Two Latin American beauty queens head to the inaugural Miss Grand All Stars

Two Latin American beauty queens who serious contenders at Miss Universe 2025 are competing in an international pageant that could create some serious competition for Miss Universe. .

Dominican Yamilex Hernández, the first Miss Universe Latina, and Vanessa Pulgarín, Miss Universe Colombia 2025, will take part in the inaugural Miss Grand International All Stars pageant, which will be held in Thailand on May 30.

This pageant showcases women and transgender women who have stood out in international competitions but did not win the crown.

Hernández, 30, arrives at the competition with the experience she gained last year at the Miss Universe 2025 where she placed among the Top 30. The winner was Fátima Bosch of Mexico.

Hernández’s elegance, runway skills and charm won over missologists—social media influencers who focus on covering pageants and beauty queens— who said Hernández didn’t advance further because she did not specifically represent a single country.

The Dominican entered the pageant after winning Miss Universe Latina, the reality show on Telemundo, which selected a beauty queen to represent Latinos in the United States.

Born in La Vega in the central region of the Dominican Republic, Hernández moved to the United States at age 13 and now lives in New Jersey.

With a degree in communication, she twice competed for the Miss República Dominicana title and was first runner-up in 2023. She also took part in Miss International 2023, where she reached the Top 15 semifinalists.

Hernández’s introduction note among the MGI All Stars contestants highlighted her personal story of resilience and persistence.

“Her experience in Thailand forged a lasting bond with followers and with the pageant community, fueling her desire to continue her journey and represent her country once more,” the profile note on the contest’s Instagram said.

After winning Miss Universe Latina, the reality show, Hernández said that on the Telemundo program she had shown her scars, strength and story. “I won, not for being perfect. I won because I was real,” she said.

Colombia at Miss Grand International All Stars

Colombian Vanessa Pulgarín, who represented her country at Miss Universo 2025, also joins the group of beauty queens competing in the first edition of MGI All Stars.

Pulgarín placed in the Top 12 at Miss Universo 2025, having earned her spot after winning a version of Miss Universe Latina: the reality held in Colombia in September and broadcast by RCN. Pulgarín, 34, was also Miss International Colombia 2017.

“With experience in modeling, acting and the performing arts, Vanessa is a multifaceted contestant who combines confidence with authenticity. She is also passionate about fitness and communication, and uses her platform to connect and inspire,” Pulgarín’s presentation for MGI All Stars stated.

Contestants for MGI All Stars must be between 18 and 40 years old. They may have previously participated in Miss Grand International and may hold titles from other pageants. Married women and women with children are also allowed to compete. The prizes total up to $1 million.