In Puerto Rico, Sánchez gained public attention as a dancer and as co-host of a variety show called "Qué Vacilón". At that time, in 1993, Sánchez won the Miss Puerto Rico Petite contest, and in 1994 she won the international title of Miss American Petite, bringing her international fame. Sánchez has been named in numerous annual lists of beautiful women including "Maxim Magazine"s "Hot 100" in 2001, 2002 and 2006; AskMen.com's "Top 99 Most Desirable Women" in 2005 and 2006; and "FHM"s "100 Sexiest Women" in 2005 and 2006.