9. Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe

Question: “One of your proudest achievements was standing up to one of your professors back in college. Now, what have you stood up for recently?”

Answer: “Oh. When I fell on the stage last Friday. (laughs) I believe that I had stood up for all the women who had fallen whether on- or off-stage. I believe that through this example of mine, I have shown courage and strength of being a woman, of being who I am. And I hope to be a good example to the rest of the women in the world.”

The Miss Universe catwalk is no cakewalk and Miriam Quiambao is an example of that. Instead of moping over this infamous moment, she used it as an advantage and a metaphor to send an empowering message to women. You go, girl!