
Kirsten Gackowski is an accomplished model, influencer, international beauty pageant queen, and advocate for meaningful change. Holding titles such as Mrs Hawaii USA Earth 2023 and International Ms Philippines 2024, she combines her success in the fashion industry with a passion for social activism. Recognised as the “Beauty with a Mission,” Kirsten uses her platform to inspire and empower others globally.

HARPER’S BAZAAR VN (HBZVN): You’re a professional model and influencer who has been recognised as the “Beauty with a Mission” in Glamour Magazine Bulgaria and Marie Claire Ukraine. Social activism plays a significant role in your life. What does recognition mean to you, and how do you use it to advance your goals?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: To me, recognition means being publicly acknowledged for who you are, what you stand for, and the mission you’re pursuing. It signifies that people resonate with your message and the actions you’re taking to promote it. I use the recognition I’ve received to amplify my goals and mission by raising awareness of my brand, sharing my message, and shining a global spotlight on the social issues that matter most to me.

HBZVN: Your current title as Mrs Elemental Philippines highlights the importance of harmony with nature. How do you connect this philosophy with your social initiatives?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: I integrate this philosophy into my advocacies by aligning it with my social initiatives. I firmly believe that harmony in nature fosters peace in all aspects of life, including an individual’s personal journey. Many of the social issues I address create turmoil in people’s lives, disrupting their sense of peace. By promoting self-love and raising awareness of these issues, I aim to help individuals restore harmony in their lives, providing them with the resources and support they need.

HBZVN: How has your experience in public safety influenced your work as a model, influencer, and in beauty pageants?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: My background in public safety has shaped my approach to everything I do, instilling a “service first” mindset. I constantly ask myself how I can serve the community better and make a meaningful, global impact. This dedication to service extends to my work as a model, influencer, and beauty pageant competitor. It has also shaped my work ethic, teaching me to push beyond my limits. As we used to say in the academy, “The body can’t go where the mind hasn’t been.” This mentality helps me persevere through challenges with determination.

HBZVN: Your modeling career includes features in and interviews with major fashion magazines such as Glamour Bulgaria and Marie Claire Ukraine, collaborations with prominent brands like Drybar and the Hallmark Channel, and work with well-known clothing lines. Which companies or brands would you love to involve in supporting your social projects and initiatives?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: I would love to collaborate with brands like Herbal Essences, Versace, Gucci, Victoria’s Secret, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Balmain Paris, Paco Rabanne, and North Face, among others. These companies embrace inclusivity and diversity, values that align closely with mine. Promoting a global message of love and unity is incredibly important to me. Herbal Essences, in particular, holds a special place in my life as it’s been a staple since my high school years.

HBZVN: You balance studying for a doctorate at Purdue University, public advocacy, beauty pageants, being a model, an influencer, and full-time work in public safety. How do you prioritise and manage your time to achieve all this?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: Effective time management and de-stressing are crucial for me. I focus on one task at a time, giving it my full attention, which helps me stay organised and balanced. This approach ensures that I can dedicate the necessary time and energy to each aspect of my life. I also prioritise self-care by spending time with friends and family and going to the gym, which helps me recharge and maintain a healthy perspective.

HBZVN: You are an active advocate for women’s rights, particularly in combating domestic violence, and have spoken at events addressing this issue. How have these speeches impacted your audience and you personally? What key changes would you like to see globally to address this problem?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: Speaking at these events has allowed me to show people that there’s so much more to me than what they see on the surface. It demonstrates that I’m leveraging my platform as a force for good and a vehicle for change. Personally, these experiences have reinforced my commitment to raising awareness of these issues on a global scale and helping others find hope and support.
On a global level, I’d like to see more open dialogue about domestic violence. While it can be an uncomfortable topic, discussing it is essential for progress. I’d also advocate for stronger protections and better resources for victims to help them rebuild their lives.

HBZVN: What moments in your career or personal life do you consider the most inspiring examples for other women?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: Some of the moments I’m most proud of include being signed by top modeling agencies, starting my career in public safety, earning my beauty pageant titles, and pursuing a doctorate at Purdue University. These milestones demonstrate that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, even if it seems unattainable. I want to show other women that the possibilities are endless and that it’s possible to excel in multiple areas of life simultaneously.

HBZVN: How does it feel to break into the entertainment industry as an influencer? What has the experience been like so far?
KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI: It’s been a whirlwind experience, but an incredibly rewarding one. I’ve had the privilege of meeting amazing people and building meaningful connections. It’s a journey I never anticipated, and now, speaking with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam about it feels surreal. It’s a moment I’ll treasure forever.

Model: Kirsten Gackowski @kirsten.gackowski.
Photography: Jennee Johnson.
Photography & Styling: Grant Mills.
Makeup & Hair Stylist: Alisa Radoi.
PR: @multi_publications.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam