Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Tijuana Vann
About Tijuana Vann
Through faith, personal growth, & perseverance, I learned to see myself differently. I overcame abandonment, domestic abuse, & battling breast cancer. My obstacle taught me that strength is not about never falling; it is about getting back up every…
Learn More About Tijuana Vann
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
As a young girl, I was raised by my grandmother w/o both of my biological parents. Although I was surrounded by love, I struggled with feelings of abandonment, low self-worth, & a lack of confidence that followed me into adulthood. Those challenges led to unhealthy relationships, self-sabotage, and years of questioning my value. What changed my life was realizing that my past did not define my future. Through faith, mentorship, personal growth, and perseverance, I learned to see myself differently. I overcame abandonment, domestic abuse, & one of the greatest battles of my life, breast cancer. Each obstacle taught me that strength is not about never falling; it is about getting back up every time life knocks you down. Today, I am a breast cancer survivor, beauty professional, entrepreneur, & founder of A.R.I.S.E. Youth Mentoring, where I help young people discover their confidence, purpose, and potential. I am not defined by what happened to me. I am defined by how I rose above.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
Being part of Next Runway Star would mean more than walking a runway, it would represent resilience, confidence, and purpose. As a 59-year-old breast cancer survivor, beauty professional, mentor, and entrepreneur, I believe beauty has no age limit and purpose has no expiration date. Life’s challenges have strengthened me and taught me that true beauty comes from courage, authenticity, and perseverance. This opportunity would allow me to inspire others, especially women who may feel overlooked, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Walking this runway would be both a personal achievement and a platform to show that confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing who you are and continuing to grow into the person you were meant to be.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
What I am most proud of is my ability to keep rising despite life’s challenges. One of my greatest victories was overcoming breast cancer and emerging stronger, more grateful, and more determined to make a difference. I am proud that I never allowed adversity to define me. Instead, I used my experiences to build strength, deepen my faith, and serve others. As a beauty professional with over 26 years in the industry, I have helped people feel confident both inside and out. As the founder of a youth mentoring organization, I am committed to helping young people discover their potential and build brighter futures. I am also proud of the woman I have become, someone who continues to grow, learn, and believe in herself. My journey has taught me that success is not measured by the obstacles we avoid but by the courage we show when facing them. Every challenge I have overcome has prepared me to encourage others to do the same.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
If I won the $20,000 cash prize, I would invest it in creating opportunities that make a lasting impact. A portion would support the growth of A.R.I.S.E. Youth Mentoring, helping young people develop leadership skills, confidence, and financial literacy. I would also invest in my wellness and beauty businesses to expand products and services that promote self-care, confidence, and healthy living. Most importantly, I would use this opportunity to uplift others and create positive change in my community. Winning would not only help me achieve my goals but also allow me to inspire and empower future generations.
Content from Tijuana Vann
My confidence walk
Interview
Unlocked Conference
Beauty Soft Glam
Fun Memories
Having fun at a photo shoot.
Past, Present and Future
Just me
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.