Katherine Espin is the most beautiful, talented lawyer, model, and beauty queen from Ecuador.
She gained worldwide recognition for winning the prestigious Miss Earth 2016 crown. She was succeeded by Karen Ibasco of the Philippines in 2017. She was appointed as Miss Earth Ecuador 2016. She is the second Miss Earth winner from Ecuador, next to Olga Álava, who won the crown in 2011. She placed as second runner-up in the Miss Universe Ecuador 2024 pageant competition, showcasing her enduring passion for pageantry. So, who is Katherine Espin? Here’s everything you need to know about the model.
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Katherine Espin Biography
Espin was born on November 15, 1992, in La Troncal, Ecuador. She is currently 32 years old.
Full Name | Katherine Elizabeth Espín Gómez |
Birth Date | November 15, 1992 |
Birth Place | La Troncal, Ecuador |
Age | 32 |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Ethnicity | Spanish, Italian, Jewish |
Profession | Model, Cosmetologist, Lawyer |
Nationlaity | Ecuadorian |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Partner | Daniel Lopez (Engaged) |
Children | 0 |
Family Background
Her parents are Orsa Gómez and Freddy Espín. She has a younger sister. Her family moved to the United States when she was nine years old, as her parents worked there in New York City. She completed her school education there and later returned to her home country, where she attended college.
Katherine is of Spanish, Italian, Jewish, and Indigenous Huarpe descent, though primarily identified as Ecuadorian.
Education
Katherine completed her Elementary and High School in New York City, where she lived with her parents. Returning to Ecuador, Katherine pursued higher education at the Universidad Católica de Cuenca, where she earned a law degree. In 2018, she moved to Los Angeles to study acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, graduating in 2020.
Katherine Espin Personal Life
Katherine Espin has been dating Daniel Lopez, a Commercial Real Estate agent, for several years now. They got engaged in early 2022.
Physical Statistics
Height | 5 feet 7 inches or 170 cm |
Body Build | Slim |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Shoe Size | 8.5 (US) |
Dress Size | 6 (US) |
Sexuality | Straight |
Career Overview
Katherine Espin began in pageantry with Reinado Internacional del Café 2013, followed by the Miss World Ecuador 2013 pageant, where she went unplaced.
In 2015, she competed at the Miss Bikini Universe 2015 and placed first runner-up, and subsequently, she was named Miss Bikini Ecuador 2015.
Her breakthrough came in 2016, winning Miss Earth Ecuador and then the international Miss Earth title, becoming the second Ecuadorian to win this prestigious title after Olga Álava in 2011. As Miss Earth, she traveled globally for environmental campaigns, serving as an Ecotourism Ambassador in the Philippines and promoting sustainability in countries like Angola, Ghana, and Singapore.
In 2018, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, graduating from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2020 and working as an actress, director, and editor. Since 2021, she has been the National Director of Miss Earth Ecuador. In 2024, she competed in Miss Universe Ecuador, placing second runner-up.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Katherine Espin has an estimated net worth of at least $1 million, stemming from her pageant winnings, endorsements, and event appearances. As National Director of Miss Earth Ecuador and a lawyer, she earns from professional fees, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed.
Facts
Her parents moved to New York City, United States, when she was 9 years old, where she finished her school education.
During her school days, Espin excelled in both academics and sports. She won several accolades in sports.
Katherine Espin had a struggling childhood as she suffered from facial paralysis when she was 13.
At 16, she was inspired by Ecuadorian Miss Earth winner Olga Álava to pursue pageants.
Espin attended the red carpet of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on July 24, 2017. She joined Isabela vice governor Tonypet Albano.
The yellow gown she wore at the Miss Earth 2016 night became controversial after former Miss Earth Philippines 2016 Imelda Schweighart claimed that it was “stolen” from her. Though Almodal, the fashion designer, had explained why she wore that gown instead of the white gown she ordered.
On 27th February 2017, the beauty queen finally wore the crystal-embellished white gown for a photo shoot. Her gown went on to become a talk of the woods, where a video of her wearing the gown went viral on the internet.
She was named an Honorary Member of the League of Vice Governors in Asia and an Ecotourism Ambassador in the Philippines.
In Ecuador, she received the “Honorable Citizen” award for her environmental work.