Spanish
Santo Domingo.- Today, June 3, 2025, is a memorable date for the Dominican Republic, as it marks 22 years since the coronation night of Miss Universe 2003, where the Dominican model and actress Amelia Vega made history by becoming the first and, to date, only Dominican to win the crown.
Vega was crowned in Panama City, at just 18 years old, standing out for her elegance, charisma, and intelligence against 70 other candidates who, like her, were vying for the universal title.
Throughout his reign, Vega traveled to more than 30 countries around the world, including: Panama, Indonesia, Germany, China, Canada, Ecuador, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
In her year as Miss Universe, she championed several social causes of great relevance worldwide, including the fight against HIV/AIDS and its prevention, among other social issues.
She is considered one of the most profitable Miss Universes of the Donald Trump era, being a reference not only for the candidates of her country, but also for the aspirants of all Latin America.
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The businesswoman, singer, and mother of 5 children, the result of her marriage to basketball player Al Horford, 22 years after her coronation, continues to be an inspiration to young Dominican women who dream of representing the country in the important international beauty pageant.Her mark on the international pageant remains, as her coronation served as a gateway for other Dominicans in Miss Universe.
After her coronation as Miss Universe, other Dominicans shortly after achieved good positions in the pageant: Renata Soñé, second runner-up in 2005, Marianne Cruz, second runner-up in 2008, and Ada Aime de la Cruz, first runner-up Miss Universe 2009.
