At just 17 years old, Jasmine J.’s list of accomplishments is already impressive: co-host of our Bold Futures Breakfast, Miss Cityfest 2022, and one of this year’s class of Distinguished Young Women of Shelby County.

Despite only being a senior in high school, she’s already a successful model who works with local designers and boutiques to model gorgeous gowns. Jasmine made her dazzling debut on the national level just yesterday – on the high-profile stage of New York Fashion Week!

This particular runway event was created by The Model Experience, an organization that aims to create opportunities for up-and-coming models. Their mission embraces inclusion and equality, which is reflected in their diverse talent pool. 

Founder & CEO Ashley Covarrubias says, “Most of the models we work with are unsigned, so this is their big break!” Creating access to these opportunities is important work in an industry that has historically excluded anyone that doesn’t fit into narrow beauty standards.  

Though the modeling industry still struggles with barriers to inclusion, groups like The Model Experience show us that fashion can be a force for good. From runways to magazines, we can choose to embrace an inclusive vision of fashion that inspires confidence for ALL girls. 

Jasmine embodies this vision for an empowered future. She says, “As girls and future leaders of society, we need to be fixing each other’s crowns instead of being the reason they fall. We need more unity, empowerment, and inclusivity.”

With Jasmine as one of the next generation of leaders, the future’s looking bright. As a Girls Inc. Girl now and forever, we’re so proud to watch this up-and-coming superstar shine under the spotlight!

This article was featured in the September 2022 edition of our monthly newsletter, The Bold Bulletin. To receive stories like these in your inbox once a month, subscribe below!