A 61-year-old Filipino-American businesswoman broke the age and cultural barriers in an international beauty pageant after being crowned Mrs. Grand International in Myanmar recently.

Estella Fullerton bested equally beautiful, talented and intelligent contestants in the beauty pageant franchise.

The competition is open to women advocating for the rights of families and children. It also advocates inclusivity.

Fullerton will take over the crown that was won by Dr. Saiprasanna Bahera of India in 2023.

Filipina Zia Gee Cay placed second in the 2023 competition.

Before the Myanmar pageant, Fullerton won the Mrs. Grand Elite USA 2024.

“The 2024 journey promises to be a remarkable year, much like 2003, when I embarked on a first-class flight to a land of new beginnings,” she said in a Facebook post

She is married to Hal Fullerton of Arlee, Montana.

A naturalized US citizen since 2006, Estella is a community leader and philanthropist. She started the Filipino American Montana Organization, a non-profit group that provides educational assistance to indigent children. It also supports women in need.

“My passion for community service led me to found a nonprofit organization, and I joined pageantry to advocate for education and support for women and children,” she wrote in her social media post.