Melissa Núñez aims to amplify the voices of people with autism and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s

Santo Domingo.- Miss Universe Dominican Republic 2026, Melissa Núñez, stated this Thursday that her goal is to promote inclusion, autonomy, and support for families of people with autism, as well as to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, through her social initiative Beyond the Crown.

Núñez stated that his mission is to amplify the voices of people with autism and promote greater opportunities for them to learn, work, and live with autonomy.

“Every crown has a purpose. Mine is to amplify the voices of people with autism, raise awareness, and promote a world where they have more opportunities to learn, work, and live with autonomy,” expressed Núñez in a video posted on her Instagram account, while sharing the message that defines her social work.

The beauty queen also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects not only those who suffer from it, but also their families and caregivers.

“Also, to give visibility to Alzheimer’s, a condition that reminds us of the importance of empathy, companionship, and love towards those who live with it and their families,” he/she stated.

The beauty queen also reported that her official Beyond the Crown video is now available on the Miss Universe YouTube channel and invited the public to watch and share it to bring this message to more people.

“I invite you to watch it, subscribe to the channel, and leave me your comments. Share it so that this message reaches further!”, highlighted the Dominican beauty.

Melissa Núñez highlights education and inclusion as tools for transformation

Drawing from her experience in psychology and community service, Núñez maintained in her audiovisual that knowledge acquires true value when it reaches those who need it most. Therefore, she considers it fundamental to promote timely detection and support, strengthen caregiver education, and facilitate access to reliable information.

In the case of autistic individuals, early support and inclusive opportunities can foster their development, social participation, and independence. Likewise, for those living with Alzheimer’s, a timely assessment, proper care, and guidance for their caregivers represent important aspects to improve their quality of life.

“Awareness alone is not enough. We can help by educating ourselves, supporting families and caregivers, promoting inclusive environments, and connecting communities with reliable resources,” he/she noted.

Your proposal seeks for the message to transcend digital platforms and translate into concrete actions that contribute to the well-being of people and their families.

A commitment that goes beyond the crown

Through Beyond the Crown, Núñez proposes working alongside professionals and organizations to promote early support, strengthen caregiver preparation, and provide practical tools to families in need of guidance.

For the Dominican representative, the impact of a social initiative should not be measured solely by its reach, but also by the positive changes it can generate in people’s lives.

“Because the commitment must continue even when the applause ends,” she stated, highlighting that social responsibility represents an essential part of her experience as a beauty queen.

In that sense, consider that the most significant results can be reflected in everyday situations: a family that finds answers, a child who receives the support they need, or a caregiver who discovers that they do not have to walk their path alone.

The Dominican representative highlighted that, today, it is estimated that 62 million people worldwide are autistic, while 57 million people were living with dementia in 2021, with Alzheimer’s being responsible for the majority of cases.

“Two different realities united by a single responsibility: ensuring that individuals and families have access to education, guidance, and proper care,” stated Melissa Núñez, who holds the crown of Miss Universe Puerto Rico.

In that sense, he/she expressed the importance of raising awareness about these conditions and ensuring that the affected individuals, as well as their families, receive the necessary support.

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