MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES MICHELLE DEE RECEIVES ‘SPIRIT OF CARNIVAL’ AWARD
MIAMI, Nov. 20, 2023 – During the 72nd annual MISS UNIVERSE competition, Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee received the “Spirit of Carnival” award for embodying the company’s values of fun, friendship, diversity and inclusion. In a videotaped message, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy announced Dee as this year’s award recipient during the live finale, held in El Salvador and broadcast internationally on Saturday, Nov. 18.
“Inspired by her two siblings with autism, Michelle has made autism acceptance, inclusivity and education her mission. At Carnival, we want everyone on our ships to feel welcome, and we were the first and only cruise line to be certified as sensory inclusive,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “I know 13,000 Filipino crew members are going to be very excited by her selection.”
Dee grew up with two siblings who have autism and says her siblings inspired her to work closely with autism advocacy groups nationwide. She has been Autism Society Philippines’ Goodwill Ambassador since 2019. Dee graduated with a degree in psychology from De La Salle University in Manila and completed a certificate course in entrepreneurship through Harvard University online, all while opening a series of businesses that focus on health and technology. She also serves as the president of the Inner Peace Foundation, a group started by her grandmother that promotes spiritual enlightenment.
Dee joins an inspiring group of women as the fourth Miss Universe delegate to receive the “Spirit of Carnival” award, including: Miss Universe Ukraine Viktoriia Apanasenko, Miss Universe Bahamas Chantel O’Brian and Miss Universe Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez, who is also godmother to Carnival’s first Excel-class ship, Mardi Gras.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
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ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the first cruise line to sail over 100 million guests and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. For over 50 years, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise industry and popularized the cruise vacation as an affordable and fun travel option. Carnival operates from 14 U.S. and two Australian homeports and employs more than 40,000 team members representing 120 nationalities. Carnival currently operates 25 ships and is in an exciting period of growth with the addition of two ships over the next year.
MEDIA CONTACT: media@carnival.com
About The Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) exists to advocate for a future forged by women that is good for all. It is a global community that supports women to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success. MISS UNIVERSE® programs provide the 10,000 women who participate annually an international platform to affect positive change through influential humanitarian and professional efforts. The delegates and titleholders are leaders and role models in their communities; they develop personal and professional goals, and inspire others to do the same. To learn more, visit www.missuniverse.com.
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