She has dedicated her career to promoting the representation of individuals with disabilities in the fashion industry.
TWINSBURG, OH, August 22, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Olivia D. DePiore has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. DePiore is an international fashion model and inclusion advocate who has dedicated her career to promoting the representation of individuals with disabilities in the fashion industry. She was born with Down syndrome, but that has not curtailed her dreams and ambitions. She has walked the runways of some of the biggest fashion hubs in the world: Milan, New York, Paris and Dubai. When she was a child, she battled leukemia and survived — and has now raised more than $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. Her outlook is positive and her message is an important one: In her own words, she's advocating for inclusion, one runway at a time.
Ms. DePiore's modeling career began when she visited a Cleveland boutique to find a dress for her homecoming dance. The owner kindly suggested that she model for them, and with her mother's support, Ms. DePiore embarked on a modeling career. Her participation in a runway challenge alongside non-disabled individuals led to her winning and being featured in a local magazine article. This success opened doors for her to model clothing and walk in runway shows for various designers.
In 2022, Ms. DePiore was named one of the Top 85 women in the United States by Women Worth Watching, an organization that identifies, promotes and supports women in leadership. As a fashion model, she often walks for five to six designers during New York Fashion Week, requiring her to navigate the city swiftly to attend multiple shows. Recently, she walked at Sony Hall, where she encountered around 50 to 60 cameras at the end of the runway, marking a unique experience in her career. Her work has also included appearances in Delta Airlines commercials, commercial work in Cleveland, and editorial photo shoots for various companies. Additionally, she was a model for Dome Beauty, a makeup company based in Brooklyn, New York.
Her achievements continue to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities, and by showcasing these individuals in the fashion industry, Ms. DePiore is highlighting the immense potential of this demographic as both consumers and contributors. Her efforts are changing perceptions within the fashion world and inspiring others with disabilities to pursue their dreams and set goals. Additionally, her outreach has sparked conversations and inquiries from families seeking similar opportunities for their children, a true testament to her role as a pioneer and trailblazer.
In addition to her modeling career, Ms. DePiore is deeply committed to advocacy and philanthropy. In addition to the American Cancer Society fundraising, she has also raised $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Program and is involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio, and Project Ed Bear, a nonprofit organization that provides comforts and needs to children battling cancer.
Looking ahead to the future, Ms. DePiore over the next two years aims to achieve key objectives focusing on the progress, improvement and increased visibility of individuals with disabilities. She strongly believes that exposure and visibility are crucial in creating awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities, and she hopes to help eliminate the all-too-common "shock factor" associated with encountering them. This, in turn, will lead to greater inclusion and reduced instances of bullying, as a lack of understanding often fuels such behavior.
Ms. DePiore's dedication to promoting inclusion and representation within the fashion industry has not only changed perceptions but also inspired others with disabilities to pursue their dreams and set goals. Her efforts continue to make a significant impact on the fashion world and beyond.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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