The image of Kirby Jones, a Priory Project pupil in Monkton and a member of the gypsy community, is being used on billboards and adverts across Wales in connection with a campaign by the Equality and Human Rights Commission called 'Who do you see?'
Kirby, who gave a presentation recently to the European Parliament at Brussels, travelled to the launch of the campaign in Cardiff last week.
The 19-year-old from Pembroke also attended an Inquiry Panel in Wales, led by Dame Nuala O'Loan and Dr. Neil Wooding, Equality and Human Rights Commissioner for Wales.
Kirby said she welcomed the opportunity to represent her community.
"There are no role models to speak out on behalf of the gypsy community and I felt this was a chance for someone to do so... and for us to be recognised for the good that we do instead of the bad."
The commission's campaign challenges people to think again before putting negative labels on people based purely on their appearances, backgrounds or lifestyles.
The call coincides with the commission publishing findings of the first ever major survey into attitudes towards discrimination, equality and living together in Wales. The survey reveals that while the people of Wales have broadly positive attitudes, areas of significant prejudice persist.
A mobile billboard will be winding its way around the Welsh roads challenging people to think beyond their first impressions and see the real person.
Kirby's image was also used in a flash animation spanning over 15 metres being projected onto the commission's office in Cardiff.
Kirby is a former pupil of Monkton CP School, which supports the education of around 200 gypsy traveller pupils across the county and is widely regarded as one of the most successful services in Wales.
The school has succeeded in engaging gypsy traveller young people in education beyond the usual leaving age and equips them with the skills needed to enter higher education and pursue a range of careers.
This has been achieved through a mix of cultural sensitivity and relevant lessons.