Denise Quinones

Denise Marie Quiñones August was the fourth Puerto Rican winner of the Miss Universe contest. Prior to winning the Miss Universe pageant, she represented her hometown of Lares in the Miss Puerto Rico pageant.

Quiñones won the Miss Universe 2001 pageant in Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 2001 after a "home town decision". Her win, over Greek supermodel Evelina Papantoniou came on the Miss Universe pageant's 50th anniversary. As Miss Universe, Quiñones resided in New York City for a year, enjoying the benefits that all winners of the pageant receive, including complimentary make-up and haircare, a car, complete wardrobe, professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization, a $60,000 scholarship to a New York City film school, and traveling opportunities.