Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 on September 5 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The 24-year-old’s journey to the global stage is about more than pageantry.
Her win also marks a historic moment for the Dominican Republic. Mola Dominguez becomes the second woman from the country to win the Miss World title, 44 years after Mariasela Alvarez brought the crown home in 1982.
The newly crowned Miss World also made an impression with her fashion choices during the pageant, including a gown by Dominican designer Giannina Azar. Following her appearance, the designer shared a heartfelt message congratulating Mola Dominguez and expressing pride in seeing her creation on such an important night.
The designer took to Instagram
to congratulate the beauty queen, she wrote, “I want to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on your participation in Miss World 2026. It fills me with pride to have seen you wear one of my creations with such elegance, poise and distinction on such an important night.”
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes Alavert was named first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty took second runner-up.
Who Is Joheirry Mola Dominguez?
Joheirry Mola Dominguez brings an unusual mix of education, community work and storytelling to her new role as Miss World 2026. The 24-year-old holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana and works as a Literature and Social Studies teacher, teaching in English.
Her work with young people is also central to her profile. As founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow, she focuses on expanding English education for children and young people in vulnerable communities.
Dominguez has also built a presence in media as a correspondent for Univision New York’s Ventana a Quisqueya, where she covers Dominican culture, social issues and community stories. She has additionally worked as a professional model and serves as a Goya Gives Ambassador.
Before taking the global crown, Dominguez had already secured a Top 40 place through the Miss World Top Model Challenge, where the Dominican Republic won the Americas and Caribbean regional title.
A Crown Built Around Purpose
The Miss World organisation describes Mola Dominguez as a “dedicated educator, community advocate, and communicator”, highlighting her commitment to human connection, empathy and the values instilled by her family.
Her personal motto reflects the same philosophy, “The greatest gift you can offer is the opportunity that you once needed yourself in order to grow, move forward, and transform your life.”
India’s Nikita Porwal Miss World 2026 Journey
India’s Nikita Porwal, the actor and theatre artist from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, made it to the Top 40 at Miss World 2026 but missed the Top 20. Crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, Porwal brought her background in theatre, acting and storytelling to the international stage.
For the finale, she wore a blush-pink gown with intricate floral detailing by designer Bhawana Rao. She also showcased Indian culture through her Dances of the World presentation, paying tribute to Goddess Meenakshi in a costume by Torani. Her journey added an Indian storytelling and cultural perspective to this year’s global pageant.
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