collect teddy bears and dreams to meet Beyonce someday.

Celeste's family has been such an incredible source of support system for her, and this has been one of the most important components to her success.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Renae Ayris (Australia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Australia 2012

Renae Ayris

BIO:
22 years of age Renae was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia has worked as a professional model in Sydney, Australia and Germany. She also has a passion for dance and loves jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and contemporary forms. She loves traveling, cosmetics, photography, fashion as well as baking.

Ayris stands tall at 5'9" tall and hopes to meet her supermodel idol Miranda Kerr to discuss their upbringings and her career path. She also considers being Victoria's Secret model as her dream job. Her most treasured possession is her cat, Lila.

She believes that she's a kind of person who is honest and down to earth person. She take everything at face value and try not to judge. From the beginning of this Miss Universe journey she have continued to be true to myself.

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BIO: Liza Helder (Aruba) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Aruba 2012

Liza Helder

BIO:
23 year old Liza Helder from Oranjestad was born and raised in the small community of Santa Cruz and grew up mostly in athletics specially during her childhood. She liked to engage in many sports, such as tennis, basketball, and taekwondo.

She also has a strong passion for synchronized swimming. Currently, she is studying both Pharmacology and Political Science so she can one day work in philanthropy to help neglected children in need.

Helder enjoys fashion, biographies, and collecting interesting articles and photos from “Time” magazine. Her most prized possession is her birthstone ring, which was a special gift from her grandfather which she also considers as her lucky charm.

This 5'10" beauty is a part of Aruba’s national synchronized swimming team, “The Barracudas”, for 10 straight years. She is the kind of person who is determined to not stop until she have achieved her purposes in life, which she believes to serve others, help people, and give them the love and spirit that God has blessed her with.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Camila Solorzano Ayusa (Argentina) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Argentina 2012

Camila Solorzano Ayusa

BIO:
23 year old Camilla previously competed in Miss Earth 2008. She spent her childhood in Tafi Viejo, a city located in Tucuman and loves discovering about other cultures, so she enjoys traveling and studying topics such as history and geography.

This 5'10.5" tall stunner also enjoys volunteering, and spending her remaining free time sharing memories with family and friends. Presently, Camily works as a model and is attending college.

Solorzano enjoys dancing particularly ballet. She considers her grandmother as her inspiration in life. She finds her most interesting job she has ever had was when she volunteered with a geriatric unit and gave the members makeovers.

Miss Argentina believes in the saying "Life is to be enjoyed by being a good person and avoiding problems that already have solutions".

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Marcelina Vahekeni (Angola) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Angola 2012

Marcelina Vahekeni

BIO:
Standing 5'7.5" tall, Marcelina grew up in a humble village in Luanda at the South of Angola. She had a very happy childhood, despite the political tensions in her country at the time. Her favorite pastime is cooking. She's currently working as a social working, but dreams of finishing her studies and one day be successful on opening her own cosmetic company.

Vahekeni idolize Michelle Obama and wish to meet her someday. The person that most influenced her life is her mother, and she believes that her most prized possession is a pair of shoes her father gave her.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Adrola Dushi (Albania) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Albania 2012

Adrola Dushi

BIO:
19 year old Adrola from Reshen was brought up in Rreshen. Her interests include swimming, dancing, shopping, modeling, and watching movies. She's presently studying Public Relations and Communications at the European University of Tirana and hopes to become a famous model in the future.

Her biggest influence in life is her family because they have always been supporting her in everything that she does.

Standing 5'10.5" tall, Adrola wish to meet her supermodel idol, Naomi Campbell. Her most treasured possession is an old coin she inherited from her grandmother. She believes that the biggest problems facing the world today are pollution and global warming.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage