For Catriona Gray, her connection to Young Focus and Smokey Mountain is deeply personal, and she hopes this resonates most with those attending the gala. She often recalls meeting Ram Banzuela, a Young Focus programme manager who was once a student in the programme.

Banzuela’s journey is one of resilience, reflecting the potential that education unlocks. He, like many others, grew up in the Smokey Mountain and faced hurdles that would have limited his future. Young Focus provided him with a path to continue his studies and later, to give back to his community. Today, he works to ensure other children receive the same opportunities he did. His story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and what’s possible.

Gray’s ball will include performances by Filipino artists, many of whom share her commitment to uplifting communities. Through music and fashion—a reflection of her own passions—she aims to connect the audience with Young Focus’s work in a tangible way. It will also feature an auction of pieces that she wore during her Miss Universe journey, each item representing a moment in her career that she hopes will now serve a greater purpose.

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Yet Gray’s advocacy isn’t about headlines or grand gestures. Her commitment goes beyond high-profile events. She has helped facilitate feeding programmes and sponsored children’s education, knowing that each effort, however small, has a lasting impact. “In the long term, it’s about making sure kids not only go to school but have the resources to stay in school,” she says. Young Focus doesn’t stop at sponsorships and tuition fees; they provide holistic support, from career development to emotional support programmes, designed to help students overcome the challenges they face outside of the classroom.

Working with Young Focus has also taught Gray the power of storytelling, not only as a tool for awareness but as a means of honouring the dignity of those the organisation serves. “When you hear these stories—when you know the names, the faces—you start to understand why this work matters,” she says. “It’s not abstract; it’s deeply human.” She hopes the ball will allow people to see these stories up close and, in doing so, encourage others to contribute in whatever way they can.

While the Legacy Ball will focus on fundraising, Gray’s vision goes beyond a single evening. She envisions an enduring partnership, bringing in more individuals, brands, and companies to join the cause. The funds raised will be used to support school sponsorships, improve facilities, and expand programmes at Young Focus, reaching more children and providing them with the tools to change their lives. She believes that education can be the turning point for communities like Smokey Mountain, where each child given a chance to learn becomes a symbol of hope and potential.

For Gray, Young Focus remains more than a cause; it’s her grounding force. She acknowledges the privilege of her own education and the sense of agency it gave her. “Imagine what it’s like not to believe you have any potential because you were never given the means to see it,” she says. It’s a realisation that has guided her work, reminding her of the privilege—and the responsibility—of her platform.

Through her dedication, Catriona Gray is writing a legacy that goes way beyond pageantry, defined not by titles but by impact. For her, it’s not about the glamour or applause but the quiet, lasting change that comes from standing alongside those who need it most. The Legacy Ball, among her many initiatives, is proof of that commitment—a call to action, a celebration of resilience, and, perhaps most importantly, a promise that the work will continue.

Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.

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