Many Dominicans are surprised to learn that 28-year old Jennifer Ventura, who on Sunday, 10 August 2025 won the Miss Dominican Republic crown is a practicing civil engineer. She has especially made the people of southwestern Barahona province proud. The province last won the title in 1985.
As reported in Diario Libre, Ventura captivated both the judges and the audience with her charisma, runway elegance, and intelligence. But beyond her poise and beauty queen charm lies a woman with a strong academic background and a clear purpose.
She holds a dual degree in civil engineering from the Iberoamericana University (Unibe) and Florida International University. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in business management from IMF University in Madrid and various diplomas in areas like risk assessment, safe buildings, and project management.
Diario Libre reports that Ventura describes herself as an “extroverted person” who loves exercise, reading, traveling, and spending time with family. She is also deeply committed to community initiatives, a motivation that drove her to compete in the pageant with a clear goal: to use the voice she has received as Miss Dominican Republic as a tool for change.
“For me, this platform is a space to ensure the visibility of causes that lift our community to be the country we want it to be,” Ventura told Diario Libre. “That’s why I focused on being a voice for people with special needs, especially those with autism. I want my participation to lead to a more inclusive country where they have the same rights as all other human beings.”
With her victory, Ventura ended a 40-year drought for Barahona, which last won the title with Melba Altagracia Vicens in 1985. She views this achievement as more than symbolic.
“Bringing this crown to Barahona after 40 years is an honor because I believe we deserve it,” she said. “I hope to God that just as I brought the Dominican crown to my province, I can also bring them the universal one.”
Ventura will now represent the Dominican Republic at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Thailand in November 2025.
Read more:
Diario Libre
DR1 News
DR1 News
13 August 2025