MARGARET GRAY

She represented Costa Rica in the world stage-two different times. 

She refused to let her skin color be a hindrance. 

Here is a woman who dared to believe in herself.

''My family is one of the fundamental pillars of my life''

''I have never been to Africa, however, it is one of the continents on my wish list,''

''I think one of my greatest achievements was to                represent Costa Rica on the international stage''

                           -Margaret Gray-

Costa Rica is a Spanish nation in South America, however most people would not expect a black population in Costa Rica but there are black Costa Ricans; even though the percentage of blacks is only 1%. That is exactly why the story of Margaret Gray is very impressive. Though black, and in very small minority, she took part in Miss Supranational Costa Rica and won in 2023. (Now, that takes nerves). She represented Costa Rica in the World's Miss Supranational held in Poland, on the 14th,  July 2023. About 65 nations were represented, she made it to the 4th round. 

In 2024, she also represented Costa Rica in the Miss Planet International, which was held on November 27th, 2024, in Cambodia. About 61 contestants represented various nations; yet she made it as the 7th runner up. The Miss Planet International pageant was created with the principles of the United Nations with the aim of promoting the preservation of the planet and human life.  

We reached out to Margaret Gray for a quick chat:  Here we go!

''I grew up in a very large-yet united family where I was well trained right from an early age so that I could be the woman that I am today. I had a good and comprehensive education and was well trained in diverse fields such as arts, sports and a good knowledge of different sciences not to mention the spiritual part as well. 

My family is one of the fundamental pillars of my life.  My parents are two wonderful people with a strong entrepreneurial and fighting spirit.

They taught me that good work ethics brings good results. They firmly believe that no matter where you come from or how little you have, that if you put everything in God’s hands, and work hard,  you will  ultimately succeed.''

 ''Costa Rica is somewhat diverse; we are a country, with many  ethnic groups, so we have found a way  to blend and live together with people of different race and ethnicities.

I always wanted to be a walkway model, so at the age of 15, my parents finally sought out a school in Costa Rica where I could study to be a model. However, it was not until I was 18, that through my own initiative and after some modeling experience, I decided to participate in my first beauty contest.'' 

 I think one of my greatest achievements was to represent Costa Rica on the international stage and represent  brands like  Renuvion de Apex Medic.

Just the realization that among 120 competitive countries, Costa Rica  figured out how to compete with an Afro-descendant woman like me! That to me, is one of the greatest achievements of my life and a very recent one as well. I dedicated it to my dear homeland. I was so proud to be able to make it to the Top Eight of the Miss Planet International, 2024, then to become number seven; what an awesome experience that was.'' 

 ''My favorite city in the world is Paris, France- a city  I  dreamt of as a little child. I remember thinking  of the crowded streets and beautiful architecture. I was able to fulfil this goal a few years ago, what an unspeakable feeling that was, I felt very comfortable and welcomed.

When I was a child, I sang and received music education, so I actually do not just sing as a hobby, I practically studied music, playing the piano and guitar-though, I do not practice much these days,''

''I have never been to Africa, however, it is one of the continents on my wish list.  As an Afro Latin woman, first it is an honor and pride to be able to represent and be part of the diversity that exists and is latent today; yet I must also say that the combination of both my Afro and Latin roots is something I am very proudly aware of, and it reminds me daily of who I am and where  I am going'. 

 ''I would love to to see some changes in the world, I think we must be mindful of the way we treat our societies and our planet, both at the economic, social, and environmental levels, regardless of the area where development is taking place, we must be aware that we have a responsibility to make the world a better place -both for us and for future generations.''

(What an honor it was to chat with such a unique woman, full of confidence and so down to earth. We will keep you updated as she continues to do great things with her life).

Her contacts:

Facebook: Margaret Gray

Instagram: @_margaret_Gray

www.tiktok.com/@margaretg