"I really look up to Tyra Banks. If it wasn't for her, The Real Catwalk would have never taken place. She pushed me to come out of my comfort zone when I strutted for her and ANTM in the middle of Times Square by myself in March 2017. Days later, there were seven of us doing our first catwalk for diversity and being cheered by hundreds of people. I learned a lot by watching Tyra — she always shares different accounts on social media, highlighting unique forms of beauty that otherwise I wouldn't see in the media. I've always thought it was generous and inspiring of her to do, so I expanded upon that mission of highlighting all types of beauty and created space and platforms for the people that touched me emotionally. I see the beauty in all people, and I hope The Real Catwalk embodies that mission with everything we do. I also really admire Megan Jayne Crabbe, Sarah Chiwaya, and Kelly U among many for being authentic, genuine, honest, open, and kind, yet moving and shaking the world to be a safer space for all."
