Elegance in Bloom: Nadia Mejía’s Ecuadorian Crown and Global Mission
Photography by Miss Universe
Nadia Mejía, the newly crowned Miss Universe Ecuador 2025, is more than a pageant winner—she’s a movement of self-love, cultural pride, and fashion-forward elegance. Born in the United States to a lineage steeped in music, beauty, and Latin heritage, Nadia’s rise to the Miss Universe stage is a powerful narrative of identity reclamation, resilience, and global glamor.
Early Life: Born to the Spotlight
Nadia was born on November 22, 1995, in Southern California to Geraldine Gálvez, a former Miss Ecuador 1985, and Neymar Mejía, the lead singer of the popular Latin group Grupo Alianza. With beauty pageants in her DNA and a multicultural upbringing that merged Latin traditions with California cool, it’s no surprise Nadia gravitated toward the spotlight from an early age.
Yet her story isn't one of overnight success—it’s one of courage and healing.
She gained widespread recognition as Miss California USA 2016, where she quickly became a fan favorite not just for her stunning looks, but for her candor. In interviews and national press, Nadia spoke openly about her battle with body image and eating disorders, using her platform to promote mental health awareness and body positivity. This rare authenticity became her trademark.
The Road to Miss Universe Ecuador
Though she was born in the U.S., Nadia always carried her Ecuadorian roots close to her heart. Fluent in Spanish and deeply connected to her mother’s homeland, Nadia made the bold decision to honor that heritage by entering the Miss Universe Ecuador 2025 competition.
In a transformative return to her roots, she relocated temporarily to Ecuador to immerse herself in the culture, community, and language—not just to compete, but to represent with purpose. Her campaign emphasized unity across borders, embracing her dual identity as both American and Ecuadorian.
Her win was historic—not only did she bring international flair and runway experience, but she also captivated Ecuadorians with her sincerity, humility, and unwavering pride in representing the nation on a global stage.
“Winning Miss Ecuador wasn’t just about a crown—it was about coming home to myself,” she shared during her acceptance speech.
Beauty with Substance
Nadia Mejía has always used her platforms to elevate conversations beyond beauty. She champions causes such as:
Mental health awareness
Body positivity in pageantry
Latina empowerment in media and fashion
Cultural representation on global stages
She’s walked runways for NYFW, posed for elite fashion campaigns, and now—in true Vogue muse style—steps into the global spotlight as Ecuador’s face for Miss Universe 2025.
Her Style: Editorial Meets Ethereal
Whether in shimmering couture on stage or sleek off-duty streetwear, Nadia exudes a Vogue-worthy allure. Her signature look blends:
Glowing skin (thanks to her strict skincare rituals)
Sculptural gowns that celebrate both Ecuadorian design and international trends
Modern pageant beauty—bold brows, natural glam, and unapologetic confidence
She credits her sense of style to growing up around fashion but evolving it with her personal journey of self-love. In her own words:
“Real style starts when you stop trying to impress and start dressing to express.”
Lifestyle Plus–Approved Products for Nadia’s Look
To achieve her red-carpet radiance and camera-ready skin, here are a few Miss Universe Skincare essentials that would be right at home on Nadia’s vanity:
Miss Universe Skincare Daily Starter Set – Cleanse, tone, and hydrate with pageant-perfect essentials. $130
24K Golden Glow Serum – Nadia’s luminous finish begins with this rich, radiance-boosting formula. $58
Dewlight Glow Moisturizer – Hydration that lasts through photoshoots and press tours. $40
A Star to Watch at Miss Universe 2025
As she prepares to step onto the Miss Universe 2025 stage, Nadia Mejía brings with her more than gowns and glam—she brings a story, a message, and a modern queen's voice. Her journey from self-doubt to self-love, from California to Quito, resonates with women around the world.
She is proof that true beauty isn’t born—it’s built through experience, grace, and unapologetic authenticity.
And come Miss Universe finals, the world will be watching Ecuador shine.