LOS ANGELES, May 24, 2007/ FW/ --- The final episode of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ aired May 16, made history as Jaslene Gonzalez won the coveted title as the first Latina to win in the reality show.

The main part of her prize is a $100,000 CoverGirl cosmetics contract under which she will appear in a print ad for CoverGirl TruShine Lipcolor. She also won a year's representation by Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page spread in Seventeen magazine.

Jaslene, a 21-year-old Chicago native of Puerto Rican heritage, proved to be a viewer favorite during the season, as evidenced by her being voted CoverGirl of the Week. Her ability to master the runway and captivate the cameras convinced judges she was worthy of the CoverGirl model contract.

On the final episode, the three remaining competitors participated in a national photo shoot for CoverGirl’s Lipshine Lip Color and a ‘My Life as a CoverGirl’ commercial, which would be used in the ad if she were the winner.

While the judges were pleased with all of the girls' performances in the commercial, they were especially impressed with Jaslene for incorporating her Latin heritage.

Proud of her Latina heritage, Jaslene was quoted saying, “I think I bring a fierceness on the runway. I'm the Latin spice here. I bring some extra flavor. I'm not your girl next door,” after the runway competition that she also won.

Still, it was Jaslene’s unwavering drive to win that tipped the scale for her. During the final elimination, the judges considered the runway performances from the final runway challenge, as well as each girl's portfolio and their overall performance throughout the competition Jaslene's consistently strong photos and passion for modeling gave her the edge in the competition.

"I didn't make it the first time, but now look at me. I'm America's Next Top Model. I'm a Cover Girl! And I think that shows all young women that if you have that drive - keep going, you can make it," Jaslene said after Tyra announced that she had become "America's Next Top Model

Jaslene's charisma, determination and energetic spirit garnered high praise for her photos and will continue to leverage her as a role model for Latina women worldwide.

"It means so much to me to be working with a cosmetics company that celebrates the diverse look of women in this country," said Jaslene. "As a Latina, I am proud to represent CoverGirl and follow in the footsteps of beautiful Latinas like Yamilla Diaz-Rahi, Inez Rivera, Elsa Benitez, and Amelia Vega."