Last September, I met Puerto Rican beauty Ivana Carolina when she was interviewed at a California corporate office for the podcast The Whole Story, which is anchored by successful Filipino-born health care entrepreneur Amabel De Leon.
That guesting happened barely a month after Ivana bagged the title at the Universal Woman 2025 pageant held in Jaipur, India. She is the third winner of the new international competition among women of beauty, brains, and impact.
The first two were Venezuelan Valentina Trivella and Filipina Maria Gigante.
“Winning Universal Woman has strengthened my confidence and deepened my commitment to serve with love. It’s a daily reminder that when you walk in faith, stay disciplined, and lead with heart, dreams truly become reality,” she said.
Her eloquence reflects why she bested 46 contestants from other countries.
Her edge comes from being a TV host as well as from visiting communities whose stories touched her heart. She founded Hilos Dorados—Golden Threads in English—which devotes itself to championing the elderly in Puerto Rico. She aims to “bring joy and connection through experiences.”
Ivana can dance, is a good cook, and is also invested in sports, which teach her discipline, resilience, and the importance of being a leader who stands out.
She expressed, “From the very beginning, I knew that if I stayed true to myself and my story, I would already be winning.”
She recalled that during the Universal Woman coronation night in August, something powerful happened within her. She said, “I felt peace. I spoke from my heart, with complete honesty, representing the values of Puerto Rico. In that moment, I knew that I had fulfilled my mission, and whatever came next was in God’s hands.”
Universal Woman is a brand known for its inclusive format, posing no restrictions on height, weight, or civil status among participants. Contestants must be aged between 21 and 45.
The latest winner likened host country India to her beloved hometown, as it also celebrates “life with passion, music, and community.”
“Being Puerto Rican is my greatest pride,” Ivana said. “It means carrying resilience, warmth, and love everywhere I go. My island has shaped me into a woman who values family, faith, and service, and I bring that essence with me to every stage I stand on.”
Communicating and connecting
Ivana Carolina Irizarry is a native of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. She discovered the power of communication and connection through TV hosting. For her, it is a platform that combines three things: service, leadership, and empowerment.
Prior to her Universal Woman triumph, she won Miss International Puerto Rico 2019 and placed in the top 15 at Miss International 2018.
She said, “This victory has filled my heart with purpose and gratitude. This crown is not just a symbol of beauty. It represents the voice of a woman who wants to make a difference.”
One of her biggest inspirations is her compatriot, 1993 Miss Universe winner Dayanara Torres, who became particularly famous in the Philippines. Torres was reigning Miss Universe when the pageant was held in Manila in 1994.
Ivana shared, “The way she connected with the Filipino people and became part of their culture showed the power of humility and love. She opened doors for all of us, proving that Puerto Rican women can shine anywhere in the world. Her journey motivates me to use my voice to build bridges and spread light wherever I go.”
Ivana also praised the Filipina who previously held the title: “Maria Gigante is a true embodiment of elegance and wisdom. She treated me with kindness and shared valuable advice on walking this journey with authenticity and grace.”
Ivana is valued by Amabel as a key voice for her podcast. She has beauty, brains, and purpose all in one.
Universal Woman shines brightly with her, and its future looks truly promising.
