I am resilient, I am strong, I am fierce and I am also one of a kind. From an early age I was different from others and grew up fat and unpopular. I was also one of only four kids of color in my school; my childhood was riddled with ignorance surrounding me. So, I grew a foot, lost weight and became the long lanky kid in an attempt to fit in. I felt as though I couldn’t win finally realized I had already won. The things that made me different and stood out would be the things that made me shine and stand indeed out!

I think this show is so important and so needed. We need a platform to spread a message that this: fashion is not a one size fits all industry. Also, the Fashion Hero is needed as a platform to those who feel left behind, forgotten and under-appreciated so that they have a voice and an important role in the spotlight, to shine a light on the need for diversity.

I dream of being a great and inspiring role model for this generation as I strive to live my truth and be who I was meant to be. In doing this I hope to give our generation and the next the freedom and permission to do the same; the opportunity to stand out and shine. I’m 6’5 so despite being too tall to be a conventional model I have refused to let my height stop me pursuing my dreams. I work hard to improve myself and the lives of others every single day and don’t take anything for granted. I have been faced with so many challenges in life but instead of that being a downfall, I believe it will enable people to relate to me above most other contestants. If I can brighten the day of or inspire just one person then my mission will be complete – a mission to be brave, to take a leap of faith in trusting that they are unique, and that everyone should shine and until they take the steps to do so, the world sadly won’t see their light.❤️