For Miss Universe Spain, Susana Medina, its a dream come true
At 28, Susana Lucía Medina is not only fulfilling one of her biggest dreams, but she’s also proving that beauty and academic achievement can go hand in hand. Spain’s representative at Miss Universe has devoted much of her life to modeling, a career she began at just 14 years old. Back then, she never imagined that the girl who dreamed of walking the runway would one day have the chance to make her country proud on one of the most important stages in the world: the 75th edition of Miss Universe.
Born in the Canary Islands, Susana has built her path between the runway and the classroom. While she was developing her modeling career, she decided to study law, successfully balancing her studies with her professional commitments. It’s a choice that reflects one of the sides of herself she’s most eager to highlight: that of a woman who can chase her dreams without giving up her intellectual goals. In addition to her degree, Medina completed a learning program through Harvard University. Although it was an online format, Susana shares with us Américas how this opportunity transformed her outlook and inspired her to reach even higher.
Along with opening up about how she trained both in the classroom and on the runway, the beauty queen told us that she went through a very difficult period of bullying in her teenage years. That experience shaped her character and even became one of the driving forces behind her social commitment, so that no other child or young person has to go through what she did. Through the organization Seeds of Respect, she supports initiatives aimed at preventing and combating bullying at school and in the workplace, as well as other forms of discrimination and violence
As we spoke, Susana shared her dream of bringing home Spain’s second Miss Universe crown. The first and only time the “Madre Patria” won the title was in 1974, when Amparo Muñoz was crowned. Now, 52 years later, Susana is hoping to make history and give her country yet another reason to celebrate. This year, Spain was crowned champion of the FIFA World Cup, and the country also earned the first runner-up spot at Mister International 2026.
The Canary Island beauty also faces a major challenge, as by 2026 beauty pageants may not be quite as appealing to the general public—especially in Europe—as they are in parts of South America or Asia. Still, it’s worth remembering that in 2024, just two years ago, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark took home the crown at the competition.
How are you celebrating another trip around the sun? I imagine this has been an especially important year for you, with all the preparation leading up to Miss Universe.
It has honestly been a nonstop year! We’ve been working incredibly hard, first preparing for Miss Universe Spain and then getting ready for Miss Universe.
I’m extremely happy and grateful. This has always been my dream, so winning the Miss Universe Spain crown and having the opportunity to proudly represent my beloved country is an incredible feeling.
How did your modeling career begin, and how have you managed to balance it with your law studies?
I started modeling when I was 14 years old. My mother was actually the one who took me to a modeling agency. Ever since I was little, I loved putting on high heels, playing with makeup, and pretending I was walking down a runway. My mother noticed that passion early on, and when I turned 14, she decided to enroll me in an agency.
Growing up, I was actually insecure about my height. I saw it as a flaw, but joining the agency completely changed my perspective. Suddenly, something I had considered a disadvantage was being celebrated as one of my greatest strengths.
That experience helped me embrace who I was and understand the importance of loving ourselves exactly as we are. I decided to make the most of my height, and that’s how my modeling career began.
Before long, I was walking in major fashion shows, especially internationally. Now, at 28, I’ve spent half my life working as a model.
When I turned 18, I began pursuing a double degree in Law and Business Administration and Management. However, balancing two degrees with my modeling career became increasingly difficult, so I decided to focus exclusively on law.
I initially attended university in person in the Canary Islands, where I’m from, but eventually transitioned to online classes, which allowed me to continue my studies while working.
Tell me about your experience studying at Harvard. What did you learn?
I completed what was essentially a specialized program. It began with a course that lasted approximately one month. After completing the coursework and passing all the exams, which were conducted online, I had the opportunity to continue with more advanced training, similar in length to a semester.
