Eneisy Rodríguez’s path as a candidate for the Miss Universe Cuba 2026 pageant has been tough.
The audiovisual media teacher, actress and dancer, born in Hialeah, had to deal with attacks on social media criticizing her weight, her age, and for not having the look some believe a beauty queen should have.
Used to breaking barriers and inspired by her Cuban immigrant family’s story, Rodríguez scored an important win ahead of the competition as the first to represent the Cubans of the City of Progress in the pageant.
Rodríguez will compete Thursday as Miss Hialeah, a title she wears with pride because it honors her roots and the immigrants who have shaped it for more than six decades.
“I represent those Cubans who dream big, who never give up and who, with effort and determination, made their way in this country,” Rodríguez told el Nuevo Herald.
Miss Universe Cuba final gala
Since 2024, when Venezuelan lawyer and designer Prince Julio César obtained the franchise, the Miss Universe Cuba pageant has been held in Hialeah.
This year, however, the preliminary selection night on Tuesday took place at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay, in the southern part of the county. The final gala will also be held at the same theater on Aug. 20, when the winner will receive the crown from Lina Luaces Estefan, Miss Universe Cuba 2025, to represent Cubans at the Miss Universe world competition on Nov. 20 in Puerto Rico.
Among the favorites to win the crown, “the Pearl of the Caribbean,” are Daniela Reyes, representing the province of Pinar del Río; Yramsi Barcena, wearing the sash for the province of Mayabeque; and Lorena Suárez, representing the Central Region of Cuba.
The final gala of Miss Universe Cuba 2026 will be broadcast on Mega TV and on the official Miss Universe Cuba YouTube channel.
A gift and a battle
Last week before the judges’ interview, Eneisy Rodríguez spent the night sleeping in a chair at a Miami hotel so she could arrive on time. She had come by train from West Palm Beach, where she lives, and did not have money to pay for a hotel.
When it became known that Rodríguez did not have a car, the Reyes Amores family—owners of Angel Touch Medical Group Center, one of the sponsors of Miss Universe Cuba 2026 — gave her a new car.
It was a generous gesture that Rodríguez had not expected, as she had been the victim of numerous attacks on social media for daring to dream of a crown some believe she has no chance of winning.
“I received a lot of harsh comments about my body, about not belonging here, and also about my age,” Rodríguez said. “I decided to speak up especially because, as a teacher, I always teach my students the importance of empathy and kindness.”
When she dared to address the issue on her social media, Rodríguez found that while some people criticized her, others shared messages of kindness and love.
Eneisy Rodríguez, Miss Hialeah, was a victim of cyberbullying because of her weight. However, she decided to take the criticism and draw inspiration from the empathy she teaches her students. Michel Melian
“I received tremendous support from the organization, from the girls, from my friends and my family. It was very moving to even see support from people I didn’t know. Also, through all of this, I saw how much support I received from my students,” she said.
Rodríguez, 33, decided to hold onto that love instead of focusing on the negativity she was receiving. She also set limits on the time she spent on social media.
“I set my phone to block access to social media after a certain time, and that allowed me to take distance, protect my well-being and not let negative comments take up so much space in my mind,” she admitted.
A trip to Cuba
Rodríguez’s only means of experiencing life on the island had been via social media and communication with family in Cuba, but before the pandemic she was able to visit the place where her parents were born.
“I visited Cabaiguán, my father’s family’s land, where I had the chance to meet some of my relatives for the first time,” she recalled. “My family had told me so many stories about our beautiful Cuba. They shared memories of their childhood and spoke about how beautiful the beaches are. Being able to hear those stories and finally meet my family in person made the trip even more meaningful. It was an experience I will always carry in my heart.”
Now, Rodríguez feels like a queen, enjoying the competition and showing a different kind of beauty. For that effort she was awarded the title of Miss Inspiration on Tuesday during the Miss Universe Cuba preliminary selection.
“Being different and breaking stereotypes can inspire more women and people to dare to pursue their dreams,” she concluded.
Tickets for the Miss Universe Cuba final gala, Aug. 20, 7 p.m., $80 – $250. Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 Street, Box Office: 786-573-5300. Free parking. mosscenter.org
el Nuevo Herald
Sarah Moreno cubre temas de negocios, entretenimiento y tendencias en el sur de la Florida. Se graduó de la Universidad de La Habana y de Florida International University. @SarahMoreno1585