Read the exclusive interview with the young woman who for years fully dedicated her life to helping others and making a difference in her community
With the Miss World Brazil 2026 national competition set to begin in Brasília and the grand final scheduled for 31 January, CNB announces an important new chapter in its humanitarian mission. Letícia Frota, Miss World Brazil at the 71st Miss World Festival and a Beauty With a Purpose winner, has been appointed as the new Beauty With a Purpose Coordinator for Miss World Brazil.
Hailing from Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon, Letícia brings lived experience, commitment, and deep-rooted purpose to the role. Her appointment reinforces the central place that Beauty With a Purpose holds within Miss World and Miss World Brazil.
“Being in this new moment of my life, coordinating Beauty With a Purpose, fills me with honor. I dedicated myself deeply to this work; it is the greatest passion of my life,” Letícia shared. “To be able to develop projects focused on the fight against Hansen’s disease, combatting hunger, and also the initiatives created by the candidates in their own regions is truly an honor.”
Drawing from her own journey, Letícia emphasized that meaningful impact requires more than motivation.
“From experience, I know that it is not enough to have something that inspires us. There must be planning, the pursuit of support, team work and focus on achieving results. This is how we create change, not only in the immediate term, but in the long run.”
As Miss World Brazil prepares to crown its next titleholder, Letícia underlined that Beauty With a Purpose will remain at the core of the winner’s mission.
“The Miss World Brazil who will be elected on the 31st will have Beauty With a Purpose as her main focus. This is, after all, the very reason Miss World exists. Only those who have lived the Miss World Brazil and Miss World experience understand that this goes far beyond a beauty contest. Beauty may be the invitation, but purpose is what gives meaning to everything.”
Letícia also reflected on her time working closely with Julia Morley CBE, describing it as formative to her understanding of humanitarian leadership.
“I traveled to different countries alongside Julia Morley as Miss World Americas and witnessed, in every action of hers, a deep concern for delivering concrete help to people, especially children. I was also touched by how JEM and her team protected and motivated us. That same care and respect are present in Brazil through CNB, and now I will be able to contribute so that Miss World Brazil and young women who wish to participate in the future truly understand the power they have to change Brazil and the world.”
Her plans as coordinator include a strong focus on the Amazon and Brazil’s Northeast, regions facing persistent social challenges.
“We plan to focus much of this work in the Amazon and in the Northeast of Brazil. I have been in close dialogue with Artur Custódio, a long-time partner in the fight against Hansen’s disease and a man who’s been doing it for decades, and we want to bring support to the regions that need it most, where Hansen’s disease incidence is higher and where hunger still exists.”
Working tireless along with Morhan and CNB in the fight against Hansen’s disease, got recognition by Pope Francis. She highlighted the importance of education as a tool for prevention and early treatment.
“Information prevents the spread of new cases and enables cure at the early stages of Hansen’s disease.”
Winning Beauty With a Purpose, Letícia says, was as meaningful as winning the Miss World title.
“Winning Beauty With a Purpose meant as much to me as if I had been crowned Miss World. Looking back, what I value most is the journey, being close to people, understanding their pain, and seeking ways to ease it.”
One of her key goals is to expand volunteer engagement across Brazil.
“You do not need to be a beauty contestant to contribute to a better world. You only need to want to act. I will be there to guide and show the path. We want to eliminate Hansen’s disease and hunger in Brazil, and I truly believe we can achieve this together. I invite everyone to join us”.
In parallel with her new role, Letícia continues her humanitarian work as an ambassador for Amigos do Reino, delivering food to vulnerable communities, particularly riverine populations in the Amazon, where access remains difficult and needs are greatest.
Her appointment marks a powerful step forward for Miss World Brazil, reaffirming that purpose is not an accessory to the crown, but its very foundation.
