Maritza Sayalero Biography: Net Worth, Husband, Height, Beauty Pageant, Age, Children, Awards, Ethnicity

Maritza Sayalero Fernández is a Venezuelan-born model, designer, businesswoman and former beauty queen who made history in 1979 by becoming the first woman from Venezuela to win the Miss Universe 1979 title.

Her achievement not only elevated her personal profile internationally, but also helped establish Venezuela’s reputation as a powerhouse in global beauty pageants. After her win, she went on to build a career in fashion-design and business while residing in Mexico.

Profile

• Full name: Maritza Sayalero Fernández
• Date of birth: February 16, 1961
• Age: 64 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Caracas, Capital District, Venezuela
• Nationality: Venezuelan (later resident of Mexico)
• Profession: Model, Beauty Queen, Designer, Businesswoman
• Height: 5 ft 8 in (approx. 1.73 m)
• Eye colour: Hazel
• Hair colour: Light brown
• Parents: Father – Francisco Sayalero; Mother – Gloria Fernández
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Raúl Ramírez (married 1980/81)
• Children: Three children – Rebeca Maritza Ramírez Sayalero; Raúl Alan Ramírez Sayalero; Daniel Francisco Ramírez Sayalero
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: Venezuelan of Spanish descent
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Maritza Sayalero Fernández is now 64 years old, born on February 16, 1961, in the Hospital Universitario located in the San Pedro parish of Caracas, Venezuela. Her parents are Francisco Sayalero and Gloria Fernández, and her mother is noted to be a cousin of Spanish actress-singer Sara Montiel.

She spent her childhood and adolescence in Caracas. At around age 18, she was studying the first semester of architecture at the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) when she entered the world of pageantry.

Personal Life

Following her year as Miss Universe, Maritza Sayalero married Mexican tennis star Raúl Ramírez in late 1980 or around 1981, and thereafter established residence in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Together, they had three children: Rebeca Maritza, Raúl Alan and Daniel Francisco. She has largely remained out of the major entertainment spotlight, choosing a more private life focused on family and business.

Career

Maritza Sayalero’s journey began when she won the Miss Venezuela 1979 title representing Departamento Vargas, which granted her the opportunity to compete in Miss Universe.

On July 19-20 1979, in Perth, Australia, she won Miss Universe, becoming the first Venezuelan woman to secure the crown. During her reign she travelled internationally and represented the Miss Universe organization in various engagements.

After her reign, she shifted focus into fashion and business: creating her own boutique selling designs, and settling into life in Mexico. Over time she has also served as a judge in Venezuelan pageants and occasionally appears in public in connection with her legacy.

Awards and Nominations

• Miss Venezuela 1979 – Winner
• Miss Universe 1979 – Winner

Net Worth

Maritza Sayalero’s current net worth is estimated $5 million. Her income has been derived from modelling, pageant winnings, her boutique and design business, and other private ventures.

Social Media

• Instagram: @maritzasayalero