Nunes was born in
Porto Alegre,
Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and was educated at Santa Inés College. Her ethnicity is
pardo. In 1977, Nunes was elected Miss Congeniality of her school and in 1984 she became a professional model. In 1986, in
São Paulo, she was the first woman of African descent to be named
Miss Brazil. Some members of the Brazilian public caused an outcry at her Miss Brazil win, She received the key to the city of Porto Alegre. == Personal life ==