Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Erika Velasquez
About Erika Velasquez
I am Erika Velásquez, a Colombian woman, mother, and believer in second chances. At 51, I return to the runway to show that dreams have no age. I want every woman to remember: her light should never be dimmed, and her voice deserves to shine.
Learn More About Erika Velasquez
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
Today, I want to show that it is never too late to begin again, pursue your passions, and create a positive impact. Through Next Runway Star, I hope to inspire women of all ages to believe in themselves, embrace their journey, and remember that true beauty comes from resilience, purpose, and the courage to dream.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
Being part of Next Runway Star also allows me to support a meaningful cause: raising awareness and helping women who have experienced sexual violence. I believe abuse can take many forms—not only physical, but also emotional, psychological, verbal, and through behaviors that diminish a woman’s confidence and sense of worth. Every woman deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. This journey is about more than fashion; it is about using my voice to empower women, inspire hope, and create positive change.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am most proud of becoming a woman who leads with strength, compassion, and purpose. My greatest achievement it is seeing my daughter, Valeria, become a 28-year-old woman with strong values, integrity, and a beautiful heart. Raising her has been my greatest blessing and the legacy I am most proud of And my greatest lesson in life is that dreams don't have an expiration date. At 51, I'm living proof that it's never too late to begin again.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
If I am fortunate enough to win, I would use this opportunity I would use part of the money to help my family in Colombia; after this earthquake, many relatives and acquaintances lost their homes and loved ones. My heart wouldn't let me spend the money solely on myself; I must share it and help my city, which has unfortunately been severely affected. My heart aches for my city. Please help me to win !! Thank you so much for Voting !!
Content from Erika Velasquez
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.
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