Justine Pasek, originally the first runner up in the Miss Universe 2002 competition, became the Miss Universe on September 23, 2002, when the Miss Universe Organization withdraw the crown from the then-reigning winner Oxana Fedorova for not fulfilling the duties stipulated in her contract.

Affectionately called Justyna, 26 year old native of Panama is the daughter of a Panamanian homemaker and Polish engineer. She is the oldest of the three. Bright, composed and humble, Pasek has a very close relationship with her parents and brothers. 

Justine, earned a High School diploma from Instituto Pedagogico de Panama. Before putting on the crown, she worked in production for television specials, charity events, theater musicals and fashion shows. She has been recognized all over the world for her supermodel looks and humble personality. She wants to be an environmental engineer. 

As the first Panamanian and Central Miss universe, Pasek held the crown and assumed the duties of Miss Universe. She championed the cause of HIV/AIDS and established the first HIV/AIDS prevention center in her country. She worked with the Global Health Council, the Harvard AIDS Institute and the Center for Disease Control’s “Act Now” campaign.