MIAMI — A Miami woman is about to represent Cuba on the universal stage, using the platform to draw attention to the crisis on the island while responding to her critics.
Mia Dio, Miss Universe Cuba, visited the Local 10 News studios as she prepares for the big event.
“Miss Universe as a platform is incredibly important, but just representing Cuba, that’s a story,” Dio said.
Dio calls herself a digital activist and has more than 1 million followers on Instagram.
The 25-year-old FIU graduate studied international relations and political science. She’s also known for being open about one of pageantry’s worst-kept secrets: plastic surgery.
Dio has openly discussed her own procedures on social media and says she isn’t afraid to address her critics.
Some have questioned why the Miss Universe Cuba pageant is held in Miami instead of Cuba.
“The exile community here in Miami was able to bring back this pageant in order for Cuba to finally have representation,” Dio said.
She’s also faced criticism over her appearance and whether she represents what people consider to be a Cuban look.
“First of all, I look just like my mom,” Dio said. “Cuba is incredibly diverse.”
Dio said she believes actions speak louder than words, and she’s using her platform to shine a light on the island she now represents.
She said she wants to put human rights at the forefront and recognize the tough reality people on the island are still living.
Asked what her message about Cuba would be if she were asked about it during the final question at Miss Universe, Dio said: “Regime change. What does that look like? Opportunity for the people.”
She also discussed medical diplomacy and its impact on Cuba.
“We can talk about things like how medical diplomacy makes the Cuban regime look really good to the outside world, but in reality it’s almost like slave labor,” Dio said.
Dio said the most powerful tool Cuban people have is their word.
The 75th diamond edition of Miss Universe will be held in Puerto Rico later this year, which will be a sort of homecoming for Dio.
The South Florida native representing Cuba actually lives in Puerto Rico.
“OK, don’t judge me for this, but originally it was for love,” Dio said.
She said she fell in love with the people and the island’s proximity to an experience she might have had in Cuba if it had more access to opportunities.
And when asked one more pressing question — croquetas or ropa vieja? — Dio chose ropa vieja.
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