Lisbeth Fernández, a 28-year-old Cuban-American residing in Pinecrest, Miami, is setting her sights on the Miss Florida USA 2026 pageant this Sunday. Her ambition is to step onto the national stage and become a symbol for two nations: Cuba and the United States. According to a report by the Miami Herald, Fernández holds the title of Miss Pinecrest USA and will compete this weekend at the Linda W. Chapin Theater located at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Her journey towards this competition began on July 8, 2025, when she was the first runner-up in the Miss Universe Cuba 2025 contest, which took place at the Milander Amphitheater in Hialeah.
The crown went to Lina Luaces, but Fernández walked away from that stage with something she considered equally valuable: experience, maturity, and confidence.
From Pinecrest to the National Stage
The winner of the state pageant will represent Florida at Miss USA, celebrating its 75th anniversary on August 27 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami.
Fernández decided to pursue Miss USA to tell her "complete" story: the tale of a woman born in Consolación del Sur, Pinar del Río, who grew up in the United States and forged an identity straddling two cultures.
A Journey of Identity and Leadership
"My roots are Cuban, yet this country gave me wings," Fernández shared. She works as a speaker across several Latin American countries and aims to use the pageant platform to amplify her message of leadership.
Her profile extends well beyond beauty pageants. Fernández holds a degree in Theology from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, is studying Government Intelligence at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian. She describes herself as a "daughter of God, entrepreneur, and international speaker."
Breaking Barriers and Looking Forward
She was also the first openly Christian Cuban candidate—of Baptist faith—to compete in Miss Universe Cuba, sparking extensive debate about the compatibility of faith and beauty contests.
Fernández's vision for her future reaches even beyond any crown. "I am a woman with a vision for a career in International Relations and Diplomacy, which is why I study Government and Intelligence. One of my professional goals is to serve my country as an ambassador or diplomat in the not-too-distant future," she stated.
Competing in Miss USA in Miami is something Fernández views as "very special and symbolic." "Nothing represents this city better than a Cuban-American," she remarked, adding, "Miami is not just my home; it is the most complete city in the United States, especially right now. It's multicultural, vibrant, and connected to the American dream."
The Significance of Miami as a Host
During Miss Universe Cuba 2025, Fernández delivered a speech about the events of July 11, declaring that the Cuban people are "ready to stop surviving and start living," words that resonated widely.
The national pageant promises to be an exceptional event. Thom Brodeur, CEO of Miss USA since September 2025 and a Miami native, emphasized that the city is "literally the home" of the pageant and has committed to hosting Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in Miami for at least the next five years.
Miss Teen USA will be held on August 26, with Miss USA on August 27, both at the Arsht Center, broadcast live on The CW from 8 to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) and available for streaming the next day on The Roku Channel.
"A beauty queen is not defined solely by her image or pretty face, but by her character, comprehensive communication skills, and, most importantly, her ability to represent something larger than herself," Fernández declared.
Understanding Lisbeth Fernández's Pageant Journey
What is Lisbeth Fernández's background?
Lisbeth Fernández is a 28-year-old Cuban-American from Pinecrest, Miami. Born in Consolación del Sur, Pinar del Río, she grew up in the United States and has crafted an identity that bridges both cultures.
What are Fernández's career aspirations beyond pageantry?
Fernández aspires to a future in International Relations and Diplomacy, aiming to serve as an ambassador or diplomat. She is currently studying Government Intelligence to pursue these goals.
Why is Miami significant for Fernández's participation in Miss USA?
Miami holds special significance for Fernández as it represents her home and embodies the multicultural and vibrant spirit connected to the American dream, particularly for Cuban-Americans.