Ashley Ann Carino Barreto, Miss Fajardo, was elected the new sovereign, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022. His name has echoed since the beginning of this journey three months ago, when the 28 contenders for the crown began preparation. Her size, intelligence, poise, elegance and experience were elements she used in her favor to be crowned the new queen who will represent Puerto Rico in international competition.
Ashley Ann Cariño is the eldest of five siblings who moved to Florida with her parents at the age of 5. She is a licensed psychosocial therapist specializing in children with cognitive diversity. She is currently studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida. The young woman, whose family lives in the town of Fajardo, returned to the island to take part in the competition.
The position of the first runner-up went to Miss Dorado, Leonela Gonzalez De Jesus, and the runner-up went on Miss Catano, Camille Fabery Diana.
His name was unveiled and with a reaction of joy at the Antonio Paoli Hall of the Center of Fine Arts Santurcewhere the 28 candidates paraded, broadcast live Wapa televisionwith driving Stephanie SotoWinner of the 2020 competition together with the NotiCentro reporter, Julio Rivera Saniel.
The three finalists, moving on to the next panel of questions, are: Miss Cataño, Camille Fabery Diana; Miss Fajardo, Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto; and Miss Dorado, Leonela González De Jesús.
The same question was asked of the three finalists: “Empowerment is talked about a lot, but how and why is a woman empowered?”
“Women are empowered to be better people every day. To be able to move forward with our knowledge and love for people and that everyone can shine with their own light, because we are all beautiful and we all have the power to shine before the universe,” replied Miss Cataño.
Ms. Fajardo replied: “A woman is empowered when she believes in her and tells her you are there for her. Empowerment is believing in yourself and in what you want to achieve because at the end of the day you are unique, there is no one like you, there is no one who has your story and that is important. Remain firm in what you are, for you will destroy the universe.
In conclusion, Miss Dorado said, “A woman is empowered to attain all her goals through discipline and determination. It is precisely for this reason that I created my foundation, Puente de Esperanza, which focuses on empowering women who are also victims of domestic violence and immigrants. This is exactly why empowerment is important.”
While the singer Jencarlos Canela performed his new song “Vida”, a final catwalk parade took place, which was evaluated by the jury.
The five finalists were: Miss Fajardo, Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto; Miss Aguadilla, Graciela Berríos Barreto; Miss Toa Alta, Valeria Pagán Masini; Miss Catano, Camille Fabery Diana; and Miss Dorado, Leonela González De Jesús.
The competition gala began with the interpretation of the Mexican singer’s song “Everybody Looks At Me”. Gloria Trevi, which allowed the candidates to enter the stage, which was dominated by an imposing catwalk. Dressed initially in black, the contestants then shed a cape to reveal a white ensemble. The musical performance, which continued with the theme “Recaída,” served as a prelude to the launch of his “Isla Divina” tour, which will begin August 13 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in Puerto Rico.
The second phase of the competition continued with the selection of the group of the 10 semi-finalists, composed of Miss Toa Alta, Valeria Pagán Masini; Miss Dorado, Leonela González De Jesús; Miss Vega Alta, Diana Carolina Sostre Navarro; Miss Fajardo, Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto; Miss Coamo, Edith Enid Bernardi Santiago; Miss Adjuntas, Mariana Torres Bernard; Miss Catano, Camille Fabery Diana; Miss Aguadilla, Graciela Berríos Barreto; Miss Salinas, Kiara Rosado Romero; and Miss San Juan, Raishmar Carrillo Gonzalez.
The imposing trumpet and the sound of the congas along with a dance group preceded the musical performance of the salsero Victor Manualwho performed the song “Let the drums sound” in front of the parade of candidates in gala dress and filled the stage with spice.
The transparencies, the rhinestones and the crystals dominated in the gala dresses, most of which traditionally opted for white. Some of them wore different attire than in the preliminary round, as in the case of Miss Aguadilla, Miss Adjuntas and Miss Fajardo.
Grace, poise and confidence on the catwalk were evaluated by the jury as part of the parade in swimsuits, the score of which from that moment started from zero. In neon green and fuchsia colors, the 15 semifinalists wore one-piece and two-piece swimsuits with long sleeves and a center zip closure by Puerto Rican designer Tommy Hernández.
The 15 semi-finalists were: Miss Coamo, Edith Enid Bernardi Santiago; Miss Salinas, Kiara Rosado Romero; Miss Rio Grande, Susanlee Forty Vazquez; Miss Vega Alta, Diana Carolina Sostre Navarro; Miss Luquillo, Danelly Olivo Figueroa; Miss Catano, Camille Fabery Diana; Miss Adjuntas, Mariana Torres Bernard; and Miss Camuy, Katherine Santiago.
The rest of the table of 15 semi-finalists consisted of: Miss Toa Alta, Valeria Pagán Masini; Miss Fajardo, Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto; Miss Orocovis, Elaine Marie Rosado Rivera; Miss San Juan, Raishmar Carrillo González; Miss Barranquitas, Sarah Angely Rodríguez Ríos; Miss Dorado, Leonela González De Jesús; and Miss Aguadilla, Graciela Berríos Barreto. These were evaluated by a panel of judges on the night of the competition’s preliminary round, held at the Tapia Theater in Old San Juan, where the contestants demonstrated their projection and development.
Today’s jury consists of the singer and actress Melina León; singer Yolandita Monge; actress Jeimy Osorio; journalist Byankah Sobá; Noticentro meteorologist Ada Monzon; Miss Universe 2010, Mariana Vicente; artist manager and publicist Joe Bonilla; the dermatologist, dr. Luis Ortiz Espinoza; and plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos M Portocarrero.
During the gala, Miss Barranquitas contestant Sarah Angely Rodríguez Río was recognized with the Woman of Value award presented by L’Oreal Paris for her contribution to society and change. This award was presented to Michelle Marie Colón, who turned out to be the “Woman of Value” 2021.
The broadcast, also simulcast via muniversepr.com, included Claro’s social media center with contributions from journalist Brenda Rivera and L’Oréal’s VIP room with Ashley Beth Pérez. Similarly, the show featured commentary from hosts Bryan Villarini and Diane Ferrer.
This 66th edition of the national competition is the first to be held under the moderator’s new leadership Yizette Cifredo, franchise manager; Estefania Soto, operations manager and Sonya ValentinManufacturer. Michelle Marie Colon, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2021 will be responsible for crowning her successor.
The 28 contestants spent three months preparing to stand out and impress to win the crown and represent the island in international competition as part of a desire to lift the sixth crown.