Gladys Zender - Definition

Gladys Zender (b. 1940) is a Peruvian who made history in 1957, by becoming the first Hispanic to win the Miss Universe title.

Zender became an instant celebrity in her native Peru. She flew in the inaugural flight from Idlewild International Airlport in New York (the contest was held in Long Beach, California) to Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, where she was received by thousands of countrymen and women.

Soon after, the Caretas magazine, one of Peru's most popular show business magazines, featured her on their cover. She was also featured on that publication's first all-color cover.

She married Antonio Moria in 1965, soon secluding into a family life. They had four children together.

In 2003, she let the photographers of Caretas back inside the mansion she and Moria share, showing various artifacts the couple have acquired through their years together, including a collection of Incan art.