Ieda was 18 back then. She is a native of Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state. Coming from a prominent family, Ieda studied to became an elementary school professor. Among her hobbies were playing the guitar, swimming, and singing Rio Grande do Sul's folkloric songs. Prior to the national title, she had competed and won many local and state pageants: representing Gremio Nautico Uniao, she won the tradition "Queen of Rio Grande's Swimpools" title, followed by Miss Porto Alegre, and Miss Rio Grande do Sul. In Rio, she didn't see herself as a favorite. She thought Misses Parana, Sao Paulo, and Bahia were the real contenders.
Here is her interview, done by Marcel Proust, considered to be one of Brazil's greatest writers at that time:
Q- What is the worst thing in the world?
A- To hate your neighboor.
Q- Where would you like to live?
A- In Porto Alegre, my hometown.
Q- What is your idea of terrestrial happiness?
A- To get married and have kids.
Q- Who are your favorite artists?
A- Sophia Loren, Lana Turner, Cyl Farney, Anselmo Duarte, and Norma Bengell.
Q- Who are your female role models?
A- Valentina Terechkova, the first female austronaut to go to space, and Zila Totta, my State's Secretary of Education.
Q- How about your favorite female figure from fiction?
A- Juliete.
Q- Favorite painter?
A- Picasso.
Q- Favorite music composer?
A- Debussy.
Q- What quality do you admire the most in a man?
A- Sincerity.
Q- In a woman?
A- Simplicity.
Q- What is that you like to do the most in your spare times?
A- To cook.
Q- How would you define yourself in two words?
A- Optimistic and confident.
Q- What is your greatest imperfection?
A- Jealousy.
Q- What would be the worst thing that could happen to you?
A- To be unhappy in love.
Q- Favorite color?
A- red.
Q- Favorite flower?
A- Roses.
Q- Favorite writer?
A- Fernando Sabino.
Q- Favorite poet?
A- Misho Kiosky.
Q- What do you hate the most?
A- Lies.
Q- Which is your favorite historical figure?
A- Alexander the Great.
Q- What kind of reform would you like to promote?
A- A social reform, in behalf of the lower classes.
Q- How would you like to die?
A- Peacefully, with no regrets.
Q- Do you have a saying?
A- This is from Misho Kiosky: "if you want to be happy, forget your past, live your present, and leave your future in God's hands".
