Katie Meade is the new face of Beauty & Pin-Ups’ Fearless Hair Rescue Treatment, marking the first time that a model with Down syndrome has been the star of a beauty campaign. For Meade, this is one more accomplishment to add to a list that includes battling heart surgery, competing in the Special Olympics and working as a Best Buddies International spokeswoman. For Beauty & Pin-Ups CEO Kenny Kahn, the decision was an obvious one. As he told People Style, “as soon as we came up with the name ‘Fearless’ it was really easy. We were like, ‘Well, Katie's fearless.’”

At America’s Beauty Show last month, MODERN saw Meade take the stage at the Beauty & Pin-Ups runway show, where she talked about her accomplishments and why her role as a Beauty & Pin-Ups model is significant. She is proud of the work she is doing to break down barriers for all people with disabilities, and the strides she is taking to redefine what beauty means for everyone.

“I like to look good,” says Meade, “because when you look good, you feel good about yourself.”

Last July, Beauty & Pin-Ups announced their charitable partnership with Best Buddies International, the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We’re not doing it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Khan, “we are doing this because it’s the only thing to do.”