61-year-old Fil-Am beauty crowned Mrs. Grand International

Photo from Estela Fullerton/Facebook

As the Miss Universe Organization and other similar global platforms embrace inclusivity, a 61-year-old Filipino American’s recent success proves that age, cultural background or life roles are no barriers to achieving greatness and touching hearts to make a difference. 

Shattering age barriers and redefining beauty pageants, Estela Fullerton of Arlee, Montana, was recently crowned Mrs. Grand International 2024 during a global competition held in Myanmar. 

Her win is a powerful testament that age is just a number, as pageantry evolves to embrace inclusivity and boundless possibilities for women. 

In a Facebook post, Fullerton, who won Mrs. Grand Elite USA 2024 during a pageant in Seattle last year, expressed her gratitude for the opportunities life has given her. 

“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 shared. She extended her appreciation to her husband for his unwavering support, especially during life’s challenges, and urged women everywhere to overcome adversity, live fully and remain kind.

Having moved to Arlee in 2003, the pageant’s “Mrs. Popularity” awardee embraced ranch life alongside her husband, Hal Fullerton, while nurturing dreams that extended far beyond the Montana landscape.

A naturalized US citizen since 2006, she describes herself as a devoted wife and homemaker. Her life philosophy is deeply rooted in humility and kindness, values she champions both in her personal and professional endeavors.

Beyond her pageant achievements, Fullerton is a community leader and philanthropist. She founded the Filipino American Montana Organization, a nonprofit that provides educational assistance to underprivileged children and supports women in need. 

Writing on her social media bio, she shared, “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.”