[2][4] She had been inspired to pursue psychosocial rehabilitation after having overcome childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) herself.
[4] In 2021, Cariño began her pageantry career after registering as a contestant in Miss Florida USA 2021, her first pageant ever.
[11] Cariño later completed her reign as Miss Florida USA after crowning Taylor Fulford as her successor in May 2022.
[2] In June 2022, Cariño was announced as one of the 28 finalists set to compete in the competition, representing the municipality of Fajardo.
[2][16][17] With her win, she became the second Afro-Puerto Rican to be crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico, following her predecessor Michelle Colón.