Sheynnis Alondra Palacios Cornejo, born on May 30, 2000, in Managua, Nicaragua, is a prominent model and beauty pageant titleholder who made history by being crowned Miss Universe 2023. See more of her here.
She is the first Nicaraguan to win the Miss Universe title and the first from her country to secure a victory in any of the Big Four international beauty pageants, which also include Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth.
Growing up in a supportive family, Sheynnis was raised by her mother, Raquel Guadalupe Cornejo Pichardo, and her father, Édgar ArÃstides Palacios GarcÃa. She spent her childhood in Diriamba, a town in the Carazo Department, where she developed a passion for the arts and communication. She attended La Salle Managua Pedagogical Institute, where she first gained recognition by winning the Miss Lasallista beauty pageant, sparking her interest in pageantry.
Sheynnis pursued higher education at the Universidad Centroamericana, where she earned a degree in mass communication in 2022. During her time at university, she was also a member of the varsity volleyball team, showcasing her athletic abilities alongside her academic pursuits. Despite facing challenges, including anxiety attacks during her youth, Sheynnis turned her experiences into a platform for mental health awareness, which she later incorporated into her pageant themes.
Her pageantry journey began in 2016 when she won the title of Miss Teen Nicaragua. This victory allowed her to represent Nicaragua at the Teen Universe 2017 competition, where she reached the top six. After a brief hiatus from pageantry, she returned to compete in Miss World Nicaragua 2020, where she won and subsequently represented her country at Miss World 2021, placing in the top 40.
In August 2023, Sheynnis was crowned Miss Nicaragua 2023, earning the opportunity to compete at Miss Universe 2023. The pageant took place on November 18, 2023, in San Salvador, El Salvador, where she triumphed over 83 contestants from around the world. Her win was celebrated as a significant achievement for Nicaragua, marking a historic moment for the nation and Central America as a whole.
As Miss Universe, Sheynnis has traveled extensively, visiting countries such as El Salvador, the United States, Mexico, and Indonesia. Her reign has allowed her to advocate for various social causes, particularly focusing on mental health, which resonates deeply with her personal experiences.
In addition to her pageantry, Sheynnis has built a career as a model, television presenter, and journalist. She hosted a show called “Entiende tu mente,” which discusses mental health topics, further emphasizing her commitment to raising awareness about this important issue.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall, Sheynnis is known for her striking beauty and charisma. Her success has inspired many young women in Nicaragua and beyond, proving that determination and resilience can lead to remarkable achievements.
Sheynnis Palacios’s journey is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for making a difference. Her historic win at Miss Universe has not only brought pride to her country but has also opened doors for future generations of Nicaraguan women in the world of beauty pageants and beyond. As she continues her reign, Sheynnis remains focused on her mission to empower others and advocate for mental health awareness, solidifying her legacy as a role model and leader.
Conclusion:
Sheynnis Alondra Palacios Cornejo’s triumph at Miss Universe 2023 marks a significant milestone in Nicaraguan history. Her journey from a small town in Diriamba to the global stage is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion for making a difference. As the first Nicaraguan to win the coveted Miss Universe title and the first Central American to do so outright, Sheynnis has paved the way for future generations of young women in Nicaragua and beyond. Her reign as Miss Universe will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their dreams and use their platforms to advocate for important causes, particularly mental health awareness. Sheynnis’s story is a true inspiration, reminding us that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.