By: Alva Ree

Recently, the vibrant city of Miami hosted the prestigious Miss Grand Florida beauty pageant, which genuinely lived up to its reputation for showcasing the grace, talent, and poise of Florida’s remarkable women. The competition was intense, with contestants from across the state vying for the coveted crown. However, three contestants stood out for their extraordinary qualities, making them the peak winners of the evening.

Winning Trio

Winner: Andrea Valentina Nunez from Miami

Andrea Valentina Nunez, a stunning contestant from Miami, took home the title of Miss Grand Florida. Her performance captivated the judges and audience alike. Her combination of beauty, intelligence, and charisma earned her the peak spot in the competition. Andrea’s victory was significant as she had returned to the pageant world after a six-year hiatus. Her journey to reclaim the crown was marked by determination and resilience, and it paid off as she now prepares to represent Florida at the Miss Grand USA competition.

Reflecting on her victory in an interview with Edgar Entertainment, Andrea shared, “I am grateful, honestly. I haven’t been in about six years, but I gave it up for a while. It was very, very difficult to get myself back into the shoes. I’ve been comfortable speaking in front of many people and answering questions. I’m so glad.”

First Runner-up: Albani Delgado from Port St. Lucie

Albani Delgado from Port St. Lucie claimed the first runner-up position, dazzling the judges with her confidence and charm. Her performance in the competition was exceptional, and she stood out for her articulate responses during the interview segment. Albani’s presence on stage was commanding and graceful, making her a strong contender for the crown.

Second Runner-up: Woodarlie Toto from Palm Beach

The second runner-up title was awarded to Woodarlie Toto from Palm Beach, a contestant whose elegance and poise were evident throughout the competition. Woodarlie’s warm and engaging personality resonated with both the judges and the audience; her achievement is a testament to her dedication and hard work. She remains an inspiring figure for aspiring pageant contestants.

Esteemed Panel of Judges

A distinguished panel of judges, each bringing their unique expertise to the event, ensured the success and credibility of the Miss Grand Florida pageant. This diverse group of professionals added depth and prestige to the judging process, ensuring that the deserving contestants were recognized.

Simona Lazinsk – Mrs. Florida International 2023, Mrs. Women Entrepreneur International, best-selling author, and breast cancer survivor.

Simona Lazinsk brought her experience as a beauty queen and entrepreneur to the panel. Her journey, marked by personal triumphs and professional successes, provided valuable insights into what it takes to excel in pageantry.

Angelique Francois – Former college track star, Haitian-American beauty queen, and the first-ever Miss Choucoune International.

With her rich background in athletics and pageantry, Angelique Francois offered a unique perspective on the competition. As the first Miss Choucoune International, she understands the pressures and rewards of competing on a grand stage.

Edgar Saakyan – Founder of Edgar Entertainment, producer of fashion shows, and owner of the Miss Universe and Miss Grand franchises.

Edgar Saakyan’s expertise in fashion and entertainment brought a high level of professionalism to the judging process. His deep understanding of the industry and his ownership of prestigious pageant franchises made him a crucial part of the panel.

Jean Rodart – Award-winning Venezuelan photographer, makeup artist, and Creative Director.

Jean Rodart, an accomplished photographer and makeup artist, served as the creative director of the panel. His artistic eye ensured that the contestants were judged on their outward beauty and ability to convey emotion and authenticity.

Navaneet “Nick” Koirala – Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Koirala Capital, LLC, a humanitarian and financial guru included in Marquis Who’s Who.

Nick Koirala brought his expertise as a financial guru and humanitarian to the judging panel. His presence emphasized the importance of character, integrity, and social responsibility in the competition, reminding everyone that a true beauty queen must be a role model.

Valeri Manziuk – Owner of an international PR & Marketing agency “UFIRST Production Corp.”

Valeri Manziuk, with her extensive experience in public relations and marketing, added a critical perspective on how well the contestants could represent themselves and the Miss Grand Florida title on a broader stage. Her insights were invaluable in assessing the contestants’ potential as brand ambassadors.

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

As Andrea Valentina Nunez prepares for the Miss Grand USA competition, she carries the pride and support of her home state. The Miss Grand USA pageant is a significant stepping stone, as the winner will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Grand International pageant, scheduled to take place in Asia this fall.

The Miss Grand Florida pageant was more than just a competition; it celebrated excellence, community, and empowerment. It highlighted Florida’s women’s diverse talents and backgrounds, providing them a platform to showcase their strengths and advocate for their causes. Regardless of the outcome, each contestant demonstrated grace under pressure and a commitment to their dreams, inspiring future generations to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.

The event also underscored the importance of unity and diversity, bringing together people from various walks of life to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women. The Miss Grand Florida pageant aims to continue being a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for years, impacting all who participate and attend.

Published by: Khy Talara