For Gabriela Botelho, Miss World Brazil 2026, Beauty With a Purpose is rooted in years of hands-on community service. Her current BWAP project supports Casa de Maria, Brazil’s first multidisciplinary support center dedicated to children and families living with rare diseases, while building on a humanitarian journey that began long before she entered pageantry.

Casa de Maria currently provides free, ongoing assistance to more than 100 vulnerable children and their families. The organization offers physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychological care, educational support, nutrition, legal assistance, social services, and family guidance, helping ensure that those facing rare diseases receive comprehensive care with dignity and hope.

Gabriela’s commitment to service began in 2019, at the age of 18, in the aftermath of the Brumadinho dam disaster, one of Brazil’s worst tragedies. For five years, she served as a volunteer Children’s Coordinator with Na Ação, organizing daily activities, creating safe spaces for children, and supporting families throughout the community’s long recovery process.

Today, as an Ambassador for Casa de Maria, Gabriela focuses on raising awareness of rare diseases while advocating for earlier diagnoses, greater visibility, and improved access to specialized treatment. She believes that increasing public awareness can directly change lives by helping families receive the care they need sooner.

Among her most impactful initiatives was leading a fundraising campaign to purchase a highly specialized walker for a young boy whose rare condition had been documented in only a handful of cases worldwide. The equipment was acquired during a critical stage of his development, helping him progress from assisted mobility to walking independently and eventually riding a bicycle.

Since being crowned Miss World Brazil, Gabriela has expanded the reach of her Beauty With a Purpose work. She launched a charitable fragrance project, organized a major fundraising gala, secured partnerships that now provide monthly genetic testing for children supported by Casa de Maria, and helped obtain a vehicle that transports families traveling long distances to receive specialized medical care. These initiatives have strengthened the institution’s ability to support children affected by rare diseases across Brazil.  

In addition to Casa de Maria and Na Ação, Gabriela has collaborated with organizations including MORHAN (Movement for the Reintegration of People Affected by Hansen’s Disease) and Colmeia, a children’s home that cares for youngsters awaiting adoption.