Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela Isler from Venezuela, crowned her as Miss Universe 2014 on January 25, 2015, in Doral, Florida, beating 87 contestants. She was the second Colombian in 56 years to win the Miss Universe crown after Miss Universe 1958 Luz Marina Zuluaga. Vega debuted the pageant's new crown as designed by Diamonds International Corporation, a Czech-based jeweler officially responsible for Miss Universe jewelry. Her prize package included cash, a year contract promoting Miss Universe, world travel, a rent-free luxury apartment in New York City, a gift bag stuffed with designer shoes, dresses, and beauty products, a US$100,000 stipend for a two-year course at the New York Film Academy, and free access to famous fashion houses and beauty parlors. Vega intends to spend her year-long reign traveling the world to lecture on humanitarian issues and to promote education regards HIV/AIDS. After her crowning, Paulina was interviewed by CNN en Español, ABC, Rendezvous with Miss Universe (Indonesia), Fox News, Univision, Caracol Televisión (Colombia), RCN TV (Colombia), Telemundo, Way Too Early with Thomas Roberts (MSNBC), Morning Joe (MSNBC), Today (NBC) and Live! with Kelly and Michael (ABC).[9]
In early March, Vega traveled to Doral, Florida, to attend the World Golf Championships at Trump National Doral Miami golf resort. On March 8, 2015, Vega became a public speaker at the Women's History Month Event 2015 in New York City. On March 11, 2015, Vega volunteered at GMHC, New York City, to learn about their services and critical issues of HIV and AIDS.[12] In addition, she was interviewed on MSNBC in Out There with Thomas Roberts to discuss how she would work to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS in her new role.[13] On March 19, 2015, Vega traveled to Nice, France. She was invited by SAGA Cosmetics to launch the 'Miss Universe Style Illuminate by CHI' haircare line.[14] On March 22, 2015, Vega attended the CosmoProf Worldwide Beauty Show to launch the 'Miss Universe Style Illuminate by CHI' haircare line at Bologna, Italy. During the same week, she was also invited to launch the Yamamay for Miss Universe' 2015 Swimwear Collection at Milan. After her European trips, Vega visited Toronto, Canada, for the first time as it prepared for the 2015 Pan American Games.[15]
On April 6, 2015, Vega attended the Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2015 at ArtBeam in New York City. On April 9, 2015, Vega emerged as the winner of Missosology's Timeless Beauty 2014 contest. On April 10, 2015, Vega attended AID FOR AIDS International to support National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day. She is committed to fighting against HIV and AIDS, as well as providing support to children and young adults fighting this disease.[16] On the same day, Vega attended the Colombian International Film Festival in New York. On April 13, 2015, Vega traveled to Santiago, Chile, where she was invited for a photoshoot with Falabella.[17] On April 15, 2015, Vega became the godmother for the Latino Commission on AIDS. During the same event, she helped launch the 25th-anniversary campaign at Macy's Herald Square in New York City. On April 20, 2015, Vega traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, where she was officially revealed as the new face of Falabella.[18] On April 27, 2015, Vega began her homecoming trip to Colombia, arriving in Bogotá. On April 28, 2015, Vega met the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, and his wife Clemencia Santos at the Presidential Palace for a welcoming ceremony. Vega was appointed as the ambassador to fight against child malnutrition. On April 29, 2015, Vega met the employees of Vogue Cosmetics Plant, the sponsor of Miss Universe in Colombia. She was the guest of honor at RCN TV where she met Colombia's first Miss Universe, Luz Marina Zuluaga. On April 30, 2015, Vega traveled to Cartagena where she met the board of directors of Miss Colombia. Also on April 30, Vega traveled to her hometown, Barranquilla. On May 1, 2015, Vega attended a welcoming event at Plaza de la Paz where she met the Mayor of Barranquilla, Ms. Elsa Noguera.
On May 1, 2015, Vega was chosen as one of the 50 most beautiful Hispanic celebrities by People en Español magazine. During the same day, Vega walked the red carpet at the People en Español 50 Most Beautiful 2015 Gala in New York City. On May 14, 2015, Vega attended the 13th Annual Smile Gala in New York City. On May 15, 2015, Vega attended the Latino Commission on AIDS Cielo in New York City. On May 18, 2015, Vega attended the 30th annual AIDS Walk in New York. On May 27, 2015, Vega traveled to Macau, China, to attend the grand opening of Galaxy Macau and Broadway Macau.
On June 5, 2015, Vega traveled to Machala, Ecuador, to attend the Annual 'Fiestas Machala' Parade. Vega received a certificate from Mayor Carlos Falquez Aguilar and the city of Machala for her visit. Vega also met with Mayor of Guayaquil Jaime Nebot during her trip. On June 27, 2015, Vega traveled to Almaty, Kazakhstan, to attend the VII Opera Ball and serve as Master of Ceremony.[19]
On July 12, 2015, Vega traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to attend the 2015 Miss USA pageant. Vega assisted in crowning the winner, Olivia Jordan of Oklahoma. On July 20, 2015, Vega attended the Pixels New York premiere.[20] On July 23, 2015, Vega volunteered at Gay Men's Health Crisis serving meals to men and women living with HIV and AIDS.[21] On July 27, 2015, Vega participated in the Colombian Day parade in New York City.[22] On July 28, 2015, Vega modeled for the pasarela Falabella Colombia Moda 2015, in Medellín, Colombia.[23]
In early September 2015, Vega attended the U.S. Open.[29] On September 8, 2015, Vega attended Colombia vs Peru international friendly match at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.[30] From September 10 to 16, 2015, Vega attended Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week. Among others, she attended Angel Sanchez Show, Concept Korea Show, Axe and Esquire Show, Zang Toi Show, Nicholas K Show.[31] Vega also attended Shenzhen Show, Sherri Hill Show, and the Australian Evening & Bridal Wear Show.[32] On September 11, 2015, Vega attended Annual Charity Day hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC at BGC Partners, INC in New York City.[33][34] On September 28, 2015, Vega attended the Fashion 4 Development's 5th annual Official First Ladies luncheon at The Pierre Hotel in New York City.[35] It was also around this time during her reign Donald Trump acquired full ownership of the Miss Universe Organization and sold the entire company, ending his affiliation with the pageant.
On December 10, 2015, Vega and the 2015 Miss Universe contestants participated in the traditional National Gift Auction held at the Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, Nevada.[41] On December 20, 2015, Vega crowned her successor Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada.[42][a]
^During the live telecast, at first, she crowned Ariadna Gutiérrez due to an announcement mistake by Steve Harvey. Once Harvey apologized to the audience, she removed the crown on Gutiérrez and placed it on Wurtzbach's head.
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