For Pageant Winner, Service is Second Nature

As a student at St. John’s, Andreia Gibau ’17CPS was passionate about serving the local community. Now, as a recent graduate of the University—and the newly-crowned American representative to the Miss Earth Pageant—she’s bringing that same passion for service to a global stage.

“Being Miss Earth United States is an incredible opportunity to make a real difference,” she said. “I fell in love with the Miss Earth Pageant and its advocacy for the environment.”

Now in its 17th year, Miss Earth is an annual international pageant held to promote environmental awareness. This year’s finals competition will be held in November in the Philippines, with the winner serving as an ambassador to environmental protection campaigns worldwide.

Since being crowned Miss Earth United States in August, Ms. Gibau has been visiting elementary schools throughout the country and explaining climate change to students. “I discuss what it is, what causes it,” she said, “and most important—what they can do to address it.”  

Ms. Gibau, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, became involved in service at St. John’s during her freshman year, when she first participated in activities such as Midnight Run, Relay For Life®, and others.

As her passion for service grew, she sought new opportunities to help others, including chartering a chapter of Best Buddies at the University. “It’s an amazing organization,” she said. “Best Buddies creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Gibau will travel around the United States advocating for the environment before she journeys to the Philippines for the Miss Earth Pageant in November.

“Whatever your interest, there’s a place for you at St. John’s,” she said. “The University puts you in a position to reach your full potential and become a better person.”