Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Anita Wallace
Must finish first in their group to advance to the Semifinals.
Voting for this round ends on August 28, 2026 at 10:00 PM EDT
About Anita Wallace
I’m a proud “Texafornian”, born and raised in Texas, now living in California. My four children have been my greatest blessings. Entering this contest feels empowering, but asking for votes is outside my comfort zone. Read more below to learn why…
Learn More About Anita Wallace
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I came across this competition and thought, “Well, there’s something I haven’t done before.” As I read more and learned it is part of RISE, founded by Amanda Nguyen, I knew I had to enter. You see, I am also a sexual assault survivor but have kept that part of my story hidden in the shadows. It’s time to step into the light. Also while growing up, I received mixed messages. I was told things “came easily” for me, yet at the same time, I was made to believe I shouldn’t expect much out of life because I had been dealt a “bad hand.” Fear of asking for any kind of help became my stumbling block. I am ready to leave that stigma behind, step outside my comfort zone, and walk the catwalk in New York City! I will soon turn 60 and feeling like this is exactly the adventure I am destined for.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
Winning this contest would mean breaking free from the stigma of believing I shouldn’t expect much out of life. It would mean conquering the fear of what others might think of me for entering a competition like this and finding the courage to publicly share that I am a sexual assault survivor. To do that while surrounded by RISE, its mission, and Amanda Nguyen, whose story is an inspiration to people around the world, would make the experience even more meaningful. Over the past few years, I have faced several serious health challenges that temporarily knocked me down. Today, I feel stronger, healthier, and ready to begin an exciting new chapter as I enter my 60s. Winning this contest would represent more than walking a runway—it would represent stepping fully into my own life with confidence, freedom, and hope.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am most proud of raising four children; three sons and one daughter. Watching them grow into capable, caring adults and seeing their successes brings me tremendous pride. Unfortunately and tragically my eldest son is no longer on this earth; I do carry him in my heart and mind always. I am also proud that I chose to go through psychotherapy to heal from my past traumas instead of allowing them to define my future. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it changed the direction of my life. Today, I am stepping out of the shadows and into the light with a lighter heart and a renewed outlook. One of the greatest things I have overcome is the fear of what other people think or say about me. I know who I am. I know I am a good person who contributes to the world in a positive way. For the first time in my life, I truly believe I deserve amazing adventures, meaningful experiences, love, admiration, support, and joy. Most importantly, I have learned that I deserve to be unapologetically myself.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
Honestly, this one is easy. I would use the $20,000 to pay down medical debt and help cover future medical procedures. My three living children are all financially stable, and I know without a doubt they would help if I asked. But I don’t want to ask. I want to achieve successes of my own. I want to stand tall, knowing I earned this opportunity through courage, perseverance, and determination. I would also donate to RISE because without that foundation this wouldn’t be happening. Receiving this prize would give me peace of mind, while allowing me to remain humble, grateful, and deeply appreciative of everyone who believed in me along the way.
Content from Anita Wallace
RISE Runway Video
Here’s the video Amanda asked to be posted of my runway walk
Runway Video With All The Bloopers 🙃😆
Vegas Wedding - What To Wear?!?
Going to an 🥵August🥵 wedding in Las Vegas… Which dress should to wear?
Vegas Vogue
I felt confident doing this video. It was empowering not to care what other people might be thinking if they were watching.
Vote for Anita Wallace
Rise is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that helps sexual assault survivors across the country and around the world. They’ve created the most successful legislative reform movement in U.S. history: 120 laws passed, 1 UN Resolution and 112 million people’s lives impacted by their efforts.
How It Works
Free votes
Get 1 free vote daily. Verify yourself through Facebook to make sure you're a real human.
Cast Charity Votes to Help Your Favorite Entrant While Supporting Rise
These votes benefit Rise. The best part? There's no limit on how many you can cast.
Confirm payment
Confirm and complete payment if needed.
Share
Share the profile to invite your friends to vote!
POWERED BY
Elevate provides life-changing prizes for participants, impactful engagement for brands, and helps generate millions of dollars in donations for worthwhile charities through our interactive competitions like NEXT RUNWAY STAR and NEXT MUSIC STAR.