On November 19 (Philippine Time), the 72nd Miss Universe will have a special participant in the form of a distinguished Filipino-American physician. Dr. Connie Mariano is part of the selection committee for the upcoming pageant to be held in El Salvador.
In 1992, Dr. Connie Mariano was appointed as the physician to the President of the United States, serving under former Presidents. In recognition of her dedication to professionalism and service, she was elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral in 2000, becoming the first Filipino American to reach such a high rank in the Navy. Her Filipino father also served in the US Navy for nearly 30 years.
Dr. Mariano’s inclusion in the selection committee allows for a deeper evaluation of the Miss Universe candidates, emphasizing the importance of individuals capable of providing meaningful opinions and judgments. Her participation in the committee showcases her expertise and credibility in the fields of medicine and leadership.
Joining Dr. Mariano on the committee are nine other judges with diverse areas of expertise: fashion model Halima Aden, renowned designer Carson Kressley, MMA fighter Mario Bautista, Roku marketing vice president Sweta Pate, Miss Universe 1977 Janelle “Penny” Comissiong, Puerto Rican actress Giselle Blonde, entrepreneur Denise White, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, and social media personality Avani Greg.
The presence of a Filipino-American physician in the selection committee highlights the rising influence of Filipinos in various international fields of competition and service. It serves as an inspiration for many Filipino Americans who aspire to achieve success in their chosen professions. Through her role as a judge, Dr. Connie Mariano becomes a representative of her community and the entire country in the prestigious Miss Universe competition.
