Miami teen wins Miss Teen Earth title, representing Cuba
Leah Reyes Amores, a young woman born in Cuba who moved to Miami at the age of 5, was moved to tears when she heard “Cuba” called out as she was crowned Miss Teen Earth 2025 in India.
“This crown isn’t just mine; it belongs to every Cuban who dreamed with me, supported me from a distance, and believed that Cuba could shine on the world stage,” Reyes Amores said.
The international pageant took place in the second week of August in Jaipur, with the aim of promoting environmental conservation and the care and protection of animals among teenagers.
“Since I was little, I would sneak out to feed the puppies and kittens in my neighborhood in Havana. I would ask neighbors for milk and food for them,” said Reyes Amores, sharing her passion for animals and her desire to visit zoos and various animal habitats worldwide to witness their living conditions up close.
The 16-year-old, an eleventh-grade student at Riviera Preparatory School in Miami, was trained to represent her native country in Miss Teen Earth 2025, by Prince Julio César. The Venezuelan designer, national director of Miss Universe Cuba, is also the owner of the Miss Teen Earth Cuba franchise, and it was his team that led Reyes Amores to victory.
“When they shouted Cuba and I saw my mom jumping and my director, Prince Julio César, I said: ‘It’s me!’” recalled Reyes Amores, who believes this competition allows her to blend her interest in modeling with her passion for the environment.
Misha Singh Thiara from Canada was the first runner-up, followed by Meridith Bobadilla from the Philippines in second place, and Sofía Llorente Herrero from Spain in third.
A Cuban beauty queen in India
Reyes Amores described the week in India as “intense but perfect. ” She visited monuments and historical sites like the Taj Mahal, which not only captivated her with its beauty, but also because locals enjoy it as a park for excursions and family gatherings.
She developed a taste for Indian food and curry and was delighted to be served at a restaurant that made a great mojito, noting that in her case it was a “virgin mojito,” without alcohol.
Following the experience in the pageant, Reyes Amores feels more confident in pursuing her dream of being “a voice for saving the planet.”
“People should adopt animals in need, not buy them,” she said, noting that her dog, Princess, was adopted from a shelter.
As a volunteer at an animal shelter in Doral, Reyes Amores cares for the dogs and cats, she said, adding that she recently made a video for her social media accounts to raise awareness about animal care.
“It’s done with love,” said Reyes Amores.
She also shared her plans to compete in Miss Universe Cuba in the future. She already has the experience of Miss Teen Earth, which she notes is quite similar to Miss Universe. She walked the runway in both evening gowns and swimsuits. Her traditional outfit was a simpler version inspired by the Afro-Cuban deity Oshún and the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, which Marianela Ancheta, Miss Universe Cuba 2024, wore last year at the global pageant in Mexico.
It was precisely Ancheta who gave Reyes Amores the push she needed when she froze up before stepping on stage during Miss Teen Earth Cuba in May.
.jpeg "27301F55-D39C-470E-A779-2A5264FFDD1D (1).jpeg")
“If you don’t go out there, I’ll come with you and take you by the hand,” Reyes Amores recalled Ancheta telling her. But was able to conquer her nerves, remembering the advice a dance teacher once gave her.
“’Remember, you’re not yourself when you’re dancing, you’re the person you want to project. You don’t have to be Leah the shy one, but Leah who has the flavor of Cuba.’ Ever since I stepped into that persona, I haven’t been able to step out of it,” Reyes Amores said.
