Miss Venezuela, Ileana Márquez Pedroza, shares her challenges as a beauty queen and single mother of one

The inspiration for my love of glamour comes from my grandmother, who used to participate in contests in her town. She has always been an elegant woman with a passion for dressing well. I remember watching Miss Venezuela with her, and I was captivated by the contestants, describing them as "angels walking on a stage." My grandmother asked me if I would ever like to be there, to which I replied, "Why not?" Her influence sparked my love for being well-dressed, participating in beauty pageants, and walking the runway with the grace of those angels I admired on television.

I used to think balancing motherhood and my career would be tough. However, I realized that I could successfully manage both responsibilities by staying organized and being disciplined with my work schedule. I gradually came to understand that challenges are temporary. There will always be new obstacles, but we can overcome them. Life is about learning and growing every day.

Guadalupe and I have a beautiful relationship. The most important thing for me is to instill values in her during these worrying times as a mother due to various situations happening in the world. Communication is a focal point that I must have with my daughter so that she feels safe and confident and knows that she will always have her mother here today, tomorrow, and always.

I am grateful for my parents' support, who have been there for me since the beginning. My grandmother, aunt, and brother have also been incredibly supportive, especially when caring for my daughter. I couldn't ask for better caregivers for her.

I am grateful beyond words for everything they have done for me. I want to inform them that they are the best parents and grandparents in the world. They have played an incredible role in my life, and they should feel proud of the people they are. I promise to praise and honor them as they deserve in every moment of my life as long as I can do so.

I volunteer at a foundation that interests me because of its program to educate girls about the importance of responsible pregnancy. We have a development plan in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund to provide young women with the tools to plan for their future from a young age. For young mothers, we encourage them to prepare for their future and support them in continuing their education, pursuing a profession, or starting a business. We also provide them with knowledge and support to help them succeed and have a prosperous future.

I remember the challenges I faced as a teenage mother. Despite having a supportive mother, there were no parenting classes available at that time, so my mother and I had to figure things out on our own. Now, I realize the importance of education and support for parents. I want to use my experience to help other young mothers. I want them to know they can overcome their fears and worries like I did. One person's story does not define who you are.

When you know who you are, many things don't bother you," and that was hard for me to understand. It's true that coming from anonymity to suddenly expose yourself in a high-profile contest like this one is challenging. I'm referring to the contest because I'm now the queen of my country, and it has gained significant attention. Initially, public opinion was very tough, and I won't deny that it hurt me significantly. However, I eventually realized that what people said about me wasn't a direct reflection of who I am, but rather a reflection of their own experiences. They don't know me, and those who criticize from behind a screen are like ghosts. I turned this into a strength. Now, my advice to people, especially in my country, is to "believe in yourselves and know who you are. When you already know that, nothing will affect you. Turn everything negative into positive, always.

They have to believe in themselves and that they will achieve it. They have to repeat it to themselves every day. If not, there would not be such successful women, and sometimes, many people do not know they have achieved it alone. But yes, it is possible. It is only a matter of trusting, of believing firmly in God, because sometimes it takes time for me to tell you, but it will come to you; it will always come to you. Never stop believing in yourself, and keep going.