World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Stephany Diaz Pena Miss Cuba Earth 2024.
Full name: Stephany Diaz Pena
Title/Year: Miss Cuba Earth 2024
Pageant System: Miss Earth
Age: 19
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Hobbies: Traveling, Vegan Baking, Record Collection
Platform: Promoting mindful food choices to reduce environmental impact.
Years competed: 2024
Countries visited: Cuba, USA, Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Monaco, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Likes: I love traveling and cherish new experiences that broaden my perspectives.
Dislikes: I do not have many dislikes, as I appreciate diverse viewpoints and find value in each encounter and opportunity for growth.
Status: In a relationship
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I am an immigrant from Cuba who moved to Miami when I was five years old. This transition instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. I am also excited to share that I will be graduating with a degree in political science this July 2024. My academic journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of our political system and has further fueled my commitment to making a meaningful impact in society.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
Women empowerment is a vital movement in our society, inspiring and teaching girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Personally, I have been profoundly inspired by this movement and credit it for much of my drive and passion.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
My first pageant experience was competing in Miss Earth Cuba this year. It was an incredible opportunity to represent my country and learn about pageantry. The experience has ignited a passion in me for environmental advocacy and personal development. I look forward to gaining more experience and refining my skills as I embark on my journey to compete in Miss Earth 2024. I'm excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to environmental sustainability and to continue growing both personally and professionally.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I have watched beauty pageants since I was a little girl. It was so inspiring to see empowered women, up on stage, using their femininity and intelligence to make an impactful change. So, for a long time, I said I would participate in a pageant when I was older. When I stumbled across the Miss Earth Cuba Instagram page, I knew it was something I had to do.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
Being from Cuba, it only felt right to compete in a pageant that would allow me to represent my beautiful country. For a long time, I thought that Cuban beauty pageants were exclusively done in Cuba, but when I saw that Miss Earth Cuba was being held in Miami, I had to give it a try.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Miss Earth is a pageant system composed of the traditional elements of a beauty pageant, with a focus on environmental advocacy. Miss Earth’s slogan is “beauties for a cause,” which encapsulates the incense of the pageant’s advocacy goals.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
During Miss Earth Cuba 2024, the contestants were scored on various categories; interview, swimsuit, national costume, and gown.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
The competition was an incredible experience that broadened my horizons. My favorite part was the people I met. The other contestants were incredibly kind, and we built beautiful friendships throughout the competition. The organizers were also fantastic, making the experience even more memorable.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
My platform is dedicated to reducing our environmental impact through mindful food choices. The animal farming industry significantly contributes to pollution and deforestation. By encouraging the selection of more plant-based food options whenever possible, my platform aims to promote sustainability and protect our planet.
In addition to this, through the Miss Earth Cuba organization, I have participated in amazing community events, such as providing lunch for the Ronald McDonald House Charity and cleaning up our beaches.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
I just completed the first month of my reign, and I have had the pleasure of participating in various events, including an interview with Arky Hawk TV, a personal training collaboration with X Core Miami, and a press conference event for Hollywood Beach Swim Week.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
One notable achievement that I hold near and dear to my heart, was giving a speech at graduation. This achievement cemented in me my desire and passion for using public speaking to work for social change. I have also received Bright Futures Full-Ride Scholarship, Dean’s List, and Best Interview at Miss Earth Cuba 2024.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
My strategy is to embrace my true self and radiate positive energy while having fun on stage. While a polished walk comes from dedicated practice, what truly sets you apart is the aura you project and the vibe you create, leaving a lasting impression on the judges.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
What sets me apart is my driven and passionate personality. Many people struggle to fully convey this on stage, but I strive to let my true self shine through in every moment.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
That moment was so surreal that it took several days to truly sink in. Seeing my hard work and dedication pay off was an incredible feeling. I felt deeply grateful and honored to have the opportunity to represent my Cuban heritage.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
A Beauty Queen is someone who leads, inspires, and drives change. She leads by example, inspires young girls, and advocates for social change. This is what I strive to be as a Beauty Queen.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
Competing in pageants has profoundly impacted my life by boosting my confidence and empowering me to embrace my strengths. The experience has taught me to step out of my comfort zone, face challenges head-on, and believe in myself. It has provided me with a platform to advocate for causes I am passionate about and connect with inspiring individuals who share my values. Overall, pageantry has made me a more confident, empowered, and purpose-driven individual.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your selfesteem and body image?
Pageants have evolved to be more inclusive and diverse, and this shift has significantly boosted my self-esteem. Seeing girls like me competing and thriving on stage has been incredibly empowering and affirming.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
It is a significant responsibility that I am truly honored to have. I strive to be the best role model I can for young girls, aiming to inspire them through my actions and choices. I am committed to showing them the value of perseverance, kindness, and confidence, and to encouraging them to believe in their own potential and dreams.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
The most important tip is to practice, practice, practice. Rehearsing consistently helps you perfect your performance and build confidence. Additionally, I have found it incredibly helpful to study and be inspired by the walks of previous queens. This can provide valuable insights and ideas. However, it's crucial to add your own unique twist to make your performance truly stand out and reflect your personal style.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
The most crucial tip is to try it on and see how it makes you feel. Your dress should not only complement your body but also enhance your confidence. Pay attention to how it fits and how comfortable you feel in it. The right dress should accentuate your best features and align with your personal style, making you feel like your most authentic self. Remember, a dress that makes you feel good will help you exude confidence and grace on stage.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
I recommend watching videos of other pageant interviews to get a sense of the types of questions you might be asked and how to handle them. Practice answering a variety of questions to build your confidence and articulate your thoughts clearly. However, it's important to ensure that your responses do not sound rehearsed. Aim for authenticity and genuine expression, as judges are looking for your true personality and insights.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
I really gave my all to every part of the competition. I spent hours rehearsing my walk in all my outfits, trying to perfect every detail. I also practiced answering questions from different angles, working to be as clear and confident as possible. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it to know I was putting my best foot forward.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
I wouldn’t really consider it a mistake, as everything played a role in earning the crown. However, if I could redo one moment, it would be my first walk in the crown. I was so overcome with shock and nerves that I didn’t fully savor the experience. I wish I had taken a moment to truly take it all in.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
During the pageant, I was so focused on giving my best performance that I didn't pay much attention to the mistakes of the other contestants. My main priority was to stay concentrated on my own presentation and to make sure I was doing everything I could to shine.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
This is my very first experience in this world, and it is just the beginning.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2024 as a Queen?
My plans include fully participating in all events and activities, making the most out of my reign, and preparing myself thoroughly to compete for the Miss Earth crown. I am dedicated to using this opportunity to its fullest and working hard to showcase my best performance.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want to leave behind a legacy of empowering women, just as other women have empowered me. My goal is to inspire and support women to realize their full potential, embrace their strengths, and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
International Director: Miss Earth
National Director: Fatima Coello
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Stephany Diaz Pena Miss Cuba Earth 2024, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo Courtesy: George Anthony Wakefield Photography
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
