Deneb Morales Rodríguez was born in Caibarién, a small fishing town in central Cuba. Raised by her mother and grandparents, she endured bullying at school due to her height and slender frame. Now at 21, she is a single mother living in Miami and has officially become a contestant in the Miss Universe Cuba pageant, set to take place in July 2025 in Hialeah. The winner will advance to the Miss Universe final in November in Thailand.
At just 18 years old, Deneb made a bold move by emigrating to China under a work contract that turned out to be misleading. Despite this setback, she decided not to return to Caibarién, spending a decade in China instead. Initially, she worked to support her mother, who was a nurse battling a chronic illness. Sadly, her mother passed away two years after Deneb's arrival in Asia.
Deneb fondly remembers her mother's unwavering support, recalling how she would reassure her of her beauty and potential whenever she faced ridicule in school. Her mother's words have proven prophetic. Starting with her participation in local parades and digital modeling at the age of 12, Deneb has now emerged as an official candidate in a prestigious pageant alongside other notable participants like Lina Luaces, daughter of Lili Stefan. This comes after leaving China and rebuilding her life from scratch in the United States.
Deneb arrived in Miami in 2022, with the help of an invitation from her father. Like many Cubans, she had to wait two years to receive her residency permit to restart her life. As she enters the competition, Deneb embodies the roles of a single mother, immigrant, and model. She passionately believes that all women are beautiful and capable of achieving their dreams. To mothers who feel their lives have ended after childbirth, she insists that "life is just beginning" and that women "can do anything" and "are capable of everything."
Deneb Morales and Her Journey to Miss Universe Cuba
What motivated Deneb Morales to move to China?
Deneb Morales moved to China at 18 under a work contract that did not meet her expectations. Despite the challenges, she stayed to support her mother, who was ill.
How did Deneb Morales begin her modeling career?
Deneb began her modeling journey by participating in local parades in Caibarién and exploring digital modeling at the age of 12.
What message does Deneb Morales have for other mothers?
Deneb encourages mothers by saying that life begins anew after childbirth and that women are capable of achieving anything.