Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Sheetal Ohri
Must be in the top 5 in their group to advance to the next round.
Voting for this round ends on August 11, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT
About Sheetal Ohri
I Am a Human Making a Difference As an Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Award winning Author, California Realtor, Senior Director of Facilities Development & Real Estate for Restaurant chain and as a Radio talk show host over 14 years in San Francisco.
Learn More About Sheetal Ohri
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I believe we are all born to shine and make a difference. What makes me the next Runway Star isn't just my ambition, it's my journey. I bring resilience, authenticity, confidence, and an unwavering determination to keep growing. This opportunity is about representing everyone who has spent years putting themselves last, questioning their worth, or believing their time has passed. I want them to know they deserve to be seen, to believe in themselves, and to embrace their own light. One of my greatest sources of strength has been overcoming adversity without ever giving up on myself, on my son, or on the dreams I was determined to achieve. Those experiences have shaped the woman I am today and are the reason walking this runway means so much to me. I want to use this platform to inspire people of every age and background to dream bigger, face life's challenges with courage, and shine unapologetically. Because a true Runway Star doesn't simply walk the runway—they leave a lasting impact
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
Walking the runway for New York Fashion Week would be a dream come true and a defining moment in my career and my journey on this planet earth. It would represent years of hard work, perseverance, and believing in myself even when the journey wasn't easy. Beyond the opportunity to showcase fashion on one of the world's biggest stages, it would be a chance to inspire others to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. For me, it would symbolize growth, resilience, and the beginning of even greater opportunities. I would be honored to represent not only the designers' vision but also my own story of dedication, passion, and ambition. I would approach the experience with gratitude, confidence, and a commitment to giving my very best.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am most proud of never giving up on my son and he calls me his hero. I overcame an eight-year child custody battle that involved immigration challenges, legal obstacles and repeated attempts to separate me from my child. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but I chose to transform pain into purpose by staying positive, following the law, respecting the legal process, and holding firmly to the values of truth and perseverance. My determination came to ensure my son had a loving upbringing and grew into a kind, respectful human being. Despite every obstacle, I remained committed to doing what I believed a good mother should do protect, support, and fight for her child with integrity. This journey inspired me to write my award-winning book, Custodial Battle, which shares the story and offers guidance and hope to immigrant parents facing child custody challenges. My hope is that others can learn from my experience and find the strength to keep going.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
If I were fortunate enough to win the prize money, I would invest it in the causes that are closest to my heart—supporting foster children, underprivileged youth, and survivors of abuse through my nonprofit organization. For me, this prize would be more than a personal achievement. It would be an opportunity to create meaningful change in the lives of children and women who need encouragement, stability, and someone who believes in them. My mission has always been to turn compassion into action, and this support would allow my nonprofit to reach more families, touch more lives, and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
Content from Sheetal Ohri
My journey from being called a Flight Risk to being recognized Internationally
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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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