Miss Bolivia: 'A crown can change many things, but it should never change your essence'

Valeria Mena has been crowned Miss Bolivia Universo, embarking on a new chapter with the determination of someone who understands that dreams are built through effort. Representing Oruro, Mena spoke about the significance of the crown, the memory of her father, her mother's steadfast support, and her commitment to showcasing Bolivia's essence on the international stage.

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I was impacted in that moment. I thought about the journey. I remembered the Valeria who often had to rebuild herself in silence and understood that no sincere effort is lost. It was an instant when the past and present met, and I felt an enormous responsibility, more than a victory.

"I was impacted in that moment. I thought about the journey," Mena said when asked about hearing her name called as the winner. "I remembered the Valeria who often had to rebuild herself in silence and understood that no sincere effort is lost. It was an instant when the past and present met, and I felt an enormous responsibility, more than a victory."

Representing Bolivia at Miss Universe, Mena sees it as an opportunity to become a storyteller for her country. "I want those who have never heard of Bolivia to be able to know it through a well-told story, because a country is not represented solely by showing its landscapes; it is represented by conveying the character of its people," she explained.

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I want those who have never heard of Bolivia to be able to know it through a well-told story, because a country is not represented solely by showing its landscapes; it is represented by conveying the character of its people.

For Oruro, Mena's victory holds special meaning, as it is the first time in 59 years the department has won the crown. "I believe this crown returns a conversation to Oruro that had been pending for decades. It reminds us that dreams do not have a privileged geography. Hopefully, this will encourage more young people in my department to stop asking if they can and start trying," she stated.

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I believe this crown returns a conversation to Oruro that had been pending for decades. It reminds us that dreams do not have a privileged geography. Hopefully, this will encourage more young people in my department to stop asking if they can and start trying.

Mena dedicated her win to her father, who taught her the value of dignity, and to her mother, whom she called "the true queen" for her constant inspiration and strength. "I would have loved to hug him today, but I also feel that part of who I am was built by him. And to my mom, the true queen, who was with me every step of the way and was my inspiration and my strength," she said.

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I would have loved to hug him today, but I also feel that part of who I am was built by him. And to my mom, the true queen, who was with me every step of the way and was my inspiration and my strength.