Palmira Ruiz has been proclaimed Miss Eco International 2026, making her the first Mexican beauty to claim the crown at one of the world’s most prestigious pageants.
Ruiz outperformed 45 other entrants from across the globe to become this year’s Miss Eco International winner, as the 11th edition of the environment-focused competition staged its grand finale in Alexandria, Egypt, on May 22.
The Oaxaca-born magazine founder succeeded the title from Alexie Brooks, who won Philippines’ third Miss Eco International crown in 2025.
Ukraine’s Mishel Shotropa fell behind Ruiz to become the pageant’s first runner-up, followed respectively by Adriana Gravado of Australia, Nickyta Aurellia of Indonesia and Joana Camargo of Brazil.
Kindness is powerful
Ruiz clinched victory at Friday’s coronation night by delivering a powerful response to a through-provoking final question: “In your opinion, what is more powerful: intelligence, courage, or kindness and why?”
“In my opinion, the most powerful quality is kindness…” Ruiz told the crowd.
“… because when you have the courage for [changing the] lives of the people, you have the responsibility and intelligence [to] help other people.”
“Because intelligence can open [doors], but kindness can open hearts especially when you have the heart for [others]. Thank you,” she concluded.
In her first post-pageant interview backstage, Ruiz said winning Miss Eco International was a “big moment” for her and that she is “so excited” for what is to come during her reign.
She then dedicated her victory to the people of Mexico, hoping that the milestone serves as inspiration for the children back home.
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Before the crown
Born and raised in Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, Mexico, Ruiz holds a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences.
She has worked as a television reporter for several stations in Mexico, including MVM News Oaxaca, TV Azteca Oaxaca, Ultratelevision Puebla and TV Azteca Puebla.
She has also founded Go Magazine Mexico, a localised digital publication focusing on lifestyle, entertainment and fashion content.
Her professional accolades are complemented by extensive experience in ballet dancing and modelling.
Ruiz began his career in pageantry in 2019, when she won Miss Global Oaxaca and Miss Global Mexico respectively.
In January 2020, she represented Mexico at Miss Global held in Oaxaca, in which she finished in the Top 11.
At 28 years old she was appointed Miss Supranational Mexico in 2021 to represent her country at the pageant’s international event held in Malopolska, Poland. She was unplaced.
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