A chat with Miss Universe Australia Hopefull Gabrielle

Well it is that time of year when the search to find the new Miss Universe Australia begins and this weekend at the Gold Coast Turf Club Stakes Day the judging panel will select the Queensland entrants in the Miss Universe Australia pageant
It is sure to be a sea of hats, frocks, and stilettos as the Champagne flows as the girls take to the stage.
Starting off our weekend of coverage we have a chat with Gabrielle Epstein one of the contestants who will be competing track side this weekend
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Gabrielle Epstein, I’m 20 years old and was born and raised on the Gold Coast. I am a full-time fashion model signed with Vivien’s Model Management Brisbane and my mother agency is Vision Models Los Angeles. I am also studying part-time a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Bond University.
What made you want to enter the Miss Universe pageant?
I saw it as an opportunity for a new experience as pageants are completely different to fashion modeling, make new because I truly believe that I can be such a positive role model for young girls.
If you are successful in the Miss Universe pageant you will become a role model to many young girls.  What do you think are the attributes of a good role model?
Passion and ability to inspire, determination, commitment to community, compassion and persistence.
 Who is your role model?
Ita Buttrose and Jennifer Lawrence.
Other than winning the Miss Universe pageant, what would you say are your biggest aspirations?
My biggest aspirations would be to upon completing my degree of Biomedical Science, to then complete a Bachelor of Surgery/ Bachelor of Medicine to eventually become a pediatrician.
 As much as the Miss Universe pageant is about the look, it is also about the woman.  What do you think you could bring to this role of Miss Universe Australia?
I think I could be a positive and relatable role model for young girls. I hate the stereotype that if you are involved in the fashion industry you can’t be intelligent – I work full time as a fashion model while studying Biomedical Science at university and know quite a few girls who do. I lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and very involved with my friends, family and the community.
What is your best style or beauty secret?
Drinking lots of water and leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Miss Universe pageant has a long history of association with charity.  Are there any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of Miss Universe to advance?
Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation (AADDRF). My grandmother has had advanced Alzheimer’s from an early age and with a growing aging population and serious increase in the disease predicted in the next few years, I truly believe more needs to be done to combat the devastating disorder.
If you could give one piece of advice to yourself five years ago, what would it be?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
 The Miss Universe pageant is all about empowering women.  What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to empowering women?
Education and sense of self.