The 2018 Miss Mexico, who wins the Saturday, December 8 pageant show in China, is known for her charity work and as a presenter.
- Dec 10, 2018
AceShowbiz - Meet the new Miss World, Vanessa Ponce de Leon from Mexico! The 26-year-old beauty made history as she became the first Miss Mexico who won the competition since the pageant show was held for the first time in 1951.
Vanessa beat 117 other contestants in the pageant show, which was held on Saturday, December 8 at the Sanya City Arena in Sanya, China. She received the crown from last year's winner, Manushi Chhillar of India.
The runner-up place went to Miss Thailand Nicolene Limsnukan, followed by Miss Uganda Quiin Abenakyo who placed third, and Miss Jamaica Kadijah Robinson as well as Miss Belarus Maryia Vasilevich who went into the top five.
Miss France Maava Coucke won the Top Model Competition and was in the top 12 along with Miss New Zealand Jessica Tyson, Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada and Miss Panama Solaris Barba among other quarter-finalists.
"I can't believe it, I really can't believe it," Vanessa said backstage after her win. Staying humble, she thanked her fellow contestants, "And I think all the girls deserved it. I am proud to represent all of them. I will do as much as I can in the time I have got. Thank you so much, everyone."
Vanessa holds a degree in International Business and is fluent in both English and Spanish languages. She has worked as a model and TV host, and is known for her charity work. She is currently on the Board of Directors of a Rehab center for girls and is a speaker for the National Youth Institute. She also volunteers for "Migrantes en el Camino" in Mexico.
As the winner of the annual beauty pageant, Vanessa will work for the Beauty With a Purpose charity, the fundraising program founded by Miss World head Julia Morley. The program gives money to charities around the world.
Vanessa was born and raised in the city of Guanajuato and grew up in Mexico City. She previously won cycle 5 of "Mexico's Next Top Model" in 2014.
