Beatrice “Bea” Millan-Windorski, a Filipino American, recently claimed the title of Miss Earth Water 2024, showcasing her passion for environmental advocacy. Representing the United States, Millan-Windorski proudly embraced her heritage and used the platform to voice crucial environmental issues during the pageant held in Manila.
A notable moment came when host Robi Domingo asked if it was her first visit to the Philippines. Millan-Windorski warmly recounted her childhood trips to La Union, where she spent time with her grandmother and volunteered at a turtle sanctuary. This experience sparked her enduring commitment to environmental conservation.
In the final Q&A, she emphasized the need to merge traditional wisdom with modern technology for environmental sustainability, quoting, “We don’t inherit the world from our ancestors; rather, we borrow it from our children.” This sentiment highlighted her focus on preserving the planet for future generations.
Ahead of the competition, Millan-Windorski used social media to campaign against fossil fuel funding and called for prioritizing environmental protection over profit. An aspiring diplomat and a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she aims to work with the US State Department or the United Nations and actively supports climate refugee initiatives through the International Refugee Assistance Project.
Millan-Windorski’s win as the first Filipino American Miss Earth USA marks a significant milestone, symbolizing her commitment to inspire change and amplify important causes. The title of Miss Earth 2024 was awarded to Australia’s Jessica Lane.
