Dominika van Santen, was born on July 15, 1983 in Maracaibo. She is a multifaceted model, professional dancer and a beauty contestant of Dutch and Venezuelan ancestry. Growing up in Venezuela, Dominika graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications (Film, Radio and Television). She has also been doing ballet for more than 15 years. At the age of 18 she commenced her modeling career. When her father saw an article in the newspaper regarding a beauty contestant insisted that Dominika entered the contest. Dominika was a little reluctant at first, but eventually gave into her fathers request, entered the competition and ended as the winner. After the beauty pageant she was offered numerous modeling gigs with local and international companies like Pepsi, Philips, Infonet, and Diesel Clothing among others.

She has appeared on magazine covers like EME, Facetas and Tendencia in California and fashion campaigns like Gallo (beer) in Guatemala. Also, appeared in an editorial & Interview for the Maxim Magazin in Holland in November 2006 after the Top Model of the World.

Dominika particpated in the Top Model of the World 2005 pageant, held in Humen in China and she was the second Venezuelan to win the competition, after Jacqueline Aguilera in 1995.

As the reigning Top Model of the World she traveled the world to participate in fashion shows. As of October 2006 she visited several countries including China, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and the UK.

Van Santen crowned her successor Natalia Guimaraes from Brazil during the 2006 Telecast of Top Model of the World pageant finale in February 2007, which was held in Kunming (China)

After she gave to "Crown" to her successor, she headed to one of Europe's fashion centers, London and signed with model and talented agencies. She has worked as a model and gained considerable experience while posing for magazine covers, commercials and video clips. Her job has taken her to several European countries. Despite her hectic schedule, Dominika is still not adverse to new challenges.