The Miss Universe 2023 pageant is breaking new ground by opening its doors to married women and mothers. One of the most notable contestants is Camila Avella, Miss Colombia 2023, who is the first-ever married Miss Universe participant and a proud mother of a child. She also made history by becoming the first mother to make it to the Top 5 in Miss Universe 2023.
Camila had a dream of representing her country in pageants, but she had to put it on hold in 2018 due to some issues. During that time, she got married and started a family. These experiences have given her more confidence and readiness for the competition, showing that she can achieve anything and that there are no limits to what she can do.
Camila has a deep passion for representing her home region, Casanare, and challenging stereotypes. Her goal was to become the first woman from Casanare to compete in Miss Colombia, and she accomplished her goal by winning the crown.
“My passion started because my department, Casanare, never sent many women to Miss Colombia to participate. I wanted to be the first girl to do it. Nowadays, that dream has come true; I became the first contestant from Casanare to get the crown.”
“One of my biggest wishes was for my people in Colombia to find Casanare on the map. I feel proud that I was born and raised there. I’m a woman that always feels that attachment to her land, her culture, and her race to show what we’re made of,” Camila shared.
Participating in pageants has been her long-time dream. She even received the decree that accredited her as the official representative of her Casanare department for the upcoming Miss Colombia 2018 edition. However, she had to postpone her dream because of some circumstances.
She decided to move on with her life, and she married and started a family. During that period, she thought that her chances of being crowned were over. But then she found out that Miss Universe was now allowing married women and mothers to participate, and she realized that her opportunity was still there.
“I think what Miss Universe is doing is very important because they’re showing the inclusion they’ve talked about over the past years. One role will not define us, and we’re finally breaking down those stereotypes that have held us back for so long. Ultimately, that Miss Universe decision motivated me to try again,” Camila said.
When Camila was asked about her husband’s support, the 28-year-old said, “When my husband and I got married, we knew that we were going to support each other’s goals and dreams because that’s what marriage is about. It’s about teamwork.”
They continued to support each other’s dreams and goals even after they welcomed their first daughter. They also wanted to show their daughter that the sky is the limit.
“When my daughter was born, our priority became her, and we understood that as parents, we had the responsibility of showing her that she would never limit our achievements. It’s been the opposite; she’s pushed us to achieve our goals. I’ve received incredible support from my family and from Colombia,” she said.
“What I want with my daughter is to always be the best mother I can be for her, the best wife I can be for my husband, and above everything else, the best woman I can be,” Camila shared.
Camila doesn’t strive for perfection. She knows that life is full of flaws, and the key is to accept both the successes and the struggles.
She said, “I always wanted to inspire her, and I know that in a few years, when she watches my interviews, she’ll be like, ‘Wow, it’s so cool to see my mom reaching her goals and never letting me hold her back.’” She explained.
Camila not only wants to inspire but also to empower other children as a Miss Colombia and Miss Universe contestant.
She added, “I want women to teach their children that they’re not a limitation and that a child is the most precious thing that exists. Of course, everyone has a different life story, but once we realize that the love that our kids give us is so beautiful, I think our mindset will change.”
Being a parent is not an easy role. We have to be good role models for our children, just like this mom, who became the first mom-champion in martial arts. She raises the bar and shows her children that mothers are strong in every way.