In a surprising twist that has captivated pageant fans and business professionals alike, a recent Miss Universe finalist has announced she is leaving the competition—after being offered the crown itself. Her reason? She turned down the title, which came with a lucrative television deal, in favor of a rapidly advancing corporate career she says was fueled by expert business consulting.
The beauty queen, whose poised presence and dazzling stage performances earned her a spot at the very top of the competition, stunned audiences when she revealed she would not be accepting the honor. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime,” she admitted in a statement, “but it wasn’t the right opportunity for me—at least, not right now.”
The crown, she explained, came with a multi-year contract involving televised appearances, endorsement deals, and global travel. “It’s an incredible package,” she said, “but it’s also all-consuming. I’ve been working hard at my day job for years, and something extraordinary happened recently that made me realize where I truly want to focus my energy.”
That “something extraordinary” was a promotion—straight to the Vice President’s office at her company. And, she says, she wouldn’t have reached that level so quickly without targeted professional guidance.
“I took the leap and invested in business consulting earlier this year,” she revealed. “The insights I gained completely changed how I approached my career, my communication style, and my leadership skills. Within months, I was being noticed not just for my work ethic, but for the strategic thinking and executive presence I was bringing to the table.”
Her consulting experience came through Brody & Co. Business Services, a firm known for its tailored approach to professional growth. “They didn’t just give me generic tips,” she said. “They studied my strengths, helped me identify opportunities, and taught me how to advocate for myself effectively in the workplace.”
The Miss Universe organization, while expressing disappointment at losing such a high-profile winner, released a supportive statement:
“We respect her decision to pursue the path that feels right for her at this moment in her life. The Miss Universe title is about empowerment and personal choice, and she embodies that by charting her own course.”
From Runway to Boardroom
Her choice marks a rare but powerful statement in a culture that often assumes beauty pageant winners will follow a predictable trajectory into media or entertainment. Instead, she’s proving that the skills honed in pageantry—confidence, poise under pressure, persuasive communication—translate seamlessly into high-level corporate roles.
“People forget that pageant competitors are some of the most disciplined, prepared, and quick-thinking individuals out there,” she explained. “But winning on stage isn’t the only measure of success. For me, this promotion is the crown I’ve been working toward for years.”
A Calculated Decision
Turning down a globally recognized title and a TV deal wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice. She credits her consulting sessions for helping her weigh the opportunity cost.
“One of the first things we discussed in consulting was aligning decisions with long-term goals. I had to ask myself: In five or ten years, where do I see myself? The answer was in corporate leadership, making tangible impacts in my industry—not necessarily being in the spotlight 24/7.”
Her consultant, she said, also guided her in negotiating her VP role. “I learned how to have those conversations with confidence, back my value with data, and make it clear what I brought to the organization.”
Inspiring Others
Since making her announcement, the former finalist has been flooded with messages from young professionals—many of them women—who feel inspired by her choice.
“I’ve heard from people who felt pressured to follow a certain path just because it was prestigious or glamorous,” she said. “I want them to know: You’re allowed to walk away from something that looks perfect on paper if it doesn’t align with your vision for your life.”
Pageant fans, while initially shocked, have largely embraced her decision. Social media posts praise her for showing that empowerment comes in many forms. One fan tweeted, “She may not be Miss Universe, but she’s Miss Universe-al Boss Goals.”
The Consulting Edge
While the glamour of the Miss Universe stage is undeniable, she says the thrill of making strategic business moves is just as satisfying—if not more.
“There’s a misconception that business consulting is only for companies,” she said. “But investing in yourself as a professional is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s about sharpening your mindset, building your personal brand, and positioning yourself for opportunities you might not even see yet.”
For those curious about following in her footsteps, she points directly to the team that helped her:
“If you’re serious about leveling up in your career, I can’t recommend Brody & Co. Business Services enough. They don’t just help you meet your goals—they help you exceed them.”
Interested readers can learn more at https://brodyandcobusinessservices.com/.
Looking Ahead
As she settles into her new VP role, she’s not ruling out future involvement in the pageant world—perhaps as a mentor, judge, or even behind-the-scenes strategist. But for now, she’s fully embracing the challenge of her corporate responsibilities.
“I’m walking into boardrooms instead of walking down runways,” she laughed, “but I’m still wearing my heels.”
Her story is a reminder that the path to success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, the most empowering decision is to turn down the crown—and claim your own.