CANCUN, MEXICO – Miss New York Latina Melissa Quesada was crowned Miss Latina U.S. 2005 on October 1st in Cancun, Mexico. First Runner-up was the delegate from Rhode Island, Karina De la Rosa, who also received the special award for "Best Runway Model".



Since 1983, Latin women living in the United States have competed for the title of Miss Latina U.S., but Arkansas has never been represented in the competition, that is until, 23 year old, Heather Rodriguez entered into the pageant as Miss Latina Arkansas to compete in Mexico representing Arkansas.



¡Hola! Arkansas supported Miss Latina Arkansas,

Heather Rodríguez as a proud wardrobe and make-up sponsor.



Completing the top 7 finalists were Miss Utah Latina Jessica Garcia, Miss Panama U.S. Latina Keren Kinglow, Miss Mexico U.S. Latina Angeles Gonzalez, Miss Maryland Latina Laritza Garcia of Maryland, and Miss Arizona Latina Argentina Ruiz. Keren Kinglow was also awarded the "Most Talented" and "Outstanding Achievement" trophies. The "Spirit of Arbonne" award went to Arizona's Argentina Ruiz.



In the teen division, Illinois's Geysha Gonzalez took home the title of Miss Teen U.S. Latina 2005 and Utah's Annelyn Nelson was First Runner-up and also "Best Runway Model". Miss Teen Alabama Latina Nina McKinney received the "Outstanding Achivement" award.



The Miss Latina US™, Miss Teen US Latina™ and Miss Latin America® Pageants are produced annually by Organizacion Miss America Latina, Inc. headquartered in Miami, Florida.