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Amelia Vega | Latin Pride National Awards

Amelia Vega

Victoria Amelia Vega Polanco (born November 7, 1984 in Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago, Dominican Republic), known simply as Amelia Vega, is a Dominican woman who won the Miss Universe contest held in Panama City, Panama on June 3, 2003, becoming the first Dominican woman ever to win the Miss Universe title, at only age 18.

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Amelia's father is a general medical practitioner with offices in New York City and Miami. Her mother, Patricia Polanco, was a previous national titleholder who represented the Dominican Republic at the 1980 Miss World pageant. After winning the Miss Dominican Republic Universe title, Vega represented the Dominican Republic in the Miss Universe 2003 pageant held in Panama. She became the first titleholder from this country to win the title. Vega was crowned by outgoing titleholder Justine Pasek of Panama. She wore a white evening gown during the competition, which featured strings of beads on the sleeves.

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As Miss Universe 2003, Vega traveled extensively working with internationally recognized HIV/AIDS organizations including the Global Health Council, Cable Positive, amfAR, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and God's Love We Deliver. As a celebrity spokesperson, she was responsible for working with the international media to generate a better understanding and acceptance of AIDS/HIV epidemics and its prevention while helping to increase awareness, funding and resources for these key organizations.