Isabella Garcia-Manzo She resurfaces to show the world her full potential and how hard she has worked to represent El Salvador in a new edition of Miss Universe. After intense months of physical and mental training, the young Salvadoran appears renewed, confident, with dark hair and a refined figure, revealing a glamorous and elegant style that gives her a special touch. Isabella shares with Vogue her passions, her medium and long-term projects and how she strengthens her mental health to make a name for herself in November, supported by her country and all Salvadorans.
What do you want to convey to the world of El Salvador with your new platform?
With my platform as Miss Universe El Salvador, I would love for the world to get to know my country. Its safety, its rich gastronomy, its cultural diversity, its beautiful landscapes and the impressive waves of our beaches, ideal for surfing. In addition, I would like to highlight the warmth of Salvadoran culture, the advances in the country’s development, the kindness, hardworking and respectful spirit that characterize Salvadorans. I want the world to experience the transformation process we are experiencing. But above all, this is the best time to take action and do our part to make this a better place for Salvadorans.
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What would you like to focus on this year?
In the short term, my main focus is to ensure that my country gives the world the best possible welcome during the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador. In the long term, my strongest plan is to consolidate my foundation “In surfing we are all equal”, which aims to promote surfing as a tool for inclusion in communities affected by violence, in vulnerable situations and to provide opportunities for people with disabilities . Functional diversity and disability.
How long have you been surfing?
I started surfing at the age of six and believe that it is important to give all children, regardless of their social status, the opportunity to participate in sports and social activities in the hope that they can become surfing professionals. Sport offers them discipline and a healthier lifestyle.
How would you promote this project called “Miss Universe”?
With this platform I would like to promote sport as an effective tool for inclusion and change in society. Participation in sporting activities such as surfing can provide benefits that promote inclusion and equality and have a positive impact on communities. Providing people from marginalized or at-risk communities with opportunities to participate through sport not only creates a sense of belonging and community, but also helps build a fairer and more equitable society.
Matthew Sprout.
How can surfing be a tool to empower women?
Surfing requires concentration and discipline, which promotes responsibility, concentration and courage. Overcoming the fear of surfing bigger waves shows them that they can overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Practicing this sport develops both physical and mental skills such as balance, endurance and patience, which can be transferred to other areas of life.
Additionally, encouraging women’s participation in surfing and surfing culture can challenge gender norms and overcome stereotypes and cultural challenges that have historically surrounded the sport. Nowadays, many female surfers have proven that they can surf successfully on a par with men.
Matthew Sprout.
Her mother was Miss El Salvador 1994. What lessons did she share with you from her experience that you will now take with you to the pageant?
My mother was Miss El Salvador in a beauty pageant in 1994. Her experience gave me valuable lessons that I will take with me as I prepare for Miss Universe. It took me a while to convince her that this was a personal dream. However, he recognized that these competitions have evolved and become a platform for carrying out charitable actions and the welfare of society. Your experience has taught me to appreciate not only external beauty, but also the positive impact that can be achieved through these skills.
How do you mentally prepare for the criticism that comes with entering a beauty pageant and how do you stay true to yourself?
I prepare myself mentally by focusing on who I am, my values, and the lessons my parents have taught me since I was a child. I understand that beauty pageants come with criticism, which can be challenging. I understand that these can become forms of cyberbullying that can affect people emotionally. Therefore, my approach is to avoid harmful and negative criticism as it can be emotionally destructive. I prefer to focus on personal growth and constructive criticism that can help me improve. I remain true to myself, I hold on to my spiritual essence and my real values, which I consider to be my most important tool. My authenticity guides me and allows me to stay true to who I am and want to be.
Matthew Sprout.
You study hospitality in Marbella. What things did you learn there that could help further boost tourism in your country?
I had the opportunity to complete my university studies in Europe, where I learned that service and customer care are crucial to making a tourist want to come back. This means providing quality service with attention and love. I also learned that it’s not just about how you treat customers, but also about providing people with memorable experiences. This is what sets El Salvador apart, because we treat our tourists and our people warmly. We have inherited this from all generations over time. Now we have a much broader tourist offer that offers exceptional experiences.
What is your perfect day in El Salvador, where would you go, which restaurant would you visit?
For me, a perfect day in El Salvador begins with waking up and admiring the beauty of nature and the ideal climate of our country. I go to the beach to surf our beautiful waves and enjoy the sun. In the afternoon I visit my family and in the evening I have dinner in my favorite restaurant on the slopes of the volcano, with an impressive view of the city. This is the end of a perfect day in my country.
Matthew Sprout.
What is success for you?
For me, success is the recognition of hard work. It is the happy and satisfying result of achieving a goal you set for yourself.