Profile: Miss Universe 2009 -

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  • Stefania’s Farewell

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 11:40am on 08/14/2010

    Hello everyone, It's me again! I've been so busy so I haven't written a blog in a while. I was in Miami for the "Camino a la Corona" shoot to promote the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant. Then I did my official MUO magazine photo shoot at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. I then t ... more

    105 comments

  • In India Again

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:17pm on 07/12/2010

    Hello everyone, This week I've been in India with AID for AIDS, working with people living with HIV, and also working with cricket star Kapil Dev’s charity to support young girls. For me, this trip was an amazing experience.  I had several interviews with media and a lot of people were i ... more

    57 comments

  • Experiencing Rwanda with Same Sky

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 6:32pm on 06/23/2010

    Hello everyone!  Last week I went to Rwanda, where I spent 5 days.  The first day we had dinner with Francine LeFrak, the woman who founded Same Sky bracelets, an organization that works with female genocide victims living with HIV.  The second day we went to these women’s hous ... more

    14 comments

  • Learning Experiences Around the Globe

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 5:29pm on 06/15/2010

    Hello, everyone!  You must know that I've had many adventures lately... I went to India for 5 days and was a judge for the I AM SHE Miss Universe India pageant.  The show was spectacular!  It was hosted by Susmita Sen, Miss Universe 1994, and all of the Bollywood actors were there, in ... more

    2 comments

  • Aid for AIDS in Dominican Republic

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 1:20pm on 05/11/2010

    Hello everyone, This week I traveled to the Dominican Republic where I did a lot of work on behalf of Aid for AIDS International.  I had the chance to speak with children at Robert Reid Cabral Hospital who were infected with HIV, and I went to local schools to help teach the students about HI ... more

    10 comments

  • Visit to Mexico

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 5:25pm on 05/02/2010

    Hello, Everyone!  This week I was in Mexico for the San Marcos fair in the city of Aguascalientes.  As soon as I arrived to Mexico, I went to the rehearsal for the crowning of the new queen of Aguascalientes.  After that we had a dinner with Governor, LUIS ARMANDO REYNOSO.  The n ... more

    12 comments

  • Looking Foward to Mexico!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 1:24pm on 04/19/2010

    Hello, Everyone.  This week I’ve been working as a volunteer in the kitchen of Gay Men’s Health Center.  For me this is a wonderful and fulfilling experience, because I can do a little bit to help all the people that need it so much.  I spoke with the Latino Commissio ... more

    13 comments

  • Back in The Bahamas

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 1:30pm on 04/15/2010

    Hello, everyone! This week I attended the premiere of the movie, Happythankyoumoreplease, which was really exciting and a great movie. You can look at the pictures from the event here! I also went to The Bahamas to a fundraising event for the people of Haiti, which the Miss Bahamas contestant ... more

    6 comments

  • Exploring NYC and Learning About Golf

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 2:14pm on 04/08/2010

    Hello, Everyone!  Recently, I have spent my time visiting new places in this wonderful city.  There are so many places I haven’t seen yet!  I took the ferry down to the Statue of Liberty and took many great pictures.  Then I took the bus and I went to Brooklyn for the first ... more

    6 comments

  • Miss Czech Republic and work, work, work...

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 3:40pm on 03/30/2010

    Hello everyone!  This week I went to the Miss Czech Republic pageant and got to know a little bit about this country and its culture.  I arrived in New York on Sunday and had a fitting session for upcoming events and a photo shoot.  I also went to lessons about HIV with the AID for ... more

    5 comments

  • Panama Canal and Sony Event

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 1:33pm on 03/19/2010

    Hello everyone! This has been a pretty busy week for me.  I arrived to New York on Monday after being at the Puerto Rico Open, switched my luggage and left the next morning to Panama.  Once in Panama, I had several interviews and went to see the Panama Canal.  I was part of the Sony e ... more

    5 comments

  • Russia, Colombia and Puerto Rico... oh my!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 3:34pm on 03/15/2010

    Hi everyone! I had been really busy this week, I was in Russia attending Miss Russia pageant and meeting with the organizers of the event. I came back to New York for 15 hours changed my suitcase and flew for a conference in Cartagena, Colombia. After an amazing experience experience in South Amer ... more

    10 comments

  • Co-hosting Telemundo’s “Levantate”

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 8:29am on 03/01/2010

    Hello everyone! This week I was in Puerto Rico co-hosting the show "Levantate". It was an amazing experience for me because it was my first time as a co-host and I learned how to cook "mofongo", a typical Puerto Rican dish. It’s so delicious! I arrived back in New York on T ... more

    6 comments

  • More work for HIV/AIDS Awareness!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 2:16pm on 02/19/2010

    Hello everyone! This week I had a meeting with Francine LeFrak and the Rwandan Ambassador, Eugene-Richard Gasana, to arrange the details for my trip to Rwanda to work with the women living with HIV.  They were so nice and I learned so much! I also had a photo shoot for a coming surprise!! As us ... more

    10 comments

  • Haiti relief efforts, photo shoots, hospital visits and MORE!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 2:02pm on 02/12/2010

    Hello everyone! This week has been busy for me! I visited the Bronx Veteran’s Hospital and Schervier Nursing Care Center with Miss USA, Kristen Dalton and Miss Teen USA, Stormi Henley. We spent some time with the older people. We took some pictures with them and gave them some Valentine's Day ... more

    4 comments

  • A Week of Giving Back!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 1:07pm on 02/05/2010

    Hello everyone! This week I started off by meeting art director, Garnet Hill. On Monday I also went with Kristen Dalton to the Knicks Bowl 2010 annual charity event for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. It was pretty fun! We both tried to bowl but we lost =( I also worked as a volunteer at Gay Men&rs ... more

    4 comments

  • Fadil shoot, Project Sunshine, Poz Magazine and more!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 11:13am on 01/29/2010

    Hello everyone! This has been a relaxed week, yet there is always some work to do. On Tuesday Kristen, Stormi and I and a photo shoot wit Fadil. It was so fun! Check out the photo gallery on our website! On Wednesday I paid a visit to Project Sunshine and visited children in the hospital. On Thursda ... more

    4 comments

  • Busy Week in the City That Never Sleeps!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 12:12pm on 01/22/2010

    Hello everyone! This has been a quiet week for me. Early in the week I had video shoot with Colin at the Miss Universe Office. Check out the new video “The Pose Off” on our website. It’s so funny. I also had a phone interview in the Miss Universe Office for a radio station. On Wedn ... more

    7 comments

  • Adventures in Venezuela Continued…

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 8:28am on 01/15/2010

    Hello everyone! This week I traveled to my beautiful country...Venezuela!! I went to the state Lara where I visited the "La Divina Pastora", the virgin I'm devoted to. I thanked her for all that I have.  Afterwards I participated in the faith's parade. I want to thank the Miss Univers ... more

    9 comments

  • Home to my beautiful country, Venezuela!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:43am on 01/11/2010

    Hello everyone! After a beautiful holiday I am back to work! This week I had English classes and hit the gym. I also shot a video for Skype which was so funny!! Now I am in my beautiful country, Venezuela, for the festival Divina Pastora, my virgin, and many more activities. I will update you soon o ... more

    6 comments

  • Happy Holiday Wishes from Miss Universe!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 1:43pm on 12/18/2009

    Hello everyone! This week I got a brand new haircut (New Year, new look)! My hair is a completely different and original look that I am completely comfortable and happy with! On Monday Kristen Dalton and I went to the movie premiere of "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" It was a great movie ... more

    28 comments

  • Merci Bocu France!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 12:57pm on 12/11/2009

    Hello everyone. This has been an amazing week! It started off with a photo shoot with Fadil Berisha. Later that day I traveled to France with Kristen Dalton, Miss USA, for our first international trip together! As soon as we arrived in Cannes we took some photos at the elegant Martinez hotel where w ... more

    24 comments

  • My First Christmas in Rockefeller Center!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 2:41pm on 12/04/2009

    Helloo everyone! So this week I had a lot of work! On Monday I went to a MAC Consultation, and then had a briefing by the Latino Commission on AIDS to prepare me for World AIDS Day on December 1st. Tuesday was World AIDS Day! I had a press conference where I took a live HIV test! Later I made an app ... more

    15 comments

  • Back To New York For Turkey Day

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 8:30am on 11/30/2009

    Hi all! I just came back to NYC after 10 days in Bali shooting a commercial. This week I had a photo shoot with Fadil and I also volunteered at Gay Men’s Health Crisis. I had a beautiful thanksgiving day too! I hope you all had a safe and happy Thanksgiving, Christmas time is almost here! More ... more

    16 comments

  • Shooting a Commercial in Indonesia

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:18am on 11/23/2009

    Hello everyone...this week I've been in Indonesia at the shooting of You C1000 Vitamin Orange commercial, it's been a terrific experience because the locations for the commercial are amazing on the rice fields and traditional places here in Indonesia. I have the greatest crew working with me, we sta ... more

    10 comments

  • My Beautiful Country Venezuela

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:02am on 11/14/2009

    Hello everyone, well I've had an amazing week in my country Venezuela. I went to La Chinita fair and I was awarded with a lovely orchid and then visited "San Juan de Dios's" hospital where I had the amazing opportunity of sharing an amazing afternoon with the kids. I hosted a TV show calle ... more

    26 comments

  • Latin Grammy's, Las Vegas and Home!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 2:17pm on 11/06/2009

    Hello everyone! I've had a wonderful week in New York. On Tuesday, I decorated my apartment with Kristen (Miss USA) and Stormi (Miss Teen USA) and we recorded our “Happy Holidays!” greeting from the Miss Universe Organization. On Wednesday, I traveled to Las Vegas and attended the &lsqu ... more

    53 comments

  • Noogifest and Hulaween

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:12am on 10/30/2009

    Hi everyone! This week has been pretty low-key. I've been working out, taking lots of English lessons and I even went shopping for winter clothes (one of those things you just got to do at some point). I also attended the Pre My Hero Gala which is a prelude to a Gala being held on December 1st. It&r ... more

    21 comments

  • Some Time to Relax

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:53am on 10/26/2009

    Hello everyone... this was a calm week after my long time away in Indonesia. Besides resting a lot from my trip, I did my usual routine with English classes and the gym. Other than that, I had an interview that I really enjoyed with "Despierta America,” which is a popular Spanish language ... more

    18 comments

  • Reflections on Indonesia and Back to New York

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:34am on 10/21/2009

    Hi everyone! I feel so happy to be back in NY after spending two wonderful weeks in Indonesia. I had the opportunity to visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. I also went to Prambanan, a truly inspiring Hindu temple with amazing pointed and tal ... more

    14 comments

  • Indonesia

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 9:09am on 10/13/2009

    Hello everybody, I've already been in Indonesia for a week and it's been amazing. I love it, the people are very friendly and kind, their dances, foods and traditions are incredible. I’ve been in 3 different cities with Miss Indonesia 2008 and 2009 and they both have taught me a bit more about ... more

    29 comments

  • Returning Home and Thoughts on my Homecoming

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 12:04pm on 10/02/2009

    Hello everyone! I arrived this Monday to New York after spending some time home in Venezuela. I'm a little sad because I left my people over there but I'm really excited because next week I'll be traveling to Indonesia. The crowds in Venezuela that came out to see me where amazing, it meant so much ... more

    57 comments

  • Homecoming

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:10am on 09/28/2009

    It's been a wonderful week! I finally arrived back home to Venezuela after winning the Miss Universe pageant, and my homecoming was spectacular. I had a full day of surprises and even had a whole show dedicated to me (where I found my best friends, my family and all the people that supported me to a ... more

    42 comments

  • Tweet, Tweet!

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:24am on 09/23/2009

    Follow me on twitter! Stay up to date with all my recent events and activities at: http://twitter.com/TheRealMissU Also, follow my roommate, Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, at: http://twitter.com/MissUSA09   ... more

    33 comments

  • My First Events as Miss Universe

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 8:03am on 09/20/2009

    Hello! Another busy week for Miss Universe... I am adjusting to my new life and, I have to say, it's been pretty exciting! This week was Fashion Week here in New York and there were a lot of events and I got to attend a lot of them. I visited a few runways and met a lot of top designers like Toni M ... more

    31 comments

  • Welcome to My Life

    posted by Stefania Fernandez at 7:30am on 09/09/2009

    As you may know, on August 23rd, 2009, I was crowned Miss Universe 2009 by my fellow Venezuelan Dayana Mendoza from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. It has been one of the most exciting times in my life, I feel like I have finally reached my dream and all my effort, hard work and sacrifice were f ... more

    177 comments

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Quick Bio

Profile

Stefania Fernandez

Miss Universe 2009

Country:
Venezuela
Hometown:
Merida
Age:
21

Bio

On August 23rd, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately 1
billion viewers, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez’s life changed forever as she was
crowned Miss Universe 2009 from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. The win was a
milestone for the Miss Universe Organization as it was the first time that a country has
won back-to-back crowns in the pageant’s storied history (following fellow Venezuelan
Dayana Mendoza’s victory in 2008).

Hailing from Merida, Venezuela, 19-year-old Fernandez made the untraditional
decision to leave home at a very young age to start pursuing her dreams. Fernandez’s
ambition lies in international relations and affairs, which is a natural precursor for her
role as Miss Universe. She is also interested in the importance of arts as a tool for
childhood education and free thinking.

Since early childhood, Fernandez has been regaled by her grandmother’s stories of
world travel. “I loved hearing about the adventures of my elders, and I can only hope
to one day follow in their footsteps and experience the world.” She originally entered
the pageant world to meet new people, garner valuable life experience and, most
importantly, learn English.

Fernandez, despite her more recent accomplishments, is no stranger to setbacks. After
leaving home at age 16, she began competing in beauty pageants in preparation of
one day contending for the Miss Universe title. She purports to have amassed a strong
sense of determination and resolve after a judge in one of her early regional pageants
told her that she would have no future in beauty contests. “When faced with
negativity and being told that I would never make it, the true competitor in me grew
stronger,” says the 5’10 brunette beauty. “Even though I am young, I am fortunate that
I have been challenged by many people to abandon my goals. It gave me just
another reason to never give up and to never stop moving forward.”

Fernandez comes from a close-knit family. Her father was kidnapped when she was 14-
years-old and she asserts that this traumatic experience helped her appreciate all that
she has.

In her free time, Fernandez is an avid swimmer and tennis player. She is a regular
volunteer with “Piensa en Arte” which helps children expand their creative thinking
capabilities through art.

Fernandez will spend her year championing the official causes of the Miss Universe
Organization. She will work to increase HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's
health and reproductive issues. She will also work to forge new relationships with
organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission
on AIDS, God’s Love We Deliver, PSI/YouthAIDS and Gay Men’s Health Crisis.