Amazonas' Ileana Marquez Pedroza — first mother to compete in Miss Venezuela


The Miss Venezuela 2023 competition is currently taking place in Caracas where 25 of Venezuela's most beautiful women are vying for the coveted title.

One of the most talked about contestants is Ileana Marquez Pedroza, the representative of the state of Amazonas.

The 27-year-old model and TV host is the first ever mother to compete in the national pageant's 70-year history.

If she wins the competition, she will not only be the first mother to hold the title but also the first one to represent Venezuela at Miss Universe.

The Miss Venezuela organization followed Miss Universe's new rules of accepting contestants who are mothers as well as married and divorced women to be more inclusive.

"Being a mother in my youth changed me as a person by having to face a society in which I did not fit into its standards, however in a positive way I matured, studied, worked, and moved forward," Ileana said in her bio for Miss Venezuela.

"Today I feel proud to be the mother of Guadalupe Antonella, who is and will be my most important driving force to continue growing as a person and as a professional."

The 70th Miss Venezuela final will be held this Thursday, December 7 at the Centro Comercial Líder in Caracas.

Photos: Victor Guillen, Johan Chango, Miss Venezuela / Instagram

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