Awien Kuanyin-Agoth (Wendy Kuanyin) ’13, was determined to change the world one beauty pageant at a time. After graduating from Regina Dominican, Kuanyin began online college classes and focused on her modeling career. She was crowned the new Miss World South Sudan on September 12, 2014.

Kuanyin has had an interest in modeling for as long as she can remember. She had her first photoshoot, at age 12, for a Chicago local magazine called CY Magazine. “I had so much fun that day that I decided modeling was what I wanted to do,” said Kuanyin.

Growing up, Wendy’s modeling career was influenced by many women she admired. “My greatest influence would have to be Alek Wek, whom is the epitome of beauty at its finest and paved the way for South Sudanese models,” said Kuanyin.

Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell are other inspirations for Kuanyin. These women not only had successful modeling careers; they also changed the world for the better. Banks and Campbell donated so much time to charities and mentoring young women.

These women were the inspiration that gave Kuanyin the determination to compete in the Miss World pageant. She describes this pageant as one of her biggest accomplishments. After being crowned Miss South Sudan, she competed for the Miss World title in London and finished second for the judging interviews, falling behind France.  

In order to be eligible to compete for this pageant, each participant must complete a certain project of their choice. “My project was working with
an orphanage in Juba, South Sudan known as Confident Children out of Conflict, or CCC,” said Kuanyin.

Kuanyin described her accomplishments as, “Just the beginning.” She has aspirations to one day be featured in Vogue or walk down a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Catwalk. She says her dreams may seem unrealistic to others, but she is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure they are achieved.

Kuanyin describes pageants as a mix of emotions. There are times she is laughing and enjoying herself, but sometimes she becomes overwhelmed and anxious. “Something what keeps my mind at peace during all the craziness of pageantry is the advice my family gave me: “just do your best and everything else will fall into God’s hands,” said Kuanyin.

The Regina Dominican community is very proud of Wendy Kuanyin and her accomplishments. We wish her the best in life and lots of luck with her modeling career.

Regina girls are destined to change the world, one alum at a time.