Miss Nicaragua

Anielka Maria Sanchez-Castillo

Anielka was born and raised in a small city called Masaya, it is one of the best known cities in Nicaragua for its Folklore. She is currently in her last year at the University in Managua studying Economics. It is her ambition to graduated with Honours and go on to be a successful business owner. In her spare time she works as a fashion model and is a volunteer at the S.O.S. Children’s Village. Hobbies: Listening to music, reading drama & science fiction books, basket ball and the typical dances of her country, marimba, palo de mayo and folk. Interesting Fact: One of identical twins.


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I was born and raised in a small city called MASAYA. This city is one of the best-known cities in the country due to its traditions, rich culture and way of living. It’s known as the FOLCKLORE capital of Nicaragua and visited by thousands of tourists every year. I have two sisters (one of which is my identical twin) and we were all raised by our maternal grandparents as their own children. I share a lot of secrets with my twin and we have been best friends since we were little kids. We understand each other very well and have a connection very difficult to explain. My younger sister has a strong personality and she really loves animals. I love my family and town.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
Being a fashion model in Nicaragua, I have worked on a number of AD campaigns (print, electronic and TV). To me, the cover of a magazine has been the most exciting since I get to realize the efforts of a "TEAM" being unfold at the end of the day… The cover!!! As for bizarre assignments, I haven’t experienced any AS OF YET!

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
I see myself as a successful business owner. To accomplish that, I am in my last year of Economics at the University in Managua and I hope to graduate with honours.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
The proudest moment of my life was when I went to my high school graduation with my grandfather by my side. I know how much it meant to him to see me finishing school, something he couldn’t accomplish himself but with his wisdom encouraged me to do.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
I guess the funniest thing I have experienced was when I exchanged place with my sister at school and people didn’t know. It was funny and scary because I was in a different setting altogether and I was afraid of being caught.

How has your life changed since winning your National Title?
My life has changed in a number of different ways. I can’t walk down the street without being recognized by people and that makes me aware of what I wear on a daily basis. It has also changed for the better when it comes to organizing my time and interacting with people at all levels. It has helped me realize I am as strong as I always thought I was and it has also helped me learn new skills.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
Since winning the National title I’ve had the opportunity to meet a number of interesting people but the person that comes to mind is the first lady of Nicaragua. She is a native of my hometown and I got a chance to see first hand some of the people she helps through her office at the Presidential palace. She is a very down to earth, individual with a good heart and she has done a lot for the underprivileged children of Nicaragua.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
If I were to be crowned Miss World, I would like to work with and for the underage kids. Due to the poverty in my country, it is one of the biggest problems we face in society. Young kids working to help support their families have become a ‘norm’ in Nicaragua and I am sure it’s also a problem in other countries like mine, and I would like to promote education at all levels to prevent the problem.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
My personal motto is: "I can do anything I set my mind to".

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
I work with the S.O.S Children’s Village in Nicaragua. This foundation revolves around the effort to give children who have lost their parents or who are no longer able to live with them a permanent home and a stable environment. The S.O.S Children’s Village family-like structure is formed by four basic principles: mother, brother and sisters, house and village.

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