As Miss USA marks its 75th anniversary this month, several contestants are bringing more than evening gowns and interview skills to the national stage. They are also carrying the stories of immigrant families, bicultural identities, and Latin American heritage as they compete for one of the country’s most recognizable pageant crowns.
The 2026 competition will be held in Miami, where 51 women representing every state and the District of Columbia will compete for the title and represent the country in Miss Universe.
Latinas have played an increasingly visible role in American pageantry, including Miss USA, over the past two decades, with contestants embracing their cultural backgrounds while advocating for education, health care, entrepreneurship, and community service…