Passaic, NJ — Mayor Hector C. Lora presented the Key to the City to Joheirry Mola Domínguez, Miss World 2026 and Miss Mundo Dominicana 2025, during a reception held Friday at William Paterson University, recognizing her historic accomplishments and her connection to the City of Passaic, where she was born.

The reception was hosted by William Paterson University President Dr. Richard J. Helldobler, alongside Carol Cuadrado, MPA, Associate Vice President for Government and University Relations, who helped coordinate the occasion. Mayor Lora also presented Mola with an official City proclamation and recognized her as a Distinguished Ambassador of the City of Passaic.

“Joheirry’s story is one that makes our entire community proud,” said Mayor Hector C. Lora. “She was born in Passaic, raised in the Dominican Republic, and has gone on to make history. Her success is remarkable, but so is her commitment to giving young people opportunities through education. We are proud to recognize her accomplishments and the connection she shares with our city.”

Mola made history on September 5, 2026, when she was crowned Miss World in Vietnam, becoming the second Dominican woman to win the title, 44 years after Mariasela Álvarez’s victory in 1982.

An educator, journalist, and community advocate, Mola is the founder of Voices of Tomorrow, an initiative focused on expanding English-language education for children in underserved communities. She has also worked as a correspondent for Univision New York’s Ventana a Quisqueya, covering Dominican culture and community stories.

During the reception, Mola expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the warm welcome, sharing her appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate her accomplishments with the community of her birthplace.

The recognition holds special meaning in Passaic, home to a large Dominican community whose families, businesses, and traditions have helped shape the city’s identity.

Mayor Lora will formally celebrate the presentation of the Key to the City in Passaic on Saturday, November 7, at 4:00 PM, during a special ceremony and reception at Passaic City Hall, welcoming Mola to the city where her story began.