Flavia Mandado is a Cuban-born international model and the reigning Miss Mundo Latina USA Florida 2026. In this interview, she talks about growing up in Havana, her path from ballet to pageants, her social project Primera Generación, Primer Sueño, and the family and values that keep her motivated.
This interview was originally published in Spanish. Read the original in Spanish
Flavia Mandado @flavia_mandado
From the Pearl of the Antilles, the cradle of queens, beautiful Cuba, to the great international stages of the United States, Flavia Mandado embodies the essence of a Latina woman who has turned her roots into a powerful calling card for the world. An international model, ambassador of Latin beauty and the current Miss Mundo Latina USA Florida 2026, Flavia stands out for a rare combination of natural elegance, sophistication and a personality that can light up any room she walks into.
Perumira CEO Jaime Mybs considers her “The Most Beautiful Latina Princess,” and her presence goes far beyond titles and crowns. Flavia symbolizes the evolution of the modern Latina woman: self-assured, proud of her origins, committed to her dreams and aware of the positive impact she can make through her image and her voice.
Her international career reflects discipline, determination and a deep connection to the culture where she was born. Every runway, photo shoot and professional project becomes an opportunity to represent the strength, talent and diversity of the Latino community.
In this exclusive interview, we get to know the woman behind the crown: her experiences, values and aspirations, and the story of a Cuban woman who keeps conquering stages without ever forgetting her roots.
1.- Flavia, thank you so much for accepting our invitation. You are a native of Cuba and are now in the U.S.A. What have you always loved about the city where you were born and raised? What are the lifelong hobbies that Flavia still practices and can’t give up? What brings a smile to your face or gives you great joy?
Thank you so much for extending the invitation and giving me this space so the public can get to know me a little better. What I love most about the city where I was born and raised, Havana, specifically Plaza de la Revolución, is the connection among all Cubans, the familiarity with which we treat one another, the genuine smile that is always there, and the helping hand that supports and welcomes you even in the hard times.
I grew up in the capital of Cuba, where people hung their white sheets on the balconies and where you find Old Havana, full of history, culture and architecture that capture the essence of our country. It is also home to the Capitolio, one of Cuba’s most important symbols because of its historical, political and cultural value. What I value most about growing up there is having been surrounded by family, tradition and culture.
The hobbies of my whole life, which I still practice and can’t give up, are without a doubt modeling, dance, the constant pursuit of my personal growth, and being able to help those in need without expecting anything in return, because offering selfless support is something that truly fills my heart.
What always brings a smile to my face and fills me with joy is seeing my parents happy, content and proud, because they are my greatest driving force and source of inspiration to fulfill my dreams and achieve everything I set out to do.
2.- Beautiful Model – Miss Mundo Latina USA Florida 2026 – Miss Latina Tampa 2023 How did Flavia decide to take her first steps into the world of modeling and pageants? How does it feel to do what you love, what you are passionate about? Is it easy?
As I mentioned earlier, dance and modeling have always been part of who I am and of my identity. I began my training very young at the Ballet Nacional de Alicia Alonso, where I spent five years learning discipline, dedication and a love for art.
Later, I continued training at different popular dance academies, which allowed me to broaden my knowledge and grow even more within the world of dance.
In time, I also became part of a modeling company called Entre Poses, where I was able to develop not only my modeling but also my communication and artistic expression.
All those experiences shaped the person I am today and strengthened my passion for connecting with people through art and presence.
When I arrived in the United States, I knew very clearly that I wanted to keep developing this passion that had always been part of me. That was when I began searching for academies and organizations in the Tampa area, the city where I currently live, and that is how I found the Miss Latina Tampa organization.
What made this organization so special to me is that it didn’t focus solely on outer beauty, but also on personal growth, leadership and social work. Thanks to that, I discovered that pageants could become a platform to inspire, help and make a positive impact on the community.
In 2023, I had the honor of winning my first title in the Teen category as a representative of Miss Latina Tampa. That experience deeply marked my life, because it allowed me to connect much more with my community in Tampa and across Florida. It also helped me understand the power each of us has to positively influence the lives of others when we decide to share our talents and work from the heart.
In my case, one of the things that fulfills me most is being able to help those in need without expecting anything in return, because offering selfless support truly fills my heart and gives purpose to everything I do.
That is why I decided to continue on this path and enter Miss Mundo Latina USA 2026, proudly representing the state of Florida. For me, this opportunity means so much more than a competition; it means having the chance to grow, to inspire, and to bring my social project, Primera Generación, Primer Sueño (First Generation, First Dream), to many more people.
It has definitely not been an easy road. It has required discipline, commitment, sacrifice and a great deal of dedication. However, when you deeply believe in your values, your purpose and the impact you want to leave on others, all the effort starts to make sense. And even though the road can sometimes be hard, it never feels wrong when you are doing something that truly fills your life with purpose.
3.- Flavia, you are aware of your growth as a person, model and beauty queen, and that it will make you more of an influencer and opinion leader every day, especially for younger people. How do you handle this? How do you like to interact with the followers who join you? What is your favorite social network?
Of course I am aware of the impact I can have on the lives of young people and of everyone who follows and supports me through my social media. As I keep growing as a person, model and beauty queen, I believe I also have a responsibility to be a positive example.
That is why I constantly work to prepare myself, learn and educate myself on a variety of topics so I can share valuable content and promote positive messages. I firmly believe that values are the foundation that shapes a person and influences the decisions they will make in the future, as well as the impact they will have on the lives of others.
My favorite social network is definitely Instagram, because it gives me the chance to interact closely with my community through polls, contests, social initiatives and daily conversations. If you would like to join me on this journey, you can find me at @Flavia_Mandado.
4.- What do you think is Flavia’s distinctive, unique trademark in everything she does, as a person and as a model?
I think my trademark is my ability to connect with people in a genuine and personal way. It is a quality that has stayed with me at every stage of my life and shows in everything I do, both as a person and as a model.
Beyond simply completing a job or a responsibility, I always look to build authentic and meaningful relationships. For me, every interaction is an opportunity to listen, learn and make a positive impact on others.
Thanks to that way of connecting, many of the people I have met throughout my career have gone from being colleagues or acquaintances to becoming great friends and even part of my family. I believe that closeness, empathy and ability to build real bonds is what truly sets me apart.
5.- What values, self-care practices and habits are important to have or adopt in order to be a model?
I believe that to be a model it is essential to have solid values, integrity and the ability to stay true to yourself. These principles define our character and help us make good decisions, allowing us to recognize which opportunities are aligned with our values and which ones are better to let pass.
Of course, it is also important to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits, since physical well-being is part of our profession. However, I believe mental health is just as important, or even more so.
We live in an era in which it is very easy to compare ourselves to what we see on social media and start questioning our own image or worth. That is why taking care of our mental health must be a priority. When we have a healthy mind, we are able to face challenges with greater confidence, maintain healthy self-esteem and become the best version of ourselves, both inside and outside the modeling industry.
6.- How did you feel the first time you modeled in front of a photo camera and a video camera? How did you feel the first time you competed in a beauty pageant?
The first time I had the chance to model in front of a camera, I felt a mix of excitement, nerves and happiness. I remember that fluttering in my stomach, but at the same time I felt something very special: I felt I was exactly where I was meant to be. In that moment it seemed like nothing else existed around me; it was just me, the experience and the magic that is created when you stand in front of a camera or on a stage.
However, it was my first experience in a beauty pageant that completely transformed my perspective. There I understood the true importance of beauty pageants today. Beyond the crowns and the sashes, I discovered the opportunity we have to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.
For the first time, I understood that I could use my voice, my actions and my story to inspire others. I felt I could become an example for those chasing their dreams and show them that, with effort, perseverance and self-confidence, anything is possible. That ability to positively influence others is, without a doubt, one of the things I love most about this platform.
7.- Flavia, have you ever thought about becoming an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry, such as TV, or perhaps film or theater? Have you always been outgoing?
That is a super fun question, because ever since I was very little, my family would jokingly say I was a “peliculera” (a movie-maker, always acting out movies). I have always been very outgoing, with a super active imagination; I constantly made up scenes, stories and even whole soap operas in my head. Then I would go to my family and say, “Look at this thing I made up!” and put on a whole show for them, as if I were in a movie or on a stage.
So yes, acting is definitely something that has always been present in my life. Since childhood I have shown that inclination toward the world of film and performance. Still, I don’t close myself off to any opportunity: if in the future the chance comes up to take part in a soap opera, a movie, or even work as a host on reports or news programs, I would be more than happy.
I would love to turn that gift into my career and keep growing in that creative world.
8.- Flavia, what do you think about the power that social media and new technologies have?
I think the power that social media and technology have in today’s society is extremely dominant. We see how young people have been influenced, whether positively or negatively, by what they consume on social media and by the people they follow, who often become their role models.
However, I believe social media is an extremely positive tool when it is in the right hands. If we use it for the purpose it was created for—connecting communities, both internationally and nationally—it can have a very valuable impact. It is about connecting in a positive way, sharing knowledge, educating one another and helping each other become better people, instead of using it negatively, as sometimes happens.
9.- What would you say to parents who don’t support their children’s talent? And what advice would you give to young people who have talent and ability but don’t dare to take the next step?
To parents who don’t support their children’s talent, I would say don’t be afraid to give them the opportunity or the support that perhaps you yourselves didn’t receive from your own parents. Many times, this comes from family cycles or traumas that repeat from generation to generation without being healed. That is why it is important to break that pattern.
I would invite them to bet on their children, to believe in them and in their potential, because you never know how far they can go. Perhaps that boy or girl who is dreaming today of acting, dancing or singing could become the next big star. And beyond fame, it is about their happiness. Children have the right to enjoy their childhood, to explore their interests and to discover the different facets that make up their identity. That huge imagination they have at that stage is a powerful tool that, when well guided, can shape their future.
On the other hand, to children and young people who have talent but don’t dare take the step, I would say trust yourselves. The worst thing you can get at an audition is a “no,” but you will never know which of all the doors you knock on will be the one that changes your life and opens the way to your dreams.
It is also important to remember that any goal you set for yourselves is achievable. The only real limit human beings have, many times, is themselves.
10.- What lesson does this experience in a world full of glamour, design and beauty teach you each day, as a person and as a human being?
The lesson this world of beauty, glamour and design leaves me with each day, as a human being, is that not everything is as easy as it may seem from the outside. Many times people assume that, because it is an environment where everything looks impeccable and aesthetically perfect, there are no difficulties behind the scenes or that reaching that level was simple.
However, the reality is completely different. Behind every result there is a lot of work, pressure and moments of stress. Important skills such as leadership are also developed, since you have to coordinate entire teams so that everything runs properly and the expected results are achieved.
That is why this experience has taught me not to judge by first impressions. You never know everything a person has had to live through, overcome and work for to get to where they are and achieve what they have achieved.
11.- What is your opinion on the empowerment of women in recent years, with women reaching top positions all over the world? How can this situation be improved?
I believe women’s empowerment has increased significantly over the years, and that is reflected in their presence in executive and leadership roles around the world. However, I am convinced that there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of gender equality and female empowerment.
Unfortunately, in many countries women still don’t have basic rights that we take for granted elsewhere, such as the freedom to express themselves, to show themselves as they are, or to raise their voices to defend what they believe in. That is why it is important not to let our guard down.
We must keep fighting for gender equality through laws, education and diplomacy, promoting the creation of legal frameworks that truly protect women and guarantee their rights in every area of society.
12.- Flavia, what motivates you and why do you feel grateful every day?
My main motivation is my parents, because I am aware of the many sacrifices they have made throughout their lives to give me a better future, a better education and a better quality of life. That is why I feel an inner fire that drives me to show them that all their effort has not been in vain and that every moment invested in me has been worth it.
I feel deeply grateful to God for giving me wonderful parents, as well as the health and intelligence to develop the gifts He has given me. My greatest wish is to make the most of them in order to grow as a person and, at the same time, make my parents proud with each of my achievements.
13.- Do you like to travel? Which countries do you already know? Which other countries would you like to visit, and which places do you recommend visiting in Cuba, your native country, and in the USA?
I love traveling and getting to know different cultures. As I have mentioned throughout this interview, education is a fundamental pillar in my life, so I like to be constantly nourishing myself with knowledge. The more I learn and the more I discover, the more prepared I feel to become a leader with purpose and a positive impact.
I have had the chance to visit Mexico, a country I loved for its great cultural richness, its delicious food and its kind, helpful people. I would also recommend visiting my beautiful country, Cuba, especially Havana, the city I am from.
It is a place where you can appreciate architecture with Spanish and European influence from the colonial era, which for me is a true spectacle. The Capitolio is one of its most emblematic symbols, and Old Havana reflects that old Cuba that many tourists find completely unique and fascinating.
In the United States I have also had the chance to travel to several states, but one of my favorites is definitely Colorado. I completely fell in love with it, since I was able to visit at a time of year when you could see the different seasons.
It is a state that lets you experience the beauty of each season, something I deeply loved, especially because I love nature and God’s creation.
14.- How about we play a little ping pong? I say a few words and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind, okay?
- Abortion – decision
- Best movie – Pretty Woman
- The worst – None
- Children – sacred
- Dancing – happiness
- Singing – Selena
- Machismo – absurd
- Politics – complicated
- Favorite food – Alfredo pasta, hamburgers and lasagna
- Character – strong
- Percentage of craziness – 90%
- Great love – My parents and God
15.- These lines are yours, Flavia. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much to Perumira for giving me the opportunity to express myself and share a little more about myself with your audience. I hope you can take away everything positive from this conversation.
I absolutely loved doing this interview.
Interview conducted by Jaime Mybs with Flavia Mandado – Cuba USA
Interview authorized by Flavia Mandado – Perumira – Jaime Mybs
All rights reserved in the name of Flavia Mandado – Perumira – Jaime Mybs
Interviews are permanent and are never deleted
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