Advocate Spotlight: Sherri Gorbett
April 2024 — Advocate Spotlight
BISA aims to honor specific individuals for their outstanding advocacy. This month, we’re highlighting BISA treasurer Sherri Gorbett as our featured advocate.
Sherri Gorbett suffered from changes in her health after living with breast implants. Now, Sherri's purpose is to connect with women to assure them they’re not alone, support their self-advocacy, and help them be heard.
→ Learn more about Sherri and her incredible life, work, and implant story.
When it comes to local advocacy in the Pacific Northwest, Sherri is a star who regularly exhibits and educates women. She’s also taken a lead role in organizing our “Knowledge is Beautiful” Fashion Show. Our annual event features speakers and models, along with opportunities to showcase local trends and designs.
Most importantly, the fashion show has become a platform to raise awareness and funds for the Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA). It’s a key event for us to come together and support the mission to assist women in optimizing outcomes and ensuring informed consent for patients considering breast implant surgery.
Sherri recently spoke to World Class Beauty Queens Magazine about her future plans. On May 4, 2024, she’s excited to compete globally in her next pageant as Mrs. Bend America 2024. Three winners will be selected to receive this year’s crowns, including:
Mrs. Oregon America (married woman, 1st place)
Mrs. Oregon AmeriCAN (married woman, 2nd place)
Miss Oregon America Strong (not married, 1st place)
Rather than a talent showcase, the parent emphasizes community engagement, confidence, and poise. Once crowned, Mrs. Oregon American and Mrs Oregon AmeriCAN will work together as title holders and move on to compete in Las Vegas as nationals in August 2024.
We’re so proud of Sherri for continuing to raise awareness for women involving implants, health care, and loving your body.
Q&A — Sherri Gorbett’s Advocacy
Who and what inspires you?
I find inspiration in women who bravely share their stories. It requires courage and vulnerability to turn personal challenges into opportunities to support others.
You’ve been representing BISA at local health fairs for the last few years. What have you learned?
More and more women are hearing about breast implant issues, so that’s great. It's invaluable to give them the resources and education they need. I’m proud of the awareness I’ve brought to the community.
Advocate Sherri Gorbett represented BISA at the Bend Health Fair on March 23, 2024.
How did you get involved with pageantry? What made you decide to compete?
I’m new to the pageant world. Honestly, it feels like pageants discovered me!
I helped organize a fashion show fundraiser in October 2023 for BISA. Among the volunteers were pageant participants, such as the 2021 Mrs. Oregon American, 2023 Mrs. Redmond, and 2023 Mrs. Cosmo’s.
During the event, I spoke about my own battle with breast implant illness and the FDA's safety announcement after my explant surgery. Following the fundraiser, Mrs. Cosmo suggested I participate in pageants due to the influence of my story on other women.
When I opened up to my friend about being asked to apply for Mrs. Bend, a significant moment unfolded. I expressed my worries about having to showcase myself in a swimsuit and heels, and my friend responded with a heartfelt message: "It's not just about how you look, but about the positive impact you can have on other women by embracing this opportunity." At that very moment, I fully understood the deep meaning of this journey as the next step in my advocacy.
“I know my experience can save others from going through what I did.
I’m embracing this new journey, learning along the way, and cherishing every moment and opportunity.
- SHERRI GORBETT
About Breast Implant Safety Alliance: BISA is a 501(c)3 women-owned nonprofit, patient-centered organization dedicated to improving breast implant safety and awareness—through direct collaboration with consumers, medical professionals, manufacturers, regulators, and advocates. BISA is a 100% volunteer organization not funded by implant manufacturers.
Media Contact: Maria Gmitro | maria@bisanonprofit.org | 843.501.6873