Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Dawn Devaney
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 Dawn Devaney
At 55, I’m saying yes to the things that inspire me. I’m an optometrist, entrepreneur, world traveler, eyewear aficionado, swing dancer, and proud mom. At 4’11”, I may be petite but I’ve never let that stop me from showing up boldly.
Learn More About Dawn Devaney
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
For 30 years as an optometrist, I’ve helped people see the world more clearly. Now I want people to see themselves differently. Confidence isn’t measured by age, height, or size. It’s measured by the courage to show up. Fashion has been part of my journey in many different ways - from owning an eyewear boutique, where I loved helping people find eyewear that expressed their personality and made them feel confident, to being a founding board member of Runway to the Cure, a fashion show benefiting breast cancer research and local programs, and now studying fashion business and pursuing my dream of designing an eyewear line for petites. As a member of a dance team and the winner of Dancing with the Services, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about stepping onto the floor and having fun. Now I’m ready to bring that same confidence, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit to the runway. Confidence doesn’t expire, and it’s never too late to step into your spotlight.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
This opportunity would represent more than walking a runway - it would represent saying yes to a new chapter. Life hasn’t always gone as planned. I’ve navigated divorce, raised two amazing children, balanced a demanding career, sold the practice I built, and supported my family through life’s challenges. Through it all, I’ve learned how easy it is to put your own dreams on hold. This experience would remind me- and hopefully other women- that reinvention is possible at any age. It would give me the chance to combine my love of fashion, my dream of designing an eyewear line for petite women, and my passion for helping women feel confident in their own skin. Most of all, I’d hope someone sees me and thinks, “If she can start something new at 55, maybe I can too.” That would make this opportunity far bigger than a runway. It would be about giving others permission to believe their next chapter can be their best one yet.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I’m most proud of having the courage to reinvent myself. After building and selling the optometry practice I owned for 17 years, I found myself with the opportunity to explore what comes next. I’m studying fashion business, pursuing my dream of designing an eyewear line for petite women, and saying yes to opportunities that once felt out of reach. Life has taught me that resilience often means continuing to move forward when things don’t go as planned. Helping care for my father as he lives with Alzheimer’s and supporting the people I love through difficult seasons has taught me patience, gratitude, and to make the most of the moments we have. Those experiences have changed my perspective on what matters. The biggest thing I’ve overcome is the fear that starting over means starting from scratch. I’ve learned that everything I’ve experienced - the challenges, successes, and unexpected turns - comes with me. I’m not starting over. I’m building on what I already know.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
I would use the $20,000 to take the first meaningful step toward launching an eyewear line designed specifically for petite women. I’d invest in design development, prototypes, refining the fit, and creating a small first collection. As an optometrist, I’ve spent 30 years helping people see better. Now I want to combine my clinical knowledge with my love of fashion to create beautiful, fashion-forward frames that not only fit petite faces, but help women feel seen. For me, this wouldn’t just be about starting a business. It would be about bringing together 30 years of experience in eye care with my lifelong love of fashion and design. I’ve had the opportunity to explore fashion through eyewear shows around the world, and now I want to turn that experience into something creative, personal, and meaningful.
Content from Dawn Devaney
Dancing with the Services
Sevrin and I took home the Mirror Ball Trophy and raised money for a great cause! 🪩 💃
JT Swing Team Perfomance
🌎 One routine. Dancers from around the world. One shared love of West Coast Swing. 💃🕺 JT Swing Teams brings dancers together across the globe to learn the same choreography, grow as dancers, and then perform it together. Pretty amazing to see how one routine can connect so many people. ✨ #JTSwingTeams #WestCoastSwing #WCS #DanceCommunity #DanceAroundTheWorld
Vote for Dawn Devaney
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.