Destiny Wagner, Belizean entrepreneur and author, was named Miss Earth 2021, after besting over 88 delegates from around the world. Wagner, a 25-year-old native of Punta Gorda, was destined to win her country’s first ever world beauty title. She also became the first woman from the Caribbean and Central America to win in Miss Earth pageant. Miss Earth, the third largest beauty pageant in the world, is an annual international major beauty pageant that advocates for environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility. The last Latina to win Miss Earth was in 2019, Fashion model, Nellys Rocio Pimentel Campusano, representing Puerto Rico (parents from Dominican Republic).
Wagner, who speaks English, French, and Spanish, studied marketing and entrepreneurship at Pace University and Manhattan College. In 2016, Wagner moved from Punta Gorda to New York, and represented Belize at Miss Caribbean USA 2016 where she won Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. Wagner, who spent most of her childhood traveling with her parents and sister, credits her success to her humble lifestyle growing up in Belize.
"I was always surrounded by fresh air, vibrant coconuts trees... I learned how to swim before I walked," said Wagner.
Wagner was asked the Top 4 question how far can technology go to help save the environmental situation the world is currently in, and answered:
“I am so thankful to live in a digital age right now. Because of technology, we are able to spread awareness of things that are happening not only in my country but in other countries as well. However, technology can also be used to save our environment because by incorporating innovation and technology as well as sustainability, we can use those two things to come together. I am so thankful to be a woman now in 2021 and be able to have access to these things such as solar energy and renewable energy. When mixed together, there’s nothing that we cannot do. I am thankful to be in the digital age of technology and it will be used to save the planet.”
During the Pandemic, Wagner and 20 other Belizean writers wrote “Belizean Blues,” which aimed to raise awareness and funds to combat unequal education and child hunger issues in Belize. In one of Wagner's organized community clean up activities in Seine Bight village, she said:
"It is important to ensure that no plastic or garbage enters our beautiful waters. Efforts were put forth to educate the youth on the importance of disposing trash properly and taking care of our communities. We have to continue to advocate for our communities and our planet. The future generation depends on it."
"I am so excited to begin this journey as the new Miss Earth 2021 and I promise to do my best to fulfill my reign with grace & love. To the young women/men who have often been overlooked, forgotten or discredited, DO NOT GIVE UP! Your time will come and when it does it will come BIG."
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