MIAMI \u2014 A Miami woman is about to represent Cuba on the universal stage, using the platform to draw attention to the crisis on the island while responding to her critics.<\/p>\n
Mia Dio, Miss Universe Cuba, visited the Local 10 News studios as she prepares for the big event.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiss Universe as a platform is incredibly important, but just representing Cuba, that\u2019s a story,\u201d Dio said.<\/p>\n
Dio calls herself a digital activist and has more than 1 million followers on Instagram.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old FIU graduate studied international relations and political science. She\u2019s also known for being open about one of pageantry\u2019s worst-kept secrets: plastic surgery.<\/p>\n
Dio has openly discussed her own procedures on social media and says she isn\u2019t afraid to address her critics.<\/p>\n
Some have questioned why the Miss Universe Cuba pageant is held in Miami instead of Cuba.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe exile community here in Miami was able to bring back this pageant in order for Cuba to finally have representation,\u201d Dio said.<\/p>\n
She\u2019s also faced criticism over her appearance and whether she represents what people consider to be a Cuban look.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst of all, I look just like my mom,\u201d Dio said. \u201cCuba is incredibly diverse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dio said she believes actions speak louder than words, and she\u2019s using her platform to shine a light on the island she now represents.<\/p>\n
She said she wants to put human rights at the forefront and recognize the tough reality people on the island are still living.<\/p>\n
Asked what her message about Cuba would be if she were asked about it during the final question at Miss Universe, Dio said: \u201cRegime change. What does that look like? Opportunity for the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also discussed medical diplomacy and its impact on Cuba.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can talk about things like how medical diplomacy makes the Cuban regime look really good to the outside world, but in reality it\u2019s almost like slave labor,\u201d Dio said.<\/p>\n
Dio said the most powerful tool Cuban people have is their word.<\/p>\n
The 75th diamond edition of Miss Universe will be held in Puerto Rico later this year, which will be a sort of homecoming for Dio.<\/p>\n
The South Florida native representing Cuba actually lives in Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n
\u201cOK, don\u2019t judge me for this, but originally it was for love,\u201d Dio said.<\/p>\n
She said she fell in love with the people and the island\u2019s proximity to an experience she might have had in Cuba if it had more access to opportunities.<\/p>\n
And when asked one more pressing question \u2014 croquetas or ropa vieja? \u2014 Dio chose ropa vieja.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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