Amelia
Vega, who captured the
audience during the 2003 Miss Universe Competition, is a statuesque 18-year-old
native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Her incredible energy and
vivacious nature won over the judges during the live NBC telecast held
in Panama City, Panama.
Amelia's move from the Dominican Republic to take on the title of MISS
UNIVERSE is a sweet reunion for her and New York City, where she once
resided as a student in Queens. This time around, Amelia will work as a
goodwill ambassador for women around the world by representing the Miss
Universe Organization.
Before putting on the crown, Amelia was completing her high school
studies and was planning to continue her education to earn a degree in
television production. In the future, Amelia hopes to also pursue her
dream of becoming a singer. With a demo single already completed, Amelia
is working on her first CD. In addition to singing, a few of Amelia's
loves are sushi, her dachshund puppy named Weenie, and dancing the
merengue.
Amelia's father is a general medical practitioner with offices in New
York City and Miami; and her mother, a previous Miss Dominican Republic
titleholder with a fondness for flying, has recently received her pilot’s
license. She has a very close relationship with her parents and is a
mentor to her half-sister. In addition to her parents, Amelia considers
her grandmother and uncle Juan Luis Guerra, an author and Grammy Award-winning
Latin musician, amongst her idols.
As MISS UNIVERSE 2003, Vega will travel 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 will be responsible for working with the media
globally to generate a better understanding and acceptance of AIDS and
HIV and its prevention while helping to increase awareness, funding and
resources for these key organizations.
