The whole world was glued to the television when this year’s Miss Universe pageant results were being announced, we know we know, partly because of the major f*ck up that Steve Harvey did last year while announcing the results – he announced Miss Colombia as the winner while it was Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach who won the crown. Having said that, this year saw some really good contenders and beating all their counterparts, Miss France Iris Mittenaere won over everyone and took home the Miss Universe 2016 crown.  

© Reuters

It’s great to see that all these women who participated in this contest are not only drop-dead gorgeous but are intelligent and driven as well, which is truly inspiring to say the least. However, of all the contestants, there was one who equally deserved the crown and can be called the ‘dark horse of the race’ – it was the runner-up, Miss Haiti, Raquel Pelissier. This 25-year-old beauty looks nothing short of a goddess in this golden gown.     

24k magic ?? I am so proud to represent my country?? Thanks @fernandomarin1053 for this wonderful evening gown! #iamhaiti #haitianpride #haiti #missuniverse #confidentlybeautiful #missuniverso #misshaiti #65thmissuniverse #misshaitiuniverse  #missuniverse2016

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Jan 26, 2017 at 10:33pm PST

No one can be a better example for the phrase “Beauty with Brains” than her. She is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Scientific Research in Optometry and Vision.

To be a woman is to be a fighter  Photographer: @emilnaguib  Make-up: @salomonvalencia Hair: @fabianchacone  #missuniverse #confidentlybeautiful #missuniverso #misshaiti #65thmissuniverse #misshaitiuniverse  #missuniverse2016

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Jan 17, 2017 at 4:15am PST

In fact, Pelissier is also working on a research project on the regeneration of the optic nerve. It is also said that one of her goals is to help find a cure for blindness.

All glammed up ? Photographer: @carlosvelezfoto  Make-Up & Hair: @victoriadukebeauty  Styling: @lacasahermosa

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Dec 30, 2016 at 6:58pm PST

Almost seven years ago, she survived an earthquake that destroyed her hometown. This inspired her to not only value her life but to also fight for her goals and dreams. These are the traits of a true fighter!

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world "- Mahatma Gandhi

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Dec 1, 2016 at 7:33pm PST

Pelissier is quadrilingual, that is, she can speak French, Spanish, Haitian Creole and German. She also likes going to museums and reading books.

If you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up nowhere !! #FocusOnYourGoals #InvestInYourself #Roadtomissuniverse ?? Photo: @alexg.dr  Make-Up: @kate.pedie  Swimsuit: @acuariotrajesdebano Accessories: @Rosasdecristal Hail: @salonsalomerd Styling: @Chrispuesan

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Dec 7, 2016 at 6:58am PST

She is said to train in crossfit and also enjoys doing aerial dance.

If you were from where I'm from, then you would know??? #toallmyhaitians #haitianpride Photographer: @fredericgeorges  Hair & Makeup: @mattidomingue Swimwear : @attitudebylory  Location: @moulinsurmer  Styling: @chrispuesan #MSM2016

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Dec 25, 2016 at 9:11am PST

Pelissier truly is an inspiration for all the women around the world.

Less is definitely more ?  Photographer: @carlosvelezfoto  Make-Up & Hair: @victoriadukebeauty  Styling: @lacasahermosa

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Dec 30, 2016 at 5:43am PST

How can one be so beautiful!    

Universe, Let's do this !? #iamhaiti #haitianpride #haiti #missuniverse #confidentlybeautiful #missuniverso #misshaiti #65thmissuniverse #misshaitiuniverse  #missuniverse2016  Photographer: @emilnaguib  Make-up: @salomonvalencia Hair: @fabianchacone

A photo posted by Raquel Pelissier (@raquelpelissier) on Jan 23, 2017 at 12:08am PST