Miss Haiti Universe Raquel Pelissier made history over the weekend as the first contestant from Haiti in nearly forty-two years to made it to runner-up status at the Miss Universe pageant held in Manila, Philippines. Those who were following the pageant from the beginning waited with bated breath as the 25-year-old made it to the Top 20, then the Top 10, then the Top 6, and then was alongside (Miss France) Iris Mittenaere,(Miss Colombia) Andrea Tovar, as a part of the Top 3. Miss France won the crown, but to many, Miss Pelissier was a winner too!

A huge welcome awaits her in Haiti, one can surmise—as well as the major cities of the Haitian Diaspora. The visibility she’s earned as Miss Haiti Universe will no doubt bring endorsement offers and other opportunities. A modeling contract?

Miss Haiti Universe Raquel Pelissier as styled by Waina Chancy.

And she doesn’t have to wait for companies to court her! With the buzz around her, she can create something of her own.

Miss Pelissier is an optometrist and she’s been extremely verbal about treating ocular disorders. With such medical and scientific leanings, she can join forces with a solid eye institute towards her ultimate goal.

Miss Haiti Universe Raquel Pelissier in a Fernando Marin gown in the last part of the Miss Universe showdown with Miss France!

She revealed over the course of the pageant that as an infant she was in a coma that lasted nearly a month. In addition to her education platform, there is a possibility that perhaps she could add pediatric health?

Miss Haiti Universe holds a Master’s Degree in Scientific Research. Will she pursue a doctorate next? Or will she put her education aside (for now) to field the opportunities coming her way?

She may even go the same route as Ariadna Gutiérrez, the Miss Universe runner-up from the previous year, who had a plump role in the action film XXX.

Whatever she decides, she must act quickly, yet shrewdly! May Raquel Pelissier continue to shine ever so brightly.

CLICK HERE to read about other beauty queens of Haitian descent.

CLICK HERE to follow Raquel Pelissier’s journey.