Meet the 6 Miss Universe 2023 contestants who are making the pageant more inclusive

Cohn, 28, is a mother of two, model, brand founder, and entrepreneur. According to Cohn's bio via the pageant's Instagram page, Cohn launched a swimwear brand in 2016 and employs deaf women to promote equal opportunity.

"I'm most proud of being the first mother elected to represent my country at Miss Universe, breaking stereotypes and promoting women's empowerment," her bio read.

The 28-year-old told HOLA this month that she competed for the Miss Colombia title in 2018 but wasn't selected. After the Miss Universe organizers announced that mothers and married women could compete, she decided to try again as a wife and mother.

Per her bio, Avella is a journalist and model who works to uplift young mothers by providing resources, including financial management and mental health training.

In July 2023, Kollé beat nine other finalists to become Miss Netherlands. NOS, a broadcasting organization based in the Netherlands, reported that Kollé, 22, is the second transgender person to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, following Angela Ponce, who represented Spain in 2018.

In a video shared for the Voices for Change campaign, Kollé — a model who competed on "Holland's Next Top Model" — advocates for equality and is against bullying, which she said she faced due to her gender identity.

Machete is a 28-year-old flight attendant who won the 2023 Miss Portugal competition in October, making her the first transgender contestant to do so in her country.

According to her bio, she is passionate about equity and inclusion.

"I'm most proud of the challenges I overcame with courage and strength. Leading me to develop humanity and kindness towards others in my life," her bio read.

Some outlets have hailed Garrett, 22, as Miss Universe's first plus-size contestant — something pageant contestants said is long overdue. She advocates for mental and hormonal health after experiencing depression caused by her PCOS, according to her Voices of Change campaign video.

"I am a determined, resilient, and genuine woman who embraces her true essence and nature without fear," her bio reads. "My life experiences have molded me into the strong, bold, and courageous woman I am today."

In a November Instagram post, she wrote: "It's time to celebrate the different changes in women's bodies and embrace all our shapes and sizes."

The 24-year-old will make history on Saturday as the first Miss Pakistan. Per her bio, Robin is a model fighting against gender bias and inequality in the workplace.

"I'm most proud of standing up for what I believe in my life. Recently, right after I was announced as the new titleholder for Miss Universe Pakistan, I received some backlash from different sectors of the community, but I would like to stand up for what I believe in," her bio read.

It added: "Despite these criticisms, I was ready to face any challenges ahead of me while maintaining my values as a young modern Pakistani woman, representing our rich culture and heritage, and showing the world that Pakistan can celebrate the success of women."