Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Laurie Marie Santos
Must be in the top 10 in their group to advance to the next round.
Voting for this round ends on August 7, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT
About Laurie Marie Santos
I'm Laurie Santos, I'm 39 years old, Dominican, Journalist and I believe the opportunities are meant for those who are willing to take a chance. Sometimes the most rewarding experiences begin with simply having the courage to say, “Why not?”
Learn More About Laurie Marie Santos
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
The very fact that I dared to take the risk and participate made me a runway star. My strength, courage, and determination are what truly define me. Being here and making the decision to compete despite my fears and insecurities is a significant step for me. However, those fears do not stop me from pursuing my dream of being part of this competition. I am also excited to meet so many people who, like me, have dreamed of having even a small opportunity to pursue their goals. I believe this would be an incredible opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, grow personally, and celebrate who I am, this can help reconnect us with our femininity. It brings a sense of empowerment, but above all, it encourages greater self-acceptance and helps us love ourselves more for who we are. Every woman deserves that extra boost of self-esteem and confidence. Experiences like these remind us of our worth, our beauty, and the importance of embracing ourselves exactly as we are.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
Leaving my home country to move to a more developed nation has been a life-changing experience filled with challenges, growth, and new opportunities. Adapting to a different culture and environment has strengthened my resilience, broadened my perspective, and motivated me to continue working hard. My dream has always been to work in the media, specifically in radio and television. I love connecting with people, and I believe that speaking through a microphone gives you the power to positively influence others. I believe this would be a great platform to help me take another step toward achieving my dreams. My mother is my greatest inspiration, and I have always wanted to make a name for myself because I love radio and television. Having the opportunity to be part of something like this brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am proud of the resilience and strength I have shown throughout the seven years I have lived in New York. I want to see for myself that every sacrifice, every tear, and every challenge I have overcome has brought me closer to achieving my dreams. When you are alone by yourself is a big change, i left my family, my friends, my home, my entire life behind to star a new chapter. This change has been an emotional roller coaster for me because being away from the people you love is incredibly challenging. Losing important people along the way has made me stronger and has taught me that achieving your dreams requires sacrifice, perseverance, and resilience.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
I want to give my mother a better quality of life as she lives with dementia on my country (Dominican Republic). I want her to experience happiness for as many years as God allows her to be with me. Even if she no longer remembers who I am, I want to be able to tell her, "Mom, I made it—for you and because of you," and be by her side every step of the way. I lost one of the people I loved the most, and I never had the chance to say goodbye to her. My grandmother was a tremendous influence in my life, and I know she would be proud of me for taking risks and continuing to fight for my dreams.
Content from Laurie Marie Santos
My runway Walk
you can see my walk on my shorts in my channel, i jus wanted to be myself thanks
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