Former Miss Universe president Paula Shugart part of Miss Cosmo 2024 jury

After her time as head of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula Shugart is returning to the pageant scene as a judge for Miss Cosmo International 2024.

On Thursday, the international pageant announced the news, highlighting Shugart's impressive career in both beauty pageant and television production.

"Miss Cosmo 2024 is excited to announce Mrs. Paula Shugart as the first official judge for this year’s competition," they wrote.

"Her experience extends beyond pageantry, having produced shows for major networks including ABC, NBC, MTV, and Columbia Pictures. Paula is also a respected member of the Director’s Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America," it added.

Miss Cosmo highlighted her impressive accomplishments, including receiving the Medal of Merit for Achievement in Entertainment and Television Production and being appointed as a commissioner on New York City's Latin Media and Entertainment Commission by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"With her extensive background and unwavering dedication to excellence, Paula Shugart’s involvement as a judge will undoubtedly elevate the standards of Miss Cosmo 2024, ensuring a fair and inspiring competition for all participants," the organization wrote.

Shugart stepped down as the Miss Universe president in November last year during the preliminary competition of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant held in El Salvador.

She joined MUO in 1998 as the vice president of production and was appointed president three years later. She has handled the entire business operations and spearheaded the production of the annual live global telecast.

The Miss Cosmo 2024 pageant will take place from September 15th to October 5th in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Our representative, Ahtisa Manalo, is vying to become the first Miss Cosmo Philippines to win the coveted title.