A Brazilian-born activist and “green influencer” has been crowned Miss Germany. Domitila Barros, 37, who lives in Berlin was competing for the title against other contestants at Rust in the district of Ortenau in Baden-Württemberg, home of the famous theme park Europa-Park.
Barros grew up in a favela, the shanty towns that surround most Brazilian cities, where she worked with street children from an early age, teaching them to read and write appealing to acting and dancing. For her street children projec she received a “Millennium Dreamer Award” from the United Nations in New York. Barros later moved to Berlin and obtained a master’s degree in politics and social sciences.
Barros’ commitment to sustainability, environmental protection and social justice also played a role in earning her the title of Miss Germany.
“We all live on Mother Earth. And she needs us very much at the moment,” she said on stage at Europa-Park. Ms Barros wants to make her cause “cooler, maybe even a little sexier,” and she tries to do so through social media.
“The people I want to reach don’t read all the newspaper articles — but they scroll,” Barros said.
She is also a socially committed entrepreneur since 2017 as the founder of a swimwear brand that generates jobs for mothers in Brazil.
“Growing up in a less privileged part of this planet, I witnessed firsthand the effects of unsustainable, environmentally harmful and inhumane actions,” Barros said, according to the Miss Germany website. “That’s why the values of sustainability, environmental protection and social justice are so important to me.”
Organizers of the competition have changed the steriotype focus of the Miss Germany pageant in the last two years, judging on character and “missions”, instead of concentrating on beauty, looks and congeniality.
Miss Germany is a beauty pageant with a new philosophy that seeks to recognize and empower authentic and diverse women. At this year’s pageant, the winning candidate is an activist and businesswoman who has strong ties to Latin America. Before moving to Germany, she grew up in a Brazilian favela.
It is important to note that the candidates are not only judged by their physical appearance, but the achievements and personality of each of the competing women.
Domitila Barros was born and raised in a favela in northern Brazil, where her parents founded a project for street children where from an early age teaching them to read and write through acting and dance. The experience pushed her to be the most beautiful woman in Germany, and also a renowned activist, businesswoman, model, actress and influencer.
Barros, who moved to Berlin several years ago to pursue a master’s degree in political and social sciences, and has lived in the country ever since, wrote after having won the crown: “If you feel like giving up because you’re NOT seen results remember: The last thing to grow in a tree is the fruit! Overnight success takes decades!!!”
The new Miss Germany also celebrated connection built among the competitors: “I guess people underestimate the power of love!! The power of SISTERHOOD!!!”
Barros had been awarded by the UN in New York with a Millennium Dreamer Award, thanks to her efforts with street children in Brazil. She is also recognized as a “green influencer” because of the messages of sustainable living she released through social media.
It was precisely this environmental activism that Barros highlighted on her presentation letter for the contest, pointing out that thanks to her childhood in one of the least privileged places in the world, she knows first-hand the harmful effects of man on the environment and the serious consequences for humanity.
In her role as a businesswoman, Miss Germany also contributes to social improvements in her home country. Through her brand She is From the Jungle, founded in 2017, and offering swimwear, shampoo bars, and various accessories, Barros provides jobs for women from poor areas.
Her company, based in Berlin, has been defined as a Brazilian brand of handmade and socially-conscious tropical beachwear
Barros is proud Afro-Brazilian who defends the cause of her Ancestors in every of her social and cultural Activities
