Miss France is the new Miss Universe.

Decked out in a gold-sequined gown, 24-year-old dental surgery student Iris Mittenaere beat 12 other finalists to take the crown. As Miss Universe, she will be campaigning for dental and oral care around the world.

“This sash is not only a sash,” said Mittenaere, who is from Northern France, in a Miss Universe interview after the pageant. “This is something to help people, to understand people.

Miss France is the new Miss Universe She talked about surviving the massive earthquake that rocked Haiti in 2010, and her determination and strength in overcoming such a huge disaster and the loss of some of her family members is something to be admired and revered. Pelissier may not wear the crown, but she’s still a hero in millions of eyes.