Paula Shugart has announced that she is stepping down as the President of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).
She made the announcement after the National Costume show of Miss Universe 2023 at the National Gymnasium in San Salvador, El Salvador, Thursday night, November 16, 2023 (November 17 in the Philippines).
In her speech, Paula shared her initial apprehension about hosting Miss Universe in El Salvador.
Despite her reservations, she praised the host country for surpassing expectations.
She then announced that this would mark the end of her 22-year tenure as the President of MUO.
Paula said, "As I said at the welcome event just over one year ago, I had my first Zoom call with President Bukele's team about hosting Miss Universe here in El Salvador.
"And I must admit, years of watching the news in the United States had made me skeptical.
"I said, 'Do you have a venue? Is there infrastructure?' And most importantly, 'Is it safe?'
"But to every question... to every question I posed, I was told, 'You must come see what we are doing here. This is the new El Salvador.'
"I was told, 'We promise you, the people of El Salvador will deliver. We will be ready, and we want to welcome the world to our country.'
"And as I said before, the pure passion and pride that I felt convinced me El Salvador would deliver.
"And El Salvador, you have delivered beyond our greatest expectations. Ahora todos somos salvadoreños! (Now, we are all Salvadorans!)
"So I gave you my word that we would work together to create a great event.
"I promised you I would personally use my years of experience to bring the message of the new El Salvador to the world."
She continued, "Saturday will be a culmination and a celebration of this partnership. And it does not get any better than this.
"And I can think of no better place than in this beautiful country, on this magnificent stage... on this magnificent stage to announce the end of my tenure as the president of Miss Universe.
"I have decided that this Saturday will be my last show."
The grand coronation of Miss Universe 2023 will take place in El Salvador on November 18 (November 19 in the Philippines).
Paula's departure follows reports of Thailand-based Miss Universe owner JKN Global Group filing for bankruptcy in its country.
Read: Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip's JKN Global files for debt rehabilitation
However, she clarified that her announcement has nothing to do with this development and had been in the works for a long time before the news emerged.
She said, "And to be clear, to be clear, this decision has been months in the making and is not in a response to recent events.
"I stayed because of my belief in El Salvador and my love for the Miss Universe brand. I have always passionately believed Miss Universe is not about any one woman.
"It's about community, our community. It's about the passionate fans, the titleholders, the national directors who have remained dedicated to this brand through thick and thin.
"And because of them, the Miss Universe brand is strong and will remain resilient."
Paula became part of MUO in 1998 when she assumed the role of Vice President of Production.
In 2001, she was appointed as President.
Her responsibilities encompassed supervising all business transactions and overseeing the production of the annual live worldwide telecast.
PAULA SHUGART ON MISS UNIVERSE ACHIEVEMENTS
Continuing her speech, Paula underscored the importance of community and inclusivity within the Miss Universe brand.
She took immense pride in the organization's accomplishments, which now encompass the removal of requirements barring mothers and married women from competing, the elimination of age restrictions, and the welcoming inclusion of transgender women in the pageant.
She said, "Over 20 years ago, I took over as president during another turbulent time at this company. And it was this community who guided me every step of the way.
"I am so proud of all that we have accomplished.
"We taught women that true beauty is based in confidence and using your voice.
"We expanded our global reach and focused on telling the stories of all of these incredible women.
"We worked hard to change the rules to be more inclusive.
"Twelve years ago, we became the first major brand to open our doors to transgender women.
"And this year, we changed the rules to allow married women and mothers to compete.
"And for the first time in our history, we have two mothers competing on this stage."
Paula also shared the essential qualities a transformational leader must possess, insights gleaned from her two-decade experience in Miss Universe.
Her message encouraged everyone to set high expectations for each other.
"If I can leave you with anything, what I have learned as president is there is a critical difference between declaring the words transformational leadership and being a real transformational leader.
"Transformational leadership is not about one person.
"It can and it must be about putting the needs of the team above all else in creating a vision for the future.
"It can and it must be empathetic beyond self-interest.
"It can and it must be committed to building confidence through inspiration and teamwork, not insecurity and chaos.
"It can and it must be about motivation, not denigration.
"And above all, it must be about honesty, respect, integrity, and living by your word.
"One cannot just talk the talk. One must walk the walk.
"And that is my message today, for we all must commit to demanding the best of each other as we go forward in these times that are so challenging, not just for the organization, but for the world.
"And I know with all the talent that I see in this room, you will make that dream of true transformational leadership a reality, starting with the leadership that I have found here in El Salvador."
GRATEFUL FOR THE EXPERIENCE
Paula expressed gratitude to their colleagues and fans, and encourages women to use their voices to make a difference.
In her words, "Every year I say Miss Universe will change the course of one young woman's life forever. But it also changed the course of mine.
"Not only did I meet my soulmate, my life was made richer by the thousands of women who continue to inspire me each and every day.
"It also enabled me to travel the world with an incredible team of people.
"We were family more than colleagues. And more recently, I could have not asked for a better partner than Amy Emmerich."
Amy Emmerich is the CEO of the Miss Universe Organization.
"It has been my honor to work beside all of you.
"Miss Universe is a very, very special brand deserving of love, proper leadership, support, and investment."
"To our fans, you are the best in the world, and I am happy to be joining your ranks. To all of you, thank you for this incredible adventure.
"I have been truly blessed. And to all of the women claiming their place in the world, never, ever be afraid to use your voice.
"Use this platform we've been given, and you can truly change the world.
Towards the end of her speech, Paula also mentioned that she is not retiring just yet; however, she plans to make further announcements following the crowning of the new Miss Universe.
Paula concluded, "And don't think for one minute I'm retiring.
"I have an unbelievable story to tell, and I look forward to telling it.
"But first, don't forget to tune in on Saturday as we crown our new Miss Universe. I love you all, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Good night, everyone."
R'Bonney Gabriel from the U.S.A. will be crowning her successor this Saturday, November 18, 2023 (November 19, in the Philippines) in the same venue.
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