Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
John Paul Padilla
About John Paul Padilla
Hi, I'm John Paul Padilla, a proud Mexican-American Latino who turned childhood bullying into a mission of kindness through books, music, and storytelling. I'm here to prove that being different can become your greatest strength.
Learn More About John Paul Padilla
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I believe I’m the Next Runway Star because I represent perseverance, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Growing up, I was bullied because of my appearance and often felt invisible, insecure, and different. Those experiences taught me that true confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from embracing who you are and refusing to let others define your worth. Today, I use my experiences to create anti-bullying books, music, and videos that encourage kindness, inclusion, hope, and self-expression. I am also a caregiver for my parents, which has taught me compassion, patience, and resilience. To me, the runway is about more than fashion. It’s a chance to show that beauty comes in many forms and that our differences can become our greatest strengths. I hope my story inspires others to believe in themselves, embrace who they are, and never give up on their dreams.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
This opportunity would mean the world to me because it represents more than walking a runway. It represents faith, perseverance, and believing in yourself when others don’t. Growing up, I was often teased and bullied. I felt like the ugly duckling, overlooked and unnoticed. Those experiences hurt, but they also inspired me to create. Today, I am a children’s anti-bullying author, songwriter, and content creator who uses music, books, and videos to encourage others to embrace who they are. Walking in New York Fashion Week would show that beauty comes in many forms and that even those who once felt invisible can shine. I believe God has a purpose for each of us, and I hope my journey inspires others to believe in themselves, follow their dreams, and never give up.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am most proud of my resilience and my ability to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges. Growing up, I was bullied because of my appearance. From elementary school through high school, I was called “Dumbo” because of my ears. The teasing hurt my self-confidence so much that I grew my hair long to hide them. Unfortunately, that led to even more bullying, more name-calling, and left me feeling ashamed and misunderstood. At 18, after saving money and with the support of my family, I finally underwent otoplasty surgery. While the surgery improved my confidence, learning to truly accept and love myself took much longer. Those experiences inspired me to write children’s anti-bullying books so other young people would know they are not alone. Today, I use my books, music, and creative work to promote kindness, inclusion, hope, and self-expression. I am proud not because my life has been easy, but because I never gave up on myself. No matter the circumstances, I always keep going.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
If I won the $20,000 prize, I would use it to help support my family and create more stability during an important time in our lives. My parents are getting older, my mother recently underwent surgery, and I have been thinking seriously about moving closer to them so I can be there more often and help care for them when they need me. I would also use part of the prize to continue building Padilla Goldworks and investing in my children’s anti-bullying books, music, videos, and positive content that encourages kindness, inclusion, hope, faith, and self-expression. This past year has reminded me how quickly life can change. I recently lost my beloved dog and companion, Osito, which has made family, purpose, and making meaningful use of my time even more important to me. Winning would give me the opportunity to support the people I love while continuing to grow the work I believe in and reach more people with a message of kindness and perseverance.
Content from John Paul Padilla
Pretty Boy
A fashion-inspired music video that celebrates confidence, self-expression, and individuality. Pretty Boy showcases the power of being comfortable in your own skin and owning the spotlight.
Gays Just Want To Dance
An uplifting dance anthem celebrating confidence, individuality, and self-expression. This high-energy music video encourages everyone to embrace who they are, let go of fear, and dance proudly while spreading positivity, inclusion, and joy.
Sending You a Prayer
Sending You a Prayer is a heartfelt song of hope, faith, and encouragement for anyone facing difficult times. In a world filled with challenges, this song is a reminder that you are not alone. Whether you’re struggling with loss, fear, illness, uncertainty, or simply need a little strength, my prayer is that these words bring comfort and peace to your heart. No matter what you’re going through, keep believing, keep hoping, and never give up. God is with you every step of the way.
John Paul Padilla | Runway Walk Submission | Runway Star 2026
Fashion is an expression of confidence and individuality. This video reflects my personality, runway presence, and passion for self-expression as part of my Runway Star 2026 submission.
John Paul Padilla | Runway Star 2026 Submission
This is my official Runway Star 2026 submission. More than a runway walk, it’s a reflection of resilience, hope, and believing that our differences can become our greatest strengths. Thank you for watching and for being part of my journey.
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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