Alma Andrea Meza Carmona, known to the world as Andrea Meza, stands as one of Mexico's most celebrated figures in the international beauty pageant arena. Born on August 13, 1994, in the northern city of Chihuahua, she captured global attention when she was crowned Miss Universe 2020, becoming the third Mexican woman to achieve this prestigious honor. Her victory, however, was marked by an unusual distinction; Meza holds the record for the shortest complete reign in Miss Universe history, a title she carried with grace during a period defined by the global pandemic. Beyond her crowning achievement, her career is a testament to perseverance, having previously secured the first runner-up position at Miss World 2017, a feat that solidified her status as a formidable competitor on the world stage.
Meza's journey to the top of the pageant world began long before her historic win. She first made her mark by winning Miss Mexico 2017, which earned her the right to represent her country at the Miss World competition that same year. Her performance in China, where she finished as the first runner-up to Manushi Chhillar, showcased her poise and intellect on an international platform. She later claimed the title of Mexicana Universal 2020, a national competition that served as her direct pathway to the Miss Universe stage. When she was crowned in May 2021, following a year-long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meza’s victory was particularly poignant, as she triumphed over 73 other contestants in a ceremony held in Hollywood, Florida, with a powerful final answer advocating for gender equality and the importance of inner beauty.
In addition to her pageant accolades, Meza has cultivated a career as a model and a passionate advocate for social causes. She has used her platform to speak out on issues ranging from women's rights to the importance of cultural heritage, often drawing on her own experiences growing up in Mexico. Her reign, though historically brief, was impactful, and she has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment and fashion industries. In November 2025, Meza’s expertise was formally recognized when she served as one of eleven judges on the selection committee at the 74th annual Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held in Nonthaburi, Thailand. This role placed her among the most influential voices in the pageant world, cementing her legacy not just as a winner, but as a mentor and arbiter of the next generation of titleholders.