Leila Lopes Biography

Leila Lopes, the first lady from Angola to win Miss Universe, made history on September 12, 2011. As the audience chanted "Angola," the 26-year-old beauty swiftly won over the full crowd in Sao Paulo, Brazil, making it difficult for the competition's presenters to be heard. Leila is just the fourth African woman to win Miss Universe in the pageant's sixty-year history. Leila was born in Angola's southern Benguela region, which she extols for its gorgeous beaches, kind people, and delectable cuisine. Leila credits her family as a great influence in her life and a source of strength because she is the eldest daughter of seven children. Leila was born during Angola's twenty-seven-year civil war (1975-2002), which taught her to value life and to "make the most of every day." Angola has concentrated on infrastructure and development since the declaration of peace nine years ago, a fact that Leila is particularly proud of. "Angola is a country rich in natural riches and endless potential," she says. Leila studied business management at Suffolk University in Ipswich, England, before being elected Miss Universe in 2011. She opted to compete in her country's national beauty contest at this period. Leila not only won the Photogenic Award but also the coveted title of Miss Universe Angola 2011, allowing her to compete in the 2011 MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant as the country's representative. "As Miss Universe, I want to show the world that Africa is more than poverty, starvation, and sickness," says Leila, a strong, confident lady who isn't frightened of a challenge. I want people to understand that Africa has a lot to offer and that my home nation of Angola is not only beautiful, but also growing socially, economically, and culturally." Leila utilizes her role as Miss Universe to advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention, working with groups such as YouthAIDS/PSI, Latino Commission on AIDS, and Gay Men's Health Crisis, among others. In an effort to prevent land degradation, she was also appointed Drylands Ambassador by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), an issue that affects not only her nation but the whole continent of Africa. Since winning the title, Leila has made waves in the media, appearing on the covers of magazines such as New African Woman and Selecta Magazine. During the 2012 New York Fashion Week, she also used her passion for fashion to walk the runway for designers such as SACHIKA and Rolando Santana. Leila thinks that winning Miss Universe will offer her the opportunity to help people in her home Angola overcome a history of violence and poverty. "Being Miss Universe is much more than getting a sash and crown," Leila explains. It's about being proud of my dedication to acting as an ambassador for my nation and for all women." Leila likes reading and spending time with her family and friends in her leisure time. She plans to finish her education and launch a cosmetics firm in Angola once her reign ends.

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