Andrea Meza from Mexico wins in Miss Universe 2021

(CNN) – Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe in the 69th edition of the annual contest, which was delayed last year due to covid-19.

“MEXICO THIS IS FOR YOU”, wrote Meza, 26, in a publication of Instagram, along with a video of her after her win was announced.

The competition was held in Hollywood, Florida, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Mario López from “Access Hollywood” and Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012, hosted the event, which also featured a performance by Luis Fonsi.

Meza beat 73 other women, including Miss Brazil Julia Gama, who was second, and Miss Peru Janick Maceta Del Castillo, who came third.

This is Miss Mexico

“I am so honored to have been selected from among 73 other amazing women I was with tonight,” Meza said in a Miss Universe Organization news release. “It is a dream come true to wear the Miss Universe crown, and I look forward to serving the world through my advocacy for equality in the year to come and beyond.”

In her final statement during the contest, Meza spoke about beauty standards.

“We live in an increasingly advanced society, and as we have advanced as a society, we have also advanced with stereotypes,” he said. “Today beauty does not lie in the way we see ourselves. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirit, but in our heart and in the way we behave. Don’t let someone tell you that you are not valuable.

This is the new Miss Universe

Meza, who is from Chihuahua City, is a model and makeup artist and has a degree in software engineering, according to the Miss Universe Organization press release.

She is also an activist and “works closely with the Municipal Institute for Women, which aims to end gender violence,” the statement said.

Meza also serves as the official Ambassador of the Tourism Brand of her hometown of Chihuahua, according to the Miss Universe Organization.

Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, the first black woman from South Africa to win the crown, held the title since December 2019.

“What a moment!” Meza wrote in another Instagram post, sharing a photo from when she was crowned. “Ready for this trip!”

Meza will move to New York City “to represent the brand and various philanthropic organizations during her reign,” said the Miss Universe Organization.