Miss Teen Universe pageant coming to Dubai in 2021 says champ Bibyana Marquez

Reigning MTU USA recently scoped locations for the contest

IF YOU’RE LOOKING to introduce a global pageant to a city, who better to send to break the news than the current champion? Since winning Miss Teen Universe USA last year and the main event in October 2020, 17-year-old Bibyana Marquez from McAllen, Texas has shouldered many duties including public speaking at events on issues affecting the youth today and realising her dream of building a clothing line. The young, home-schooled woman was recently in Dubai at the behest of the competition she now represents to announce its upcoming arrival in the city. We caught up to find out more.

Tell us all about introducing the Miss Teen pageant to Dubai. When do you hope the first show will be held and how many women do you hope will be taking part?

I am very excited that the International Director made the decision to bring the Miss Teen Universe competition to Dubai! Dubai is a city where people are very nice and supportive and that’s definitely something that the candidates need! The timeline for applications will be extended until the last minute and I hope that as many girls as possible join the pageant. We have to yet finalise the show dates.

Why choose Dubai as a location for this competition?

Because Dubai is a city where women are very confident and kind and this is definitely something we want for all the candidates to see.

What values and qualities do you believe one requires to win the pageant?

Definitely a queen who is humble at all times and never makes others feel less than her. A queen who truly inspires her generation will win the pageant.

How has your life changed since taking the crown?

I feel like I believe more in myself and that I have inspired many teens.

What do you hope winning this title will lead to? What do you wish to do in the future as a career?

I want to use this title to promote my platform which is ‘Teen Evolution’, this is an organisation where we help teens who have been victims of bullying. And also, for my career. I want to be a fashion designer.

Do you believe it is your responsibility to raise awareness of teen issues?

Yes! Because being a victim of bullying when I was younger, I have known the hardships one goes through, and I want to help those people going through the same thing.

What do you say to those who criticise pageants, perhaps believing they are outdated in the modern world?

I believe beauty pageants help the girls prove to themselves what they are capable of doing. When I first started I was a little bit insecure but after doing pageants I feel way more confident.

Being a US citizen of Hispanic heritage gives you a unique perspective on what it means to be an American. Do you believe the discussion around race in America is going in the right direction?

I believe that people should not be judged by their race. This year I hope things do get better and hope there is less racism.

Who are your inspirations and why?

Shakira is definitely a huge inspiration for me because when she first started not many people believed in her, but she never gave up and fought for her dreams!