Manuela Castaño Cruz is a 28-year-old woman from Cali, confident, independent, and at the same time, with many dreams and will to change the reality of the people of her department and her country.
Miss Universe Cali is a graduate of Bennett College, a business and finance administrator from the University of Miami and with a master’s degree in finance from Florida International University, she worked in two American financial companies, before returning to her department to work with her family’s company. , dedicated to the production of panela.
“I have toured my city and I know the opportunities for improvement that exist and education is the basis of everything, but people have lost faith in universities, because they feel that investing so much money is not worth it if they are not going to get a job. That is why I created the Manuela Castaño Foundation, to generate it and reduce the unemployment rate in Cali, which is 16%.”
He confesses that he agrees with the changes that have arisen within Miss Universe, “greater inclusion in these contests makes people aware of the acceptance of others in their differences. “If reigns remain traditional, they tend to disappear.” Passionate about horse riding, she has won several titles in equine competitions, since she carries a love for the countryside in her veins, thanks to her maternal and paternal grandparents, who were farmers.
For Manuela, her strength is the career she has acquired professionally, at work, academically and personally, “all of this makes you grow as a person and gives you enough maturity to know what you want.” .
Daniela, business creator
Daniela Toloza Rocha, Miss Universe Valle 2024, 30 years old, is a combination of beauty, style, social commitment and talent. She is a specialist in senior management, advertising and public relations.
The candidate for Miss Universe Colombia from Valle del Cauca was chosen among 14 candidates in an event held last April 13, at the Bellas Artes auditorium, in Cali. “I assume it with absolute responsibility, I will not rest a single day in continuing to prepare to represent us with excellence, next June 2, in Barranquilla,” she said upon being elected.
This event was chaired by the governor of the Valley, Dilian Francisca Toro, and the social manager of the Department, Jimena Toro Torres, and accompanied by officials from the Government, media, family, friends and close friends of the candidate.
The Valle del Cauca representative is a costume designer and protocol specialist. But she has also been, thanks to her social work, she has left an indelible mark on the community.
In addition to her fluency in English as a second language, Daniela has dedicated more than eight years to the field of fashion, standing out as coordinator of the Inclusion Catwalk, a regional project that celebrates diversity and promotes the inclusion of all populations.
As a businesswoman, she has also left her mark with the creation of her own clothing brand, called La Rochelle, and the travel agency Traviatur, through which she has generated local employment and contributed to the economic development of the region.
His commitment to communities is not limited to the business sphere, as he has actively participated in food security projects that guarantee daily food in the most vulnerable communities.
With her genuine approach to populations, Daniela has demonstrated her ability to generate a positive impact both in the fashion industry and in various aspects of society.
She is currently preparing to represent her region with grace, intelligence and commitment in the next Miss Universe Colombia pageant.
Nathalia, another Cali who is going for the title
Nathalia Tasama is a native of Cali by adoption. Born in the United States, she grew up in Cali. She is passionate about helping children with her social project called A Light in Children’s Homes.
Natalia, who studied social communication at Central Washington University, is in charge of representing the Andean region; a title that, upon winning it, positively surprised her. “I competed for the Valley, but I came out of that contest as Miss Andean Region. “They gave me a special band,” said the sovereign.
