Breaking Barriers: My Journey as a Woman of Color in the Fashion Industry

✊🏽Overcoming adversity: I have defied expectations and pursued my dreams despite facing discrimination and challenges due to my skin color.

🌟Fashion icon award: I am honored to receive the fashion icon award and be recognized for my contributions to the industry.

🌍Philanthropic work: Through my charity initiatives, I have supported various causes like hurricane relief, education, and healthcare.

❤️Sisterhood in the industry: I am grateful for the support of fellow models like Cindy, Stephanie, Linda, Christie, Claudia, and Kate.

🙏Gratitude to mentors and supporters: I express my thanks to influential designers, photographers, and my mother for their guidance and belief in me.

How have you overcome obstacles in the fashion industry?

—Despite facing discrimination based on my skin color, I have persevered and let it drive me to pursue my dreams and push for diversity in the industry.

What does receiving the fashion icon award mean to you?

—Being honored with the fashion icon award is a special recognition for my contributions and impact in the fashion industry throughout my career.

Can you tell us about your philanthropic work?

—Through my charity initiatives, including Fashion for Relief, I have supported various causes such as hurricane relief, education, healthcare, and aiding refugees.

Who are some of your closest friends in the industry?

—I consider fellow models Cindy, Stephanie, Linda, Christie, Claudia, and Kate as my sisters, and their unwavering support has been invaluable to me.

Who has been influential in your journey?

—I am grateful for the guidance and support of influential designers like Mark Jacobs, Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and photographers like Irving Penn and Peter Lindbergh. My mother has also been a significant source of strength and belief in me.

00:00As a woman of color, I have faced challenges in the fashion industry due to discrimination.

03:53I have always pushed for diversity and equality in the industry.

06:00I thank the supporters and mentors who have been there for me throughout my career.

07:58Receiving the fashion icon award is a great honor and a recognition of my contributions to the industry.

08:22I express my gratitude to the fellow models who have been like sisters to me.

05:22My philanthropic work includes supporting causes like hurricane relief, education, and healthcare.

05:56I reflect on my journey and express gratitude to the photographers and designers who have worked with me.

07:34I acknowledge the support and sacrifice of my mother in shaping who I am today.