For some, a simple moment watching television can light a spark for life. Back in 2006, when Zuleyka Rivera was crowned Miss Universe, a young girl in Río Piedras watched from home. Her eyes were wide with wonder. That little girl was Zashely Alicea Rivera. In that instant, she made a quiet promise to herself: one day, she would be just like Zuleyka.
“I remember when she was crowned Miss Universe, I told myself, ‘Someday, I’m going to be like her’,” Zashely shared with reporters. Just recently, she found herself face-to-face with her idol. “It was a historic moment,” she explained, still buzzing a day after her own big win. “She’s done it all: artist, businesswoman, model. I admire her immensely.”
Now, that childhood promise has blossomed into reality. On August 14, 2025, Zashely was officially crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025. This means she will proudly represent the “Island of Enchantment” at the international pageant, set for November in Thailand.
The Crowning Moment: A Dream Come True
Zashely, 25, vividly recalls the exact moment Jennifer Colón placed the prestigious band and glittering crown on her. It felt like a slow-motion movie playing out. “I just kept giving thanks,” she said, her voice still brimming with emotion. “To God, to the universe… I couldn’t believe it, but I was so grateful.”
She had pictured this victory many times, even during rehearsals. “I would imagine that moment and start to tear up,” she confessed. “When it finally happened, it truly felt like I was living a dream. Seeing my family, the crowd cheering for me… it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.”
Beyond the Stage: Ballet, Discipline, and Inner Strength
During the competition, Zashely didn’t just walk away with the main title. She also earned two other top honors: the “Total Look” award and “Best Catwalk.” She believes both awards are a direct result of her artistic background.
“My journey as a dancer was absolutely key,” she explained. “Knowing how to present myself, finding my best angles, doing my own makeup and hair, walking with presence… I learned all of that on stage, long before I ever dreamed of wearing a crown.”
But it wasn’t just technical training that made a difference. Emotional support also played a huge role. Her mother, her biggest supporter, gave her a piece of advice that guided her every step: “Always trust yourself, be authentic, and don’t let others’ opinions change what you want to show the world.”
From Challenges to Purpose: A Queen with a Mission
Her journey has not been smooth. Before she entered the world of modeling, Zashely was a top artistic gymnast. She even represented Puerto Rico at the Pan American Youth Games in 2008. However, multiple injuries forced her to end that chapter, as she openly shared.
It was then that ballet became her new passion, and later, psychology her true calling. Today, she’s a soloist with a professional dance company and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. But her ambition stretches even further: she aims to become a sports psychologist.
“I faced many injuries,” she recalled. “Here in Puerto Rico, we don’t always have enough specialists. I want to be the support that I didn’t have.” She added, “Thanks to psychology, I learned to care for myself from the inside out. Knowing who you are, understanding your weaknesses, and using them to grow… that also helped me win this crown.”
Zashely is more than just Puerto Rico’s new queen. She is a woman who broke family patterns, faced fear without financial resources or backing, and believed in herself. Today, just like when she watched Zuleyka get crowned, new generations of girls are watching her with the same bright, hopeful eyes.
“I want people to remember me as a woman of impact,” she stated, “not just for wearing a crown, but for leaving behind a message that truly resonates.”
And it’s clear she’s already doing just that.