Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, an 18-year-old from Puerto Rico was crowned as Miss Universe 2006.
Last year’s winner, Natalie Glebova of Canada crowned the beauty queen with a diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000.
Hailing from the coastal town of Salinas, her agenda she said, was promoting awareness and education about AIDS and HIV.
Following the winner were Kurara Chibana of Japan, Lauriane Gillieron of Switzerland, Lourdes Arevalos of Paraguay, Tara Conner of USA in the order.
Rivera is the first winner of the contest from Puerto Rico since Denise Quinones in 2001.
Via msnbc
