MAIN  >>  Focus

M  I  S  S    U  N  I  V  E  R  S  E    2  0  0  6    F  O  C  U  S

FOCUS # 4
Zuleyka Jerris Rivera Mendoza
 Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006

PAGE 1   >>   PAGE 2

Puerto Ricans boast another star on their hands in the person of Zuleyka Rivera, their bet in the upcoming Miss Universe 2006 pageant. Given Puerto Rico's supremacy on the world stage of pageantry, it only makes sense that pageant followers keep abreast of the beauties from that part of the globe. In the limited time we have gotten to know Zuleyka, she has already made quite an incredible impression. Her appeal is universal and yes- she is also patterned to Denise Quiñones who became their standard-bearer after she won Puerto Rico's 4th Miss Universe crown in 2001.

 

Zuleyka Jerris Rivera Mendoza was born on October 3, 1987, in Barrio Parcelas Vázquez in Salinas. She was an achiever with a long list of accomplishments. As a student, she was always nominated as President of her class and has graduated with honors in every graduation day. At present, she is taking up Journalism at University of Puerto Rico.

 

But Zuleyka wasn't just bright, she was also beautiful. Benefiting from her potentials as a model, she was initially cast for the Miss Puerto Rico Teen 2002 pageant where she finished as first runner-up. She won the Face of L'Oreal in the same year and was launched to the modeling world. Later on, she got recruited by a top modeling agency in her country and has modeled for several top local designers. As a faithful follower of beauty contests, she decided to enter in last year's Miss Puerto Rico Universe pageant. 

 

Who will ever forget her hysterical winning reaction? Zuleyka was a favorite to win the Miss Puerto Rico pageant right from the start and everybody believed that "she's the one." Only Lorenia Delgado of Yauco, also a top-notch model was plugged as her toughest rival. Zuleyka succeeded Cynthia Olavarria as the new Miss Puerto Rico Universe during the finals held at the Panamerican Pier in San Juan, Puerto Rico, November 10, 2005. Apart from winning the title, she also won the Best in Swimsuit & Best Hair awards. It is interesting to note that Zuleyka represented Salinas, the same town that her predecessor Cynthia Olavarría represented the previous year. She was also backed up by same individuals who promoted Cynthia and who are good friends of their national director Magali Febles.    

 

Even at 18 years old, Zuleyka isn't perturbed of the significant responsibility that goes along with her title. Zuleyka's role models are Dayanara Torres & Amelia Vega, two former Miss Universes that won the crown when they were 18 years of age. "I think that even though I'm 18, I am mature enough to compete with girls who are 23, 24 or 25 years-old. Being young is not a disadvantage at all. In the Miss Puerto Rico pageant, I dealt with older women, some of them more experienced and they already have careers, but I won!" Her statements after the pageant manifested her idealistic persona. "This year we are going to remain successful at Miss Universe! I feel confident and much focused. I am going to work hard to win the crown and I would not let myself settle beyond first runner-up." Her national director Magali Febles admires Zuleyka for being "mature & well-disciplined young woman."

 

Turn Focus # 4 to   >>   PAGE 2

 

 

BACK TO INDEX