Filipino-American physician among the judges for Miss Universe 2023 pageant

A Filipino-American physician, Dr. Connie Mariano, will be joining the selection committee for the upcoming Miss Universe competition.

Dr. Mariano has previously served as a physician to former US presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

She also made history as the first Filipino American in history to become a Navy Admiral on July 1, 2000.

After serving at the White House for nine years, she became a consultant at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and soon founded a medical concierge practice.

In a Facebook post, the Miss Universe organization unveiled the names of individuals who will join the group as judges, overseeing the candidates on their journey to securing the prestigious 72nd crown of the pageant.

Dr. Mariano will be joined by nine other judges on the panel, including fashion model Halima Aden, actor-designer Carson Kressley, award-winning musician Mario Bautista, and Sweta Patel, the marketing vice president of streaming platform Roku.

Miss Universe 1977 Janelle "Penny" Comissiong, Puerto Rican actress Giselle Blondet, entrepreneur and crisis manager Denise White, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, and social media personality Avani Gregg are also part of the esteemed panel for the upcoming pageant.

The Miss Universe 2023 coronation night is scheduled for November 18, where Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will report as a backstage correspondent.

The Philippines’ Michelle Dee will be competing against 85 other candidates from around the world.

She is vying for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown with an advocacy for autism awareness.

—Carby Basina/CACM, GMA Integrated News