Puerto Rico has its fifth Miss Universe, 18-year-old Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza crowned as 55th pageant queen.

The fishing town of Salinas, located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, will no longer be known for just their seafood restaurants. The town of under 30,000 let out a scream for Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza Sunday night when she was named Miss Universe.

Rivera’s final question from the pageant asked her to define success. The 5’7 Puerto Rican responded "That special satisfaction when a person gives what they can without worrying about the obstacles in the way."

Rivera shared the final moments on stage with Kurara Chibana of Japan at the Shrine Auditorium near downtown Los Angeles. The two waited anxiously for the announcement, and when her name was called Rivera placed her hands over her mouth and became teary-eyed.

After being adorned with the $250,000 diamond and pearl studded crown Rivera remarked, "I always had faith and confidence in myself, but I never knew I was going to win."

Having expressed a desire to star in U.S. and Latin American films, the universes most beautiful woman will dedicate the next year of her life promoting awareness and education about AIDS and HIV. It will be the same role Natalie Glebova embarked upon last year after she was named Miss Universe.

Glebova, Canada’s second Miss Universe, wrapped up her year with a feeling of gratitude and a sense of accomplishment, “I have traveled the world on behalf of various HIV/AIDS organizations, promoting education, research and legislation, and I walk away from this experience feeling like I truly made an impact."

Among the prizes Rivera will receive: a yearlong salary, a New York City apartment during her reign, and a modeling contract.