Pageant veteran Iris Salguero has been designated to represent Belize in the next edition of the Miss Universe competition.
The 24-year-old brand ambassador and model from San Pedro was crowned in a special press conference held January 9 at Belize Biltmore Plaza.
Prior to being crowned Miss Universe Belize, Salguero represented the Central American nation in two Big5 pageants: Miss World in 2016 and Miss Earth in 2017. She also competed in Miss America Latina del Mundo 2018.
Salguero plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree in digital marketing and will eventually open a trade school in her community called “Brighter Future”. Her mission is to empower the young women in Belize to overcome hardship and accomplish their dreams. For two years, she was part of S.H.I.N.E, an organization dedicated to building healthy self-esteem for girls ages 12-18.
As a survivor of an abusive relationship, she is fighting to end violence against women and to be a voice for those who suffer in silence. This “Island girl” is passionate about the environment and has participated in several clean up campaigns to spread awareness on the importance of protecting the natural resources in her country.
Belize has yet to win the Miss Universe crown. It currently ranks 118th in Missosology Big 5 Ranking. Missosology.Org; Photos from Miss Universe Belize