World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Jasmine Liz Martinez Miss Cuba U.S. 2023-2024.
Full name: Jasmine Liz Martinez
Title/Year: Miss Cuba U.S. 2023-2024
Pageant System: Nuestra Belleza Nacional Cuba
Age: 18
Zodiac sign: Aquarius.
Hobbies: I like to play golf, read, act, dance and model.
Platform: Legacy Project: educate the youth about their roots and promote bilingual literacy.
Years competed: 9 Years
Likes: I love spending time with family; every moment we share never fails to bring a smile to
my face. I also like learning something new every day and helping those around me.
Dislikes: Time is one of the most sacred things in this world, which is why one of my biggest
dislikes is wasting precious time. I always try to find proactive ways to occupy myself.
Status: I am a highschool student on the verge of starting my senior year.
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I have been an active member of my community since the age of seven. Currently, I am the vice chair of the City of Hialeah Youth Advisory Board where I help bring to the council meetings the youths perspective while also coming up with initiatives. I want to get my bachelor's degree in international relations, then go to law school, and become an immigration lawyer. Ultimately, I want to do humanitarian work in Central, South America & Caribbean with the United Nations.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment mean to you?
An empowered woman is one who fights for their rights, facing every challenge with poise and bravery. It matters not how many times she trips in her heels as long as she gets up, fixes her crown, and continues strutting down the runway that is life.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I have been competing in pageants and representing my roots for nine consecutive years. My titles are Little Miss Cuban American 2015-2017, Little Queen Ritmo Danzón Cubano 2017-2018, Miss Jr. Cuba U.S. 2019-2020, Miss Teen Art Deco 2021, Miss Teen Hialeah Galaxy 2022, Miss Teen Universe Cuba 2022-2023 and Miss Cuba US 2023-2024
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
When I was very young, my family loved showing me old pictures from a tattered up album. I remember looking at my grandmothers wearing shiny crowns as they waved at the camera with their gloved hands. I loved listening to them tell me stories of how they were models and beauty queens in Cuba. This ultimately inspired me to compete in my first pageant and represent my roots and culture just as they did when they were younger.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
As seen by my pageant history in the previous question, I have always been very passionate about representing my roots. I am very proud to close this cycle by winning the Miss Cuba U.S. title.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Nuestra Belleza Nacional Cuba is about preserving the beauty, elegance, intelligence, and empowerment of the Cuban woman.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
The judging begins from the second you arrive. They will take into account your interactions with other candidates, the way you express yourself during interviews, your pageant walk as well as opening number, and of course the on stage questions. Most importantly though, the judges will be looking for a candidate that will serve their community; therefore, having a strong platform that you are working on is also incredibly important.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I had a wonderful time competing in this pageant. The other girls were all very talented and I was glad to have shared a stage with them. I was able to put into practice all of my years of experience! Being crowned was a dream come true.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause you volunteer for.
My platform is to educate the youth about the climate crisis and promote bilingual literacy. As a certified climate speaker by the CLEO institute, I am able to speak on the current environmental crisis. Creating climate awareness from a young age is very important because it is essential that children grow up knowing how to take care of their mother earth. Similarly, if a tree's roots aren’t strong then it can’t grow tall and healthy. This is why I created my community initiative titled the Legacy Project which focuses on upholding our roots because knowing where you come from is instrumental to the development of children. Knowing English and Spanish creates a sense of cultural identity and opens up a world of opportunities.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
Some appearances that I have done include, Easter Eggstravaganza, Taste of the Cuban Sandwich Festival in Tampa FL, the Fourth of July Parade in Key Biscayne, Thanksgiving Parade, Jose Marti Parade, Beauty Queen Fitness Bootcamp, City of Hialeah Cleanup, Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Back to School Book Bag Giveaway, Pig Cook Off Police vs Fire, North Twin Lakes Christmas Storytime, Children in Action Christmas Present Wrapping, Hialeah Thanksgiving Food Giveaway, Relay for Life, More Than Pink Walk, Hialeah Park Goes Pink for Cancer, and Adopt a Meal for 27 Families in the Ronald McDonald Charity House. World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
As president of the Environmental Club at my high school, I won 3rd place in the Climate Innovation Challenge in which I presented the climate solution of implementing green roofs in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I am part of the Model United Nations (MUN) team at my school where I have competed all over the state of Florida and have received Honorable Delegate KnightMUN, Honorable Delegate MDMUN, Verbal Commendation GatorMUN. I compete for Speech & Debate, through which I have received Miami Dade Urban Debate League 2nd Place Team Speaker (Twice), and Miami Dade Urban Debate League 3rd Place Individual Speaker. I received the AP Scholar with Distinction certificate, and AP Seminar & Research certificate. I also received an award for my 8 years of volunteer work at the Film Miami Fest and the Children in Action Recognition Plaque for my 4 years of service to their organization. I received an award from Mayor Steve Bovo for my 10 years of service to the City of Hialeah. I have also received a national recognition from the organization Buddy’s Helpers for my work on and off the field.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
My strategy to win over the judges is to be my kind authentic self. When being interviewed I always answer the questions honestly and just allow my personality to shine through. World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
I think each and every one of us has a unique perspective and amazing qualities to bring to the table. One of the qualities I exhibit is my perseverance to become a better version of myself and my discipline.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the
winner.
The moment I heard my name called out, I felt extremely proud of myself and thankful for my family that guided me every step of the way. My mom spent countless hours helping me prepare everything for the competition. I know that I couldn’t have done it without her—she is my backbone—always there to support me.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean for you to be a Beauty Queen?
A Beauty Queen is more than just having a sash and a crown, it is being an example to follow, a voice that inspires and stands out amidst other voices. "Learning embellishes your soul, inner beauty is forever.”
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants help your life?
I have spent half of my life wearing a sash and a crown and it truly has shaped me into the person I am today. This experience has opened many doors thanks to all of the networking opportunities. I also acquired more self-confidence, determination, leadership, and speaking skills.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants help your self-esteem and body image?
Having a strong self-esteem and being confident in your own skin is crucial when it comes to pageantry. Standing in front of hundreds of people in something as vulnerable as a swimsuit takes a lot of guts.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
“With great power comes great responsibility.” Wearing a sash means you are representing a group of people while also serving as a role model for the younger generations. World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning a better pageant walk?
When I was first learning how to do my pageant walk, my coach had me put a broomstick between my back and my elbows to help with my posture and exude that necessary elegance when walking. Now that I am competing in the Miss category, I find that my walk needs to have more movement in the hips and walking with more strength. It is important to project fearlessness and security.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing the right pageant dress?
The pageant dress is very important since you will have to answer your onstage question wearing it. I don’t recommend choosing a dress that is uncomfortable to walk in even if it looks gorgeous on you. Believe it or not, the judges will notice discomfort.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning the interview portion?
You have no way of knowing what they will ask you during the interview portion. This is why my biggest advice is to read! Read up on current events, know about your country/ sash you are fighting for, and do some practice questions so that when it comes to it, you answer with more fluidity and confidence.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
To prepare for this competition: I polished up my runway skills by taking a few classes, and practiced my speaking and diction.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
One of the biggest mistakes made is during the onstage question. We all experience nervousness when competing, especially when faced with an audience filled with people.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes, I have been modeling since I was seven and at age ten I started acting. I have participated in several plays and musicals. Starring as Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, and choreographing the production of The Greatest Showman at my school.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2023-2024 as a Queen?
I plan to continue my platform—I hope to inspire the new generations, create a sense of awareness on the climate change issue, and promote bilingual literacy through fun and interactive activities. World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I hope to leave behind a legacy that embraces the essence of a woman, radiating strength, beauty, and resilience. I aspire to leave behind a trailblazing path where my voice ignites positive change and empowers others to follow their dreams. With unwavering determination and a touch of elegance, I aim to make a lasting impact, inspiring people to embrace their own light and create a better world for generations to come. "Shine with your own light and make a difference!" International Director: Fatima Coello
Pageant website: https://www.nuestrabellezanacionalcuba.com/
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Jasmine Liz Martinez Miss Cuba U.S. 2023-2024, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine,
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
