Emely Ruiz is the official representative of Valverde at the upcoming Miss Universe Dominican Republic 2018. Emely has always felt a great passion to help others, but especially children. Her dream has always been to create a centre for youth in Valverde since the biggest social problem that afflicts her province is the lack of programs for the development and empowerment of children and youth.
This cause is very close to her heart since her little brother and she spent most of their time in a youth centre when their family lost their home because of Hurricane Wilma.