Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Janice Ortiz
About Janice Ortiz
I’m a mother of 2 children. Enjoying when cameras are on me. I am strong, confident and outgoing. I’d love a chance to do something big and different from randomly joining great photographers taking awesome photos.
Learn More About Janice Ortiz
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I have a great smile, energy, confidence and character. I want survivors to know they can too.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
This opportunity would mean that every challenge I’ve faced has led me to this moment. I’ve struggled with insecurities, even when the people around me reminded me of my potential. Over time, I’ve learned that growth comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone, and that’s exactly what modeling has encouraged me to do. I believe in the power of creativity and self-expression, and I would love to be part of something bigger than myself while using my image to help bring artistic visions to life. Behind every photo and every walk is someone choosing to be a little bolder, a little brighter, and a little more confident than the day before. More than anything, I hope this opportunity pushes me to keep breaking out of the shell I’ve been hiding in. I want to continue growing, embracing new challenges, and showing the confidence I’ve worked so hard to build. Being part of this experience, I would be honored to represent it with enthusiasm, authenticity and a positive spirit.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I’m most proud of my refusal to give up, no matter what life has put in front of me. I’ve experienced abuse, betrayal, and being used by people who should have protected and valued me. For a long time, those experiences made me question my worth, and I struggled with suicidal thoughts and attempts because I truly believed I wasn’t enough. Therapy changed my life. It taught me that healing isn’t about forgetting the past. It’s about learning that what happened to me does not define who I am. Through that journey, I found my voice, built healthy boundaries, and learned to love myself in ways I never thought were possible. Today, I’m proud of the woman I’ve become. I lead with kindness, integrity, and resilience. I have strong morals, genuine compassion, and the courage to keep growing. Every setback has become fuel, and every scar reminds me that I’m still here. That’s what makes me proud. I didn’t just survive my story. I chose to rewrite it.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
I would use the money to pay off my debt and create a more secure future for my children. More than anything, I want them to know that their mom never quits, no matter how hard life gets. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me to keep moving forward, and I hope my journey shows them that perseverance, faith, and hard work can open doors that once seemed impossible.
Content from Janice Ortiz
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.
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.