Model and charity influencer Kirsten Gackowski about breaking stereotypes, empowering women and advocating for global social change

In a world where fashion often dazzles but rarely reveals the deeper stories, we meet a woman who embodies more than just beauty — she carries a mission. Not only a model and a titleholder, she is a voice for important social issues, a source of strength for those facing challenges, and a living example of how beauty can truly drive change.

Kirsten Gackowski is not only a celebrated model but also a dedicated charity influencer. Brave, determined, and grounded, her journey proves that success isn’t just about magazine covers or big-name brands — it’s about inspiring others, giving back, and making a lasting impact. In this interview, we dive into her path, her dreams, and how she turns every crown into a stepping stone for a better world.

Cosmo Check-In

City where you feel at home? Chicago.

Three words your friends would use to describe you? Brave. Determined. Giving.

Best compliment you’ve ever received? How down to Earth I was compared to others in the industry.

A book you recommend to everyone? The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit — magical and mystical in all the best ways.

A dream you haven’t fulfilled yet? Traveling the world and visiting every country tied to my bloodline and heritage.

Do you remember the moment when you realized that modeling was not just a random experience, but your true path? What was that starting point — and what were you like back then at the beginning?

I do remember this moment clearly. I realized it because no matter what I did in life, or how many times I tried to step away and explore other paths, I always found myself pulled back to it somehow. To me, that was a sign that it was meant to be part of my journey — my designated path.

As the saying goes, “What’s meant for you will always be for you”. So what’s meant to be, will always find its way.

At first, I was very unsure and honestly shocked that this was how my life had turned out. So many girls around the world dream of doing what I was doing, and somehow their dreams had become my reality. It felt surreal, and I wasn’t sure how to process it at the time. Even now, it sometimes still feels that way. There are moments when I stop and think, “Wow. Is this really my life?” And yes, it is. I thank God for that and for all the blessings I’ve received. I am truly grateful for everything.

When you work with brands like Coca-Cola or appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, it must be impressive. Which project has been the most significant for you — emotionally or professionally — and why?

The project that was most emotionally significant for me was being featured in and interviewed by Glamour Bulgaria. It was a huge milestone in both my life and my modeling career. This publication is incredibly well-known worldwide, and the fact that I was able to be a part of it — and then be dubbed “Beauty with a Mission” — was truly mind-blowing. It confirmed to me that my path was always meant to be this.

Professionally, working with all the major global brands I’ve collaborated with has been deeply significant. These are brands recognized worldwide, and working with them is a milestone for any model’s career. My Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam cover was a major professional achievement. Many models who have been in the industry for years still haven’t had that opportunity. What makes it even more special is that the publication has to approve and agree to feature you — whether it’s an article, interview, or any other project — which is no easy feat.

Being able to speak with Cosmopolitan Ukraine about my journey was another surreal experience I will never forget. It really shows the level of success and professionalism one must reach in the industry for opportunities like these to come around, and I’m incredibly grateful for each of them.

Every one of these experiences has given me great strength and has shown not only me but the world that I am meant to be on this path — I was always meant for this. It’s a bit of a full-circle moment back to what we talked about earlier, but at the same time, it’s all beautifully connected.

Glamour called you “Beauty with a Mission”. How would you describe your mission today — and has it changed over time?

I would say that my mission today is very much like it was back then. I strive to inspire others and show the world that women can excel in multiple areas of life at the same time. I also want to challenge the misconception that beauty — especially for a model — is a sign of weakness for women. Unfortunately, this is a belief held in many fields, but it’s the furthest thing from the truth. You can be strong, tough, resilient, and glamorous all at once.

My mission has evolved slightly, mainly because the reach of my platform and message is now much greater than when Glamour Bulgaria first called me “Beauty with a Mission”. Today, my platform and message operate on a global level.

Besides beauty, you openly speak about important social issues: mental health, domestic violence, prison reform. What lies behind your choice to address these topics, and why have they become so personal to you?

I speak about these issues because I have firsthand experience with them through my other work. I also know people in my personal life who have been affected by these struggles, and these topics aren’t discussed as openly as they should be.

Domestic violence is a problem many face, often because they can’t find the strength within themselves to leave those situations. When it comes to mental health, many are afraid to seek help. As a result, they become shadows of their former selves. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough resources to effectively address these challenges.

Prison reform is another important issue. Many people are incarcerated for minor or non-violent offenses, yet prisons should be reserved for serious and violent crimes.

Speaking with Cosmopolitan Ukraine and having the global platform I do, I want people around the world who face these struggles to know that they are seen and heard.

Can beauty be a tool for change — and if yes, how exactly can it influence people and society?

Yes, I absolutely believe it can be used as a tool for change. For me, as a model, an international beauty titleholder and queen, and as an influencer, I use these roles to drive positive social change by raising awareness about important issues and inspiring people around the world.

These attributes, combined with what numerous modeling agents have described over the years as my “ethnically ambiguous” and “multiracial and multiethnic” beauty, allow me to transcend societal and cultural barriers. Because of this, I’m able to inspire global change — people from all over the world can relate to me.

Mrs Hawaii USA Earth, International Ms Philippines, Mrs Elemental Philippines, Mrs Philippines Earth… What does each title mean to you — beyond the shine of the crown? Which one taught you the greatest internal lesson?

Each title I’ve held has represented growth for me. Modeling was something unexpected, and holding these titles was just as surprising. So many girls dream of becoming professional models or beauty queens, and somehow, that became my reality. It’s something I never anticipated or thought I could achieve.

My very first title marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. It was especially meaningful because it connected me to one of my bloodlines and heritages. My second and third titles brought bigger responsibilities — representing an entire country — and linked me to another part of my heritage. The Philippines is well known in the pageantry world, and these titles meant a lot to me because of the personal connection.

My current title, Mrs. Philippines Earth, means the world to me. Not only does it connect me to one of my bloodlines and heritages, but it also symbolizes significant personal growth.

With this title, advocating for sustainability, environmental conservation, and global eco-friendly initiatives has become my favorite part. These causes are very important to me. We should all strive to leave the Earth in a better state than we found it, ensuring brighter, healthier futures for generations to come.

You became the face of a national campaign against violence toward women in the Philippines. Which results of this initiative are especially meaningful to you?

What means the most to me about this initiative is the impact it achieved both nationally and globally. Collaborating with the Philippine Consulate General was deeply meaningful for many reasons. As a national titleholder for the Philippines, working on a campaign for a cause so close to my heart was incredibly special.

Additionally, this experience was even more meaningful because of my personal connection to the Philippines through one of my bloodlines and heritages on my mother’s side. It was truly an incredible journey.

Tell us more about your academic work. What motivates you to keep going and continue your education?

What motivates me to keep going and continue my education is my quest for knowledge and my drive for academic excellence. Many professional models and international beauty pageant titleholders don’t have extensive education—in fact, I’d say that’s true for a large part of society. But for me, education is an important part of who I am.

I love learning new things, but more importantly, I believe education is essential. A quality education can open doors to opportunities you never imagined. Pursuing education at the level I have, and will continue to do, is a testament to my dedication to my field and my resilience as a person. It also proves what I’ve said before — that it’s possible to excel in multiple areas of life at the same time.

What fills you up beyond the stage and cameras? Is it sports, books, travel — or maybe something else?

What truly brings me joy beyond being in front of the camera and on stage is traveling to new places, discovering new restaurants, and trying different foods. Growing up as a multiracial and multiethnic child, I was fortunate to be exposed to the cuisines of all my different bloodlines and heritages. Family gatherings introduced me to a wide variety of cultures and unique dishes. This upbringing has definitely fueled my passion for traveling the world and experiencing new things.

Reveal a little secret: your guilty pleasure, strange habit, favorite series, or funny ritual that the internet doesn’t know about.

A guilty pleasure of mine is enjoying a nice glass of wine while sitting outside at a rooftop lounge or a similar spot. I just find it really relaxing and enjoyable. I also love being a passenger, riding around a golf course while sipping a cocktail or another drink. The combination of the views and the peaceful environment is so calming.

My favorite series are Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. A funny little ritual I have is sitting on the couch or at my desk, either watching TV or working on homework under a heated blanket while sipping iced tea. Oddly enough, that’s one of my favorite things to do.

Another quirky habit is when I get out of the car — I always turn off the air conditioning or heat first, then turn off the car. It seems like most people just shut the car off and leave it running, but I’ve always done it this way. Not sure why, but it’s just a thing I do!

Three things you can’t imagine your day without?

I can’t imagine my day without my phone, caffeine, and the gym.

How do you cope with doubts or difficult moments in your career and life? What helps you find inner strength?

I cope with difficult moments by reflecting on all that I’ve accomplished and experienced in my life. I use those achievements as motivation to keep striving and moving forward. I also lean on the people closest to me during tough times.

I have a very close inner circle of friends who truly know me in my everyday life, and they have helped me more than they probably realize. My friends and family are my greatest support — they help me refocus, center myself, and find my inner strength.

What does true success mean to you? Is it about recognition, inner peace, the ability to help others, or something else? How did you realize that this is what matters most to you?

To me, true success is being recognized on a large scale—not only for doing something amazing, but also being acknowledged by those in your industry who are bigger and more established. But even more importantly, true success means using that recognition to help others. It’s about giving back to the community, to those who have supported you, your fans—anyone who’s stood by your side—and being there for them when they need support.

I realized this early on, because success reveals who your true friends are and who genuinely cares about you. Those are the people worth focusing on.

Imagine yourself in 5–10 years. Where do you see yourself, what surrounds you, and what fills your life?

In 5 to 10 years, I imagine my life and career will have transformed even more than they have now. I see myself traveling the world and taking more time to relax. Hopefully, I will have completed my doctorate degree by then as well. Surrounding myself with my closest friends and family will continue to be a priority.

My story is still being written, and honestly, I’m just getting started.

Team:

Model: Kirsten Gackowski

Photographer: Emily Gualdoni

Stylist: Elizabeth Kelly

MUAH: Daniela Kosta