Monic Pérez

Monic was born on February 1, 1990 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, the oldest of three children, and moved to Long Island as a teenager. After high school she moved to Arecibo, Puerto Rico where she attended University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo campus, majoring in Nursing.[2]

On August 29, 2012 Monic represented Arecibo at the Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2013 pageant where she beat out 31 other contestants and won the title, gaining the right to represent Puerto Rico at Miss Universe. She also won the awards of Miss Photogenic, Payless Best Catwalk and Best Body, respectively.[3]

Monic represented Puerto Rico at the 62nd annual Miss Universe. She quickly became the crowd favorite and in most countries was the predicted winner of the Miss Universe. She finished as Top 16 semi-finalist on November 9, 2013 vying to succeed outgoing titleholder Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo of the United States. The eventual winner was Gabriela Isler of Venezuela. There are many rumors about Monic being sabotaged backstage prior to the show and given horrendous hair and makeup.

Monic is currently an international model based in New York City, represented by IMG Models. She is the face of the "Rums of Puerto Rico" campaign by Bacardi, Don Q and the other major Puerto Rican rum houses, and has been featured by Fendi, Banana Republic, Avon, Pandora, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Macy's and J.C. Penney. She also was part of Kanye West's first NYFW show in collaboration with Adidas in February 2015. She also starred in singer Yandel's single "Encantadora" which was released in November 2015 and was nominated for various awards.

• Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2013

• Miss Universe Puerto Rico Official Website

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Bodine Koehler	Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2013	Succeeded by Gabriela Berrios
Preceded by Pao Castro	Miss Arecibo Universe 2013	Succeeded by Suzette Rivera