Miss Teen USA 2017 pageant concluded with the crowning of Sophia Dominiguez-Heithoff as the winner. For her winning answer, Sophia said, "It's important to remember that as Miss Teen USA, you are a role model. I would love to be the Miss Teen USA that could accept everyone, especially for their differences."

During one of her recent interviews, Sophia spoke to USA TODAY about her future plans and said that she is dedicating the pageant’s $10,000 scholarship and $5,000 cash prize to her studies, majoring in ethics and political science. She hopes to eventually attend law school. "I would love to represent minorities in America, and that means not only people of other ethnicities but also women," she said. "I’ve advocated for people with developmental disabilities multiple times in the Missouri state legislature and I think one of the most daunting things I saw was the lack of female representation. Women make up over 50% of the US population and yet we lack representation in our government across the nation and I think that’s a big issue we have."

Talking about her inspirations and motivations, Sophia said, "I've been inspired by multiple people in my life, including Amal Clooney. She’s really inspired me to want to maybe get into pursuing law in a way that can help people domestically and around the world."

The newly crowned Miss Teen USA shared that she wants to focus on spreading awareness about disability rights. Inspired by her aunt who has Down syndrome, Dominguez-Heithoff first visited the Missouri Capitol at the age of 15 to advocate for people with developmental disabilities, later presenting research to the Senate and House for a bill that would provide quality care to disabled Missourians.

"My aunt Joanne is in her 40s...my mother is actually her legal guardian, so I essentially grew up with her as a sister," she said. "I’ve seen her throughout the many stages in her life, and obviously when someone ages with a developmental disability, it is very difficult and I’ve seen the challenges she’s had, even though she has a very supportive family. And I realized at a very young age that not everyone can have the same opportunity my aunt has had."

The beauty also has a message for all young advocates, and says, “Don't let your age stop you from participating in the political process. I think the biggest thing I learned is if you go into a meeting with confidence, and if you go into a conversation having done your research, people will take you seriously," she said. "Being a 16-year-old and not even being able to vote for those who represent me yet, but still having a role in civics, is one of the best things the American political process can give."