By: Alva Ree

The Miss Grand Florida pageant recently lit up the vibrant city of Miami, drawing together some of the talented and poised young women from across the state. This prestigious event celebrated beauty, intellect, and ambition, providing a platform for contestants to showcase not just their looks but their aspirations, capabilities, and drive.

Winning Trio

Andrea Valentina Nunez from Miami emerged victorious from this highly competitive environment. Her grace, charm, and captivating presence on stage won over the judges and the audience alike. Andrea’s victory is more than just a personal achievement—it represents a significant milestone in her journey, fueled by dedication and the unwavering support of her community. As the crowned Miss Grand Florida, Andrea is now honored to represent Florida at the upcoming Miss Grand USA pageant, scheduled in Miami on August 11.

Albani Delgado from Port St. Lucie secured the first runner-up title in a close contest. Albani was impressed with her confidence and poise, demonstrating that she has a beautiful face and is a strong and articulate individual. Her performance throughout the competition reflected her readiness to take on challenges gracefully and determinedly.

Woodarlie Toto from Palm Beach earned the position of second runner-up, showcasing her elegance and strong stage presence. Woodarlie’s warm personality and commitment to her goals made her stand out in the competition, leaving a lasting impression on the judges and the audience.

Photo Courtesy: Miss Grand Florida

A Distinguished Panel of Judges

The credibility and prestige of the Miss Grand Florida pageant were further enhanced by its panel of distinguished judges, each of whom brought a wealth of experience and expertise from various industries. This diverse group ensured the selection process was fair, thorough, and reflective of the pageant’s core values.

– Simona Lazinsk—Mrs. Florida International 2023, a successful entrepreneur, author, and breast cancer survivor, brought a unique perspective to the judging panel. Her journey of overcoming personal challenges and achieving professional success inspired the contestants.

– Angelique Francois– A former college track star and beauty queen, Angelique made history as the first Miss Choucoune International. Her experience in athletics and pageantry provided valuable insights into the importance of discipline, confidence, and perseverance.

– Edgar Saakyan—As the founder of Edgar Entertainment, Edgar Saakyan is renowned for producing high-profile beauty pageants and fashion shows. His deep understanding of the industry was crucial in evaluating the contestants’ overall potential beyond their physical appearance.

– Jean Rodart—An award-winning Venezuelan photographer, makeup artist, and creative director, Jean Rodart’s artistic eye helped assess the contestants’ ability to convey authenticity and emotion, both on and off the stage.

Navaneet “Nick” Koirala—A humanitarian and financial expert, Nick Koirala is the CEO of Koirala Capital, LLC, and is listed in Marquis Who’s Who. His emphasis on character, integrity, and social responsibility ensured that the contestants were evaluated on a broader scale beyond their outward beauty.

– Valeri Manziuk—The owner of an international PR and marketing agency, UFIRST Production Corp., Valeri Manziuk brought a critical understanding of brand management and public relations to the panel, ensuring that the winner would be an effective ambassador for the state of Florida.

Insights from the Judges

Edgar Saakyan, one of the critical judges, shared his insights into the rigorous selection process: 

“I have a specific methodology for choosing contestants. It’s almost immediate for me to identify who the winner will be. We don’t focus on beauty alone since all participants are already beautiful. We assess a combination of factors: the ability to communicate and present oneself, stage presence, and having a background and goals related to charity. The winner will represent the state, and our goal is to ensure that the premier state representatives become the premier in the country.”

This holistic approach to judging ensures that the title of Miss Grand Florida is awarded to a well-rounded individual who embodies not just physical beauty but also intelligence, ambition, and a commitment to positively impacting society.

Looking Ahead

As Andrea Valentina Nunez prepares for the Miss Grand USA competition, she carries her home state’s hopes and best wishes. The upcoming event will be a critical step in her journey, as the ultimate winner of Miss Grand USA will go on to represent the nation at the Miss Grand International pageant, scheduled to be held in Asia this fall. 

The Miss Grand Florida pageant was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of excellence that brought together a community to honor the achievements and dreams of these remarkable young women. It stood as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the high standards they set for future participants. The event also inspired many, encouraging others to pursue their aspirations with the same level of determination and grace.

In the end, the Miss Grand Florida pageant not only highlighted the beauty and talent of its contestants but also reinforced the values of ambition, intellect, and community. These qualities make the pageant a beacon of inspiration for young women across Florida and beyond.

Published by: Nelly Chavez