Justine Pasek, a crowd favorite during the 2002 MISS UNIVERSE competition, is a 22-year-old native of Panama City, Panama. She has been recognized all over the world for her supermodel looks and humble personality. Her natural beauty is indicative of the beauty in the new millennium. As Justine moves to New York City to take on the title of Miss Universe, she is ready to work hard as an ambassador for women around the world by representing the Miss Universe Organization. Before putting on the crown, Justine worked in production for television specials, charity events, theater musicals and fashion shows. She plans to someday complete a degree in Environmental Engineering, and then work for the Smithsonian Research Center, educating the public about environmental conservation. During her reign as Miss Panama, she has worked with Casa Esperanza, which is an organization that helps street kids get off the street and into schools. She has also set up fashion shows for charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, FANLIC (Fundsacion Amigos Ninos Con Leucemia Y Cancer), Fundacion Son Felipe, among others.
Justine is the daughter of a software engineer for the Panama Canal Authority and a homemaker. She is the oldest of three; her two brothers are 12 and 14. Her Grandfather was a marine in World War II and a pilot for the Panama Canal Commission. She has a very close relationship with her parents and has been a mentor to her younger siblings. She has had her family¡¯s support as a competitor in swimming, basketball and volleyball and has enjoyed drawing, ballet, tap, salsa and gourmet cooking lessons throughout her childhood.
As Miss Universe 2002, Pasek will travel extensively working with internationally recognized AIDS/HIV organizations, including the Global Health Council, the Harvard AIDS Institute, AmFAR, and the Center for Disease Control¡¯s ¡°Act Now¡± campaign. As a ¡°celebrity¡± spokesperson, she will be responsible for working with the media globally to generate a better understanding and acceptance of AIDS and HIV and its prevention; while helping increase awareness, funding and resources for these key organizations.
