Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Madelyn Calixto
Madelyn Calixto has advanced to the Quarterfinals, which will start on Wednesday, August 19th.
About Madelyn Calixto
Buenas! I am a Chilean Mexican American and a girl who loves to put myself out there. I have been a dancer, artist, forensic scientist, crime scene analyst, soccer referee, and teacher. I love showing others that anyone can achieve their dreams.
Learn More About Madelyn Calixto
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I am a motivated woman who strives to have equal representation in all fields. I believe that I am a role model for younger Latinas who don’t fit into the stereotypical box. I want to show that as long as you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. Additionally, I hope to show girls out there that their bodies are accepted and deserve to be loved. I have never fit into the smallest size, nor do I have a fun time shopping for clothes like dresses and jeans because of not fitting into the societal norm. I remember all the times I did not feel beautiful because of my body, and I know other girls have felt the same. I look to show that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and confidence can be for everyone
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
This would mean the world to me and more because of how many times I have felt my body wasn’t enough. Being on the runway, with my body type, would give me even more motivation to achieve my dream of becoming a pediatric emergency medicine physician. Being part of the 3% of Latinas in the medical field would make me so happy, and I would love to also show that I did it looking like me. I try to emulate realism and not hop on the trends. I would be so grateful to Amanda Nguyen and the whole Rise team if I were able to be a model.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am very proud of overcoming my comparison to others. Many times, as a woman, we compare ourselves to the best versions of people, which can make it hard to validate our struggles. Amanda Nguyen has been a role model for me, as she struggled in the same way and was still able to achieve her dream, and it gave me hope. I am grateful for my life, regardless of the struggles. Right now, I am taking care of my grandmother who has pulmonary fibrosis, working two part-time jobs, getting back into school, and dealing with mental and physical health challenges. It’s been a lot. Some days I don’t even want to get out of bed. My amazing support system (my family) pushes me to not compare my struggles to others and know that healing happens within my own time. I’m still learning that, but it’s my most valuable asset to continue to grow.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
I would have most of it go to my tuition for college. Both my parents have several jobs and are hard-working individuals who continue to make me strive for greatness. I would have $5,000 go to Esperanza Academy Charter School, the amazing school my father has worked at for years. This school has made an impact on thousands of students who come from many walks of life. I would want to specifically help their outreach program for women and start a female empowerment program. I want to show young women that they can dare to dream. Many of the students I’ve talked to come from poverty and violence, and have so many things to worry about other than school. I want to be able to empower these students to dream big and make it big, regardless of their circumstances.
Content from Madelyn Calixto
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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