Many of the women vying for the Miss Universe crown hail from ethnically diverse countries that boast varied cultural histories. Many Latin American countries are melting pots, with native citizens whose heritages are as diverse as the beautiful landscapes. Yartiza Reyes, a Miss Universe contestant who is representing the Dominican Republic, is representative of the country's rich cultural diversity.
Yartiza Reyes, 19, was born in Comendador and was raised in the sector of Sabanda Perdida in Santo Domigo, Dominican Republic. She currently attends the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, where she studies social communications, according to Miss Universe.com. She also works as a model, and has said that her dream job is to become an actress.
Reyes competed as a representative of the native province of Elias Piña as one of the 36 candidates in Miss Dominican Republic 2013, which was broadcast live from Punta Cana on August 3, 2013. She won the title and gained the right to represent her native country in Miss Universe 2013.
Reyes is the third woman of predominantly African heritage to represent the Dominican Republic in Miss Universe after Ruth Ocumarez in 2002 and Ada de la Cruz in 2009.
Reyes also enjoys acting and dancing, and has been singing since she was 8-years-old. She says she sings whether she's happy or sad, while she's in the car and when she exercises.
She also has a passion for philanthropy. She has been volunteering at a children's summer camp for the past five years, and helped deliver a baby during her internship at a local hospital when she was 17.
Reyes believes that hard work and perseverance can lead people to achieve their dreams.
"It's not about what you have or where you are, it's about what you believe you can become," Reyes said.
Reyes will compete in the Miss Universe 2013 pageant at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia, which will air on Nov. 9 at 9 p.m. on NBC.