Introduction
Ashley Melendez is a Puerto Rican model, actress, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Global 2023 on January 18, 2024 in Cambodia. She is the first Puerto Rican to win the Miss Global title, and the second Latina after Bárbara Vitorelli of Brazil in 2017. But who is Ashley Melendez, and what is her story? In this blog post, we will explore her early life and education, and how she became the woman she is today.
Table of Contents
Childhood and Family of Ashley Melendez
Ashley Melendez was born on June 15, 2000 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is the youngest of three children of Carlos Melendez, a lawyer, and Maria Melendez, a nurse. She grew up in a loving and supportive family, and was always encouraged to pursue her dreams. She has an older brother, Carlos Jr., who is a doctor, and an older sister, Maria, who is a teacher.
Ashley Melendez was a bright and cheerful child, who enjoyed reading, dancing, and singing. She was also very athletic, and participated in various sports such as volleyball, basketball, and swimming. She attended the Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, a prestigious Catholic school in San Juan, where she excelled academically and socially. She was a member of the honor roll, the student council, and the drama club. She also volunteered for various causes, such as helping the homeless, the elderly, and the environment.
College and Career
After graduating from high school, Ashley Melendez enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico, where she majored in communications and minored in psychology. She wanted to become a journalist, and hoped to use her voice to raise awareness and inspire positive change in the world. She was a top student, and received several scholarships and awards for her academic achievements. She also continued to be involved in extracurricular activities, such as the debate team, the choir, and the model United Nations.
While in college, Ashley Melendez also pursued her passion for modeling and acting. She started her career at the age of 16, when she was discovered by a talent scout at a mall. She signed with a local agency, and began to appear in various commercials, magazines, and fashion shows. She also landed some roles in television and film, such as in the soap opera “Amor en Tiempos de Guerra” and the comedy “Locas por el Dinero”. She gained popularity and recognition for her beauty, charisma, and talent.
Pageantry and Miss Global
Ashley Melendez entered the world of pageantry in 2022, when she competed in Miss Puerto Rico Universe. She was one of the favorites to win the crown, but she placed as the first runner-up. However, she did not give up on her dream, and decided to try again in another pageant. She joined Miss Global Puerto Rico 2023, and won the title. She then represented Puerto Rico at the Miss Global 2023 pageant, held in Vietnam and Cambodia.
At the Miss Global 2023 pageant, Ashley Melendez impressed the judges and the audience with her stunning beauty, intelligence, and personality. She was one of the frontrunners throughout the competition, and performed well in all the segments. She was also praised for her advocacy, which focused on empowering women and embracing cultures. She said that she wanted to use the Miss Global platform to promote diversity, inclusion, and peace in the world. She also showcased her talent, which was singing a rendition of “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston.
On the final night, Ashley Melendez was announced as the winner of Miss Global 2023, beating 59 other contestants from around the world. She received the crown from the outgoing Miss Global 2022, Sherry Anne Tormes of the Philippines. She also won the special awards for Best in Evening Gown and Best in National Costume. She became the first Puerto Rican and the second Latina to win the Miss Global crown, making history and bringing pride to her country.
Pageant career
Ashley Melendez started her pageant journey in 2019, when she competed in Miss Earth Puerto Rico and placed as the first runner-up. She was also awarded the title of Miss Global Puerto Rico, which gave her the opportunity to represent her country in the Miss Global 2023 pageant.
Miss Global is an international beauty pageant established in 2013, with the purpose of empowering women, embracing cultures, and embodying the beauty within. It is one of the few pageants that accept single mothers, and has the widest age range from 18 to 35 years old.
Ashley Melendez traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia in January 2024, where she participated in various activities and challenges with 59 other contestants from around the world. She wowed the judges and the crowd with her stunning looks, smarts, and charm. She also showcased her culture and heritage in the national costume competition, where she wore a stunning outfit inspired by the harlequin butterfly, an endemic species of Puerto Rico.
On the final night of the pageant, Ashley Melendez made it to the top five, along with the representatives of Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, and Samoa. She answered the final question based on a quote by Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate. She said:
I believe that we have the power to use our voice, we have the opportunity to change lives. We have the power of unity through our voice. We need to understand that today all issues must be handled by being more empathetic and show the world that in unity, we are one.
Her answer was met with applause and cheers, and she was crowned as the Miss Global 2023 winner by the outgoing queen, Sherry Anne Tormes of the Philippines. She received a cash prize of $20,000, a crown, a sash, and a year-long contract with the Miss Global Organization.
Future plans and aspirations
Ashley Melendez is passionate about social causes, especially those related to women’s empowerment, education, and environmental protection. She plans to use her platform as Miss Global 2023 to raise awareness and funds for these causes, and to inspire other women to pursue their dreams. She also hopes to continue her career in the fashion industry, and to launch her own clothing line someday.
Ashley Melendez is a role model for many young girls and women, not only in Puerto Rico, but also in the global community. She is a proud ambassador of her country and culture, and a shining example of beauty, grace, and compassion. She is truly a global woman, who embodies the motto of Miss Global: “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World”.
Social and Charity Work
Ashley Melendez is not just a beauty queen, she is also a passionate advocate for social and charity causes. The Puerto Rican model and actress was crowned Miss Global 2023 on January 18, 2024, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, after competing with more than 60 contestants from around the world.
But what makes her stand out from other pageant winners is her dedication to using her platform to raise awareness and funds for various issues that affect her country and the global community. Here are some of the social and charity work that she has done and continues to do as Miss Global 2023:
1. Supporting children’s education and health:
Ashley is a spokesperson for the Global Children Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational and medical assistance to underprivileged children in developing countries. She has visited schools and hospitals in Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, where she interacted with the children and donated books, toys, and supplies. She also participated in the [Global Children’s Day], a virtual event that celebrated the achievements and talents of children from different cultures and backgrounds.
2. Promoting environmental sustainability:
Ashley is an avid environmentalist who believes in the importance of protecting the planet and its resources. She has joined several campaigns and initiatives that aim to reduce plastic pollution, conserve wildlife, and promote renewable energy. She is also a supporter of the [Global Green], a movement that encourages people to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and practices. She has planted trees, cleaned beaches, and advocated for green policies in her travels and online platforms.
3. Empowering women and girls:
Ashley is a feminist who champions the rights and empowerment of women and girls. She is a mentor for the [Global Girl Project], a program that provides leadership training and opportunities for young women from marginalized communities. She has also spoken at various events and forums that address issues such as gender equality, violence against women, and women’s health and education. She is a role model for many girls who aspire to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.
Ashley Melendez is more than just a pretty face, she is a global citizen who cares about the world and its people. She is using her voice and influence to make a difference in the areas that matter to her. She is truly living up to the Miss Global motto: “Empowering Women, Embracing Cultures, and Embodying the Beauty Within”.
Conclusion
Ashley Melendez is more than just a beautiful face. She is a smart, talented, and compassionate woman, who has achieved a lot in her young age. She is a role model and an inspiration for many people, especially women and girls. She sets a great example and motivates lots of folks, especially women and girls. She is now ready to take on her duties and responsibilities as Miss Global 2023, and to make a difference in the world. We wish her all the best in her journey, and we look forward to seeing more of her in the future.
Read about “Madison Marsh (Miss America 2024): A Miss America Making History and Impacting Lives“.