Purcell won the national contest representing Lillies Bordello. She was flown over to Colombia for two weeks of special mentoring from pageant expert Miguel Martinez to prepare for Miss Universe. Purcell represented her country in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant in Las Vegas, U.S., on August 23, 2010.
Purcell competed in swimsuit and placed 4th with an average score of 8.784. Purcell then competed in evening gown with a score of 8.548, finishing as a Top 10 finalist, in 7th place. 
