Miss Panama

Melissa Del Carmen Piedrahita Melendez

Melissa has completed her high school education and is in her first year of University studying psychology, it is her ambition to be a psychologist.. Melissa enjoys the sport of boxing, professional salsa dancing and exercise. For the last eight years Melissa has been modelling in her spare time.


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I grew up in a village of Panama called Felipe. In the cenre of the twon you can find Panama’s main Cathedral, today considered as a world hertigae monument. My father is Colombian and my mother is from Panama. I have two sisters and a brother.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
I work for a company of land property lawyers office. Also I have been working as a model from the age of 14. The most interesting job is being a model because I’ve had the chance to travel a lot. The most bizarre, in the lawyers office because I have to answer the phones in different languages.

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
I want to finish my studies in international business. I also want to study psychology because I am working for a charity with children.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
When my family organised my leaving party when I left for China. It was for me a big emotional support and it is going to be a lucky amulet for me.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
The funniest moment was when I dressed up my nephew as Dexter and the most embarrassing when I fell downstairs with two bags in my hands and I landed on the floor. It was published in all the newspapers.

How has your life changed since winning your National Title?
It has developed my life, because now I am more responsible than before. I am more organised, because since I won the title I have to find sponsors for the charity I work for.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
I met Bayano Kamani, he is an Olympic runner. I met him in a restaurant and he invited me to his clinic to meet the poor children.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
I want to know Queen Ronia, I really admire her. I also want to make a foundation in Panama against smoking.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
You can get whatever you want.

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
Nutrehogar in Panama
Fanlyc - Foundation for children with cancer and leukaemia
I have helped at a church in San Jose, where I grew up, that helps children.

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