Nicole Haragutchi

Nicole Haragutchi (14), from the United States was diagnosed with a facial malformation before birth, which was fortunately corrected as she grew into a healthy baby. That experience shaped her purpose — at just 9 years old, she chose to dedicate her pageant platform to supporting students with special needs, and founded the organization “If You Can Dream” to make their dreams come true worldwide.

Her first challenge was raising funds to bring a student with special needs all the way from Brazil to Disney World. From there, her work only grew — coordinating the UniversAbility Pageant in Florida for students with special needs from the USA, Canada, Brazil, and the Philippines, and helping make dreams come true for around 50 students across six countries.

Nicole also mentors students in science, developing about 15 environmental protection solutions, including a water quality monitoring vessel to help protect endangered species like Florida’s manatees and Indiana’s freshwater mussels. She’s delivered solar-powered LED lamps to disadvantaged students in Ghana and the Philippines, and mentored over 500 students across the USA, Brazil, Ghana, Liberia, and Saudi Arabia.

During the pandemic, she supported hundreds more families affected by COVID and natural disasters like floods and typhoons — proving big dreams can start at any age.