Dominguez was crowned winner of the 73rd Miss World competition at the grand finale in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on Saturday, September 5, defeating finalists from Malaysia, Vietnam, Eritrea, Spain and South Africa.
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern finished as first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty emerged as second runner-up.
Dominguez received the crown from her predecessor, Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who made history last year as the first contestant from Thailand to win the Miss World title.
During the final round, Dominguez was asked, “Which Beauty with a Purpose have you supported in your country, and how would you improve it if you were crowned Miss World?”
In response, she spoke about her initiative to take English programmes to children in vulnerable communities, describing the language as a tool that could create opportunities for young people.
“My Beauty with a Purpose is to take English programmes to children in vulnerable communities because I believe that knowing this language can open huge doors of opportunity for them. I was talking to the girls and telling them that, thanks to this tool, we are here today. It gives us the ability to express our feelings and communicate our purpose. For me, it is something I will always carry in my heart, knowing that I can give these children something so important. It is a tool that will stay with them and benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
The Miss World organisation describes Dominguez as a “dedicated educator, community advocate, and communicator.”
The 24-year-old holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana and is the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow, through which she promotes English education for children and young people in vulnerable communities.
She also teaches Literature and Social Studies in English and works as a correspondent for Univision New York’s Ventana a Quisqueya, where she covers Dominican culture, social issues and community stories.
Dominguez, who is also a professional model and Goya Gives Ambassador, says her personal motto is: “The greatest gift you can offer is the opportunity that you once needed yourself in order to grow, move forward, and transform your life.”
Her victory places the Dominican Republic at the centre of the Miss World platform for the coming year, with Tanzania set to host the next edition of the pageant.
Ademide Adebayo
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