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INTERVIEW WITH
Paulina Vega
By Kenneth Isom Barnes
Since being crowned last January, Miss Universe
Paulina Vega has overjoyed her country after
becoming only the second woman to hold the title
from Colombia in over 50 years. Throughout her new
job, Paulina's duties will be to travel the globe as a
goodwill ambassador for various causes, specifically
HIV/AIDS prevention, education and awareness.
Paulina has already begun to break the stigma and
raise awareness at a local, national and international
level with a focus on the Latin community.
She most recently has worked with the
Office of Women’s Health to support and
recognize National Women and Girls’
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, now in it's
10th observance year. Vega was recently
awarded a proclamation from the NY
State Senate in honor of Women’s History
Month and upon her designation as Miss
Universe. During her reign, Vega will work
closely with Aid for AIDS, Best Buddies,
God’s Love We Deliver, and amfAR,
among others. Vega has also been named
as “La Madrina” by the Latino Commission
on Aids for the 2015 Cielo Latina Gala.
Recently, she received the honor of being
the face of Falabella, a multinational chain
of department stores. Miss Universe
Paulina Vega was just named as People
Español's most beautiful Latinas.
This past year you have dedicated
to raising HIV/AIDS awareness. What
type of response have you had?
Since being crowned Miss Universe,
I have become very passionate about
raising awareness about this disease. Over
200,000 Latinos in the US and Puerto
Rico have been diagnosed with HIV and
AIDS. I really hope to make an impact
on the Latin community not only in this
www.mexico.is
country, but across the world – I want to
educate others on simple ways to prevent
HIV and AIDS while I am Miss Universe.
And what is your next step in this mission?
I was recently named the Madrina of
the Latino Commission on AIDS so I have
been working closely with them so far.
This is an organization based in the United
States but with my title, I hope that their
message can be brought even farther to
other Latin countries and Colombia.
Being Miss Universe places you in a rare
position where you are seen and respected by
people around the world. If you were granted
another year in your position, what would be
the second cause you would take up?
Education is very important to
me so I would also really like to focus
on the importance of it for women
and children around the world.
Is this cause based on any situation in your life?
Yes, I was a full time student before
winning Miss Universe. My education
has opened so many doors for me and
I think all people should be given the
opportunity to learn and pursue any type of
profession that they are passionate about.
As Miss Universe you have had a chance to
travel the world. In your travels, have you discovered
any new foods that you have liked or disliked?
I recently traveled to Italy which I was
so excited about – I love Italian food.
Your home country of Colombia and the
rest of Latin America are rapidly changing.
What do you for see as the future role for your
country and Latin America in the world?
Colombia has so much to offer in terms
of business and tourism. Its landscape is very
diverse offering an array of activities for visitors.
What are your plans when your
reign ends as Miss Universe?
I am going to finish my education and
get my college degree. I want to be the
CEO of my own company one day.
As Miss Universe have you every stopped and
wondered abou Ёѡ