Marisol Malaret Contreras (born on October 13, 1949 in Utuado, Puerto Rico) was the very first Puerto Rican woman to be crowned Miss Universe.
She started to work from an early age due to the death of her father and chronic illness of her mother. She was reportedly persuaded by Puerto Rican make-up artist Carmen Andino to compete in the Miss Puerto Rico pageant, then owned by Puerto Rican modeling guru and businesswoman Anna Santisteban. Malaret's strong will, impeccable ethics and stunning beauty made her a crowd favorite in the local contest. Before winning, she worked as an executive secretary for a telephone company.
The auburn-haired, blue-green eyed Malaret won the title in the international competition held in Miami on July 11, 1970.
Due to her win in the Miss Universe pageant, she was honored with what was considered until then one of the biggest welcomings ever at San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, then known as Isla Verde International Airport.
After completing her reign as Miss Universe, Malaret became and still remains a very popular public figure in Puerto Rico, becoming a TV show host, radio personality and magazine editor.
