Jennifer Colón, who holds the title of Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2024, is getting ready to end a truly remarkable chapter in her life. At 37 years old, she’s made history. Not only was she the first mother to win the pageant in her country, but she also went through a pregnancy, gave birth, and even got engaged during her 14 months as queen. Talk about a busy year!
In an exclusive video call with a major entertainment publication, Jennifer Colón welcomed us into her room. She was actually breastfeeding her baby during the chat. Despite the sleepless nights, she looked perfectly put together with her hair pulled back and full makeup. She openly shared how she’s been planning every detail for handing over her crown, all while holding a newborn.
Getting Ready for the Big Night
Jennifer shared that her final months as queen were filled with uncertainty. Her baby was expected between August 17 and 22, 2025. But her son arrived early, on August 1, at 37 weeks and two days. “We didn’t know if I would even be able to hand over the crown,” she explained. “It was literally at the last minute, once the baby arrived and everything was fine, that I spoke with designer Luis Antonio to create an amazing dress for me.” The custom-made red gown features an adjustable corset. This thoughtful design helps it fit her body as it changes after childbirth.
For the final night, Jennifer plans to wear heels on stage. However, she’ll swap them for sneakers backstage. “I’ll wear heels, but I’ll be comfortable backstage in my athletic wear,” she commented. “Also, I’ll have a private dressing room so no one gets too close to the baby.” She’s bringing along essential items like a breast pump and bottles. This way, her mother and mother-in-law can feed her little one while she handles her pageant duties.
Jennifer Colón, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2024, with her partner Jonah López and her newborn baby Courtesy: WAPA TV
The Realities of Being a Mom and a Queen
Jennifer’s fourth child, whose name is still being decided, was born just five days before the preliminary rehearsal. That rehearsal was on August 6. “I was discharged on August 4,” she remembered. “On the 5th, I went to rehearsal and brought the baby with me. My partner stayed with him the whole time.” The next day, she filmed the preliminary competition. Her mother-in-law took care of the newborn then.
Jennifer doesn’t pretend this period has been easy. “This isn’t just because I’m Miss Universe Puerto Rico,” she said. “Just like any mom, you go to work, you take care of your home, your children, even if you have help. I showed up with my postpartum girdle and sneakers, understanding that my body had just gone through childbirth.”
Breastfeeding, which happened during World Breastfeeding Week, has also been a challenge. “It’s tiring, hard, and takes a lot of sacrifice, but it’s the best for the baby,” she stated. “I’m tired, of course, because he wakes up every two hours, but I know this stage will pass quickly.”
A Year of Breaking Barriers
Jennifer Colón, at her crowning as Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2024 Courtesy: WAPA TV
Her reign is special for more than just being a mother. Jennifer was also the first 36-year-old woman, with three children, to make it into the Top 12 of Miss Universe out of 130 candidates. “I feel like it’s a superpower to have won as a mother, while pregnant, and then giving birth,” she affirmed. “Often, we think we have to give up dreams, but you can achieve them anyway.”
She’s happy to see other queens around the world following this path. She mentioned Miss Chile and a Miss World winner who handed over her crown while pregnant. “We are changing what a beauty queen means,” she argued. “In 2025, that whole idea needs to be updated.”
Looking to the Future of Pageants
When asked about beauty pageants choosing candidates through reality shows, like the recent Miss Universe Latina on Telemundo, Jennifer shared her thoughts. “It’s a huge chance for women with no age limit, whether they’re married, divorced, or pregnant,” she commented. “Even if you don’t win, being on television opens so many doors.”
When she had to sum up her reign in one word, she didn’t hesitate: “Historic. I was the first in many ways, and I’m happy about that.” Her advice for the next queen is simple but powerful: “Be yourself, stay grounded. You don’t have to be perfect. Dare to show your imperfections, because that’s your best crown.”