The world witnessed a triumph of grace and advocacy as Joheirry Mola from the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 on September 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. The 75th edition of the prestigious pageant saw Mola outshine 111 contestants, securing her place in history as the second Dominican woman to win the title.
Mola’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to her dedication to education and community service. Her journey to the crown was fueled by her passion for empowering vulnerable communities through education.
The Woman Behind the Crown
Joheirry Mola is more than just a beauty queen; she is an educatorjournalist and community advocate. With a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana, Mola has dedicated her life to making a difference. She is the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow an organization that promotes English education for children and youth in vulnerable communities.
As a correspondent for Univision New York’s Ventana a Quisqueya, Mola highlights Dominican culture, social issues, and community stories. Her work as a Goya Gives Ambassador and professional model is driven by her belief in human connection, empathy, and the values instilled by her family. Mola’s personal motto, “The greatest gift you can offer is the opportunity that you once needed yourself in order to grow, move forward, and transform your life,” reflects her commitment to giving back.
A Historic Victory
Mola’s victory marks the second time the Dominican Republic has won the Miss World title. The first was in 1982 when Mariasela Álvarez made history. Mola’s win is a historic celebration for the country, showcasing the talent and dedication of its people on a global stage.
The grand finale took place by the sea in Nha Trang’s iconic 2 April Square, an open-air structure extended over 110 meters. The event celebrated the beauty pageant’s 75th anniversary, adding a layer of significance to Mola’s achievement. Elisabeth Reynes of Spain and Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia were named the first and second runners-up, respectively.
The Power of Advocacy
Mola’s journey to the crown was not just about her stage presence but also her philosophy and advocacy. In the finale round, she was asked about the Beauty With A Purpose cause she supports in her country. Mola spoke passionately about her work in taking English education to children in vulnerable communities.
“Xin chào, Vietnam. Buenos dias, República Dominicana. I’m so happy. My beauty with a purpose is to take the English program to kids in vulnerable communities, because I believe that when they know this language, the opportunities that the doors that can open to their life, it’s a huge, big door…Because I was talking to the girls and telling them that thanks to that tool, we are here. We have the tool to express our feelings, to express our purpose,” Mola said, emphasizing the transformative power of language.
Her advocacy for education and her ability to articulate her vision made a lasting impression on the judges and the audience. Mola’s win is a reminder that beauty pageants are not just about physical beauty but also about the inner strength and commitment to making a difference.
