Candy Stanton was the region’s competitor for the final of the prestigious competition which took place in Newport between April 16 and 18.
The 22-year-old entered the event as she was passionate about ’empowering women and neurodivergent people’ in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, (STEM).
Working as a electrical manufacturing engineer, Candy is committed to breaking down barriers and promoting greater inclusion within science and technology.
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She has therefore been using her platform at Miss Wales to highlight the importance of representation for both women and neurodivergent individuals in technical fields.
Candy got to experience a range of events during the finals of the competition – from walking on glass to breaking through boards covered in negative words.
And, although she missed out on the overall prize, she was given the ‘Best in Social Media’ award for her efforts.
Candy with her partner James. (Image: Candy Stanton)
Speaking about the whole experience, Candy said: “I am so grateful for the full opportunity and experience and I am proud to have represented women in STEM on a national stage.
“There was an incredible amount of girlhood backstage and every single one of the girls is so hardworking and will go very far in life.”
Ellie Corcoran, from Anglesey, was crowned Miss Wales 2026.
Candy added: “Huge congratulations to Ellie for bringing the crown back to North Wales, that is so very deserved.
“It was a very tough competition as every single girl up there gave it their all and had an incredibly strong story to match.
“For me, it was about making an impact and winning the social media award showed me that my message is reaching people and making a real difference, and that’s what matters to me most.
“Finally, I am also grateful to every single person who supported me. James, my partner who helped me prepare for the final, my mum who helped me decide on a lot of my dresses and Paula Abbandonato, the director of Miss Wales, and all the other finalists who were there for me throughout.”