Caleb Brunning
Caleb Brunning lives in Colorado with his parents and their dog, Whitiker. He has a joyful vibrant spirit and loves music, dancing, Disney, and rollercoasters. Caleb has a special gift for bringing people together, making friends, and offering comfort through his kind heart and warm smile. His enthusiasm and genuine love for others leave a lasting impact on everyone he meets. Caleb and his family are passionate about advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and autism, promoting meaningful inclusion, acceptance, and equitable opportunities in schools, healthcare, and communities.
(Misu) Y Nhu Do
Misu is a brave and joyful 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome. She was born with serious heart and lung conditions and has overcome many challenges throughout her life. Despite these obstacles, Misu continues to inspire everyone around her with her bright smile, determination, and loving heart. Participating in the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show is a meaningful opportunity for Misu to celebrate her uniqueness, build confidence, and show that people with Down syndrome can shine in their own special way. Our family is honored to support GLOBAL’s mission of promoting inclusion, acceptance, and hope for individuals with Down syndrome.
Heather Michaelson
After graduating from high school in 1997, Heather worked as an assistant teacher at a preschool for eighteen years. During the pandemic when she couldn’t work, she started creating “Heather’s Art from the Heart” with watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, and collages. Heather also teaches art at So Much to Give Inspiration Studio, which is a dream come true since she loves art and teaching! Heather also enjoys cheering for her favorite Philadelphia sports teams – the Eagles, the Phillies, and the 76ers! This year Heather won an advocacy award from the ARC Alliance of Pennsylvania! Heather plans to celebrate her 50th birthday all year long!
Jose Mondragon
Jose as born and raised in Colorado and is 39 years old. Family is very important to him, and he is blessed to have five sisters, two brothers, and a mother watching from heaven. He proudly works at Brewability in Englewood and celebrated seven years there this past July. He enjoys being part of a workplace that values inclusion. For the past four years, he has had the honor of participating in Denver Fashion Week. Jose is excited for the opportunity to walk in the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show and continue sharing his passion for fashion and self-expression.
Jax Pruett
Jax is a spunky nine-year-old from Broomfield, Colorado who loves to swim, ski and read! He is quick to say “Hi!” to strangers and friends. Jax adores his sisters, Hartlee and Haven. Some of his skills are telling jokes and singing karaoke. For the past five years, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day, Jax and his sisters have been presenting to their classes about Down syndrome and their family. They pass out mismatched socks to help celebrate people with Down syndrome all over the world! He is proud to continue his self-advocate journey by rocking the runway at this year’s fashion show!
Mason Schermerhorn
Mason is a creative young man from Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C. He loves storytelling, writing, singing, and acting. Audiences first met him in the instructional video “Down Syndrome: The First 18 Months” when he was very young. Today he’s excited to take the runway as he continues to grow as a speaker, leader, and future actor. He has a “Game on!” attitude which he uses to face challenges, meet new people, and encourage others to believe in what’s possible. He hopes his journey inspires others to pursue their own dreams.
Aviella Jade Simpkins
Aviella Jade Simpkins, known as “Aviella Sparkle,” is a member of the Class of 2027 at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. An advocate, performer, artist, and model, Aviella brings joy, confidence, and determination to everything she does. Raised in an Air Force family, she has traveled extensively and developed resilience, adaptability, and a love for connecting with others. Aviella is a cheerleader, dancer, and a model. She also enjoys creating art and making jewelry. Aviella promotes inclusion, self-confidence, and kindness while inspiring others to embrace their unique gifts and shine brightly.
Sailor Tracey
Sailor is a kind and brave 12-year-old from Key West, Florida, fearlessly pursuing her dreams. Sailor loves her family deeply and has the superpower of making everyone feel seen and valued. Sailor is thriving in full inclusion where she is a tenacious learner and passionate reader, who loves learning about inspirational women. Sailor dreams of attending college and inspiring others as a teacher and has raised more than $150,000 through Ruby’s Rainbow for others to achieve their college dreams. Sailor is also a highly competitive athlete, competing alongside her typical peers in several sports and dreams of winning gold in swimming at the Special Olympics.
Jill Wright
Jill Wright lights up every room with her enthusiasm, talent, and smile. An accomplished actor, athlete and model, Jill has graced runways, print campaigns and was a magazine CoverGirl. She was a background actor in the Hallmark film “Kentucky Roses.” Jill inspired audiences as a presenter at two National Down Syndrome conferences and a National Theater conference. Fluent in American Sign Language, she proudly performs “The National Anthem” in ASL at charity and military events. Her passion for service shines through her volunteer work, especially teaching ASL to babies with Down syndrome. Jill’s joyful spirit makes her a true inspiration.
Sinai Yitbarek
Sinai Yitbarek is a 17-year-old high school senior in the 12th grade. She is a friendly and kind-hearted young woman with Down syndrome who brings joy to everyone around her. Sinai loves makeup, dancing, spending time with family and friends, and watching wrestling. She is passionate about helping others and dreams of supporting children with Down syndrome and Autism in Ethiopia. Sinai founded Helping Hands Helping Smiles – a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for children with Down syndrome and Autism. Her compassion, determination, and leadership inspire everyone she meets.
Zaya Biel
Zaya is a vibrant 7-year-old GLOBAL Ambassador alum whose determination, creativity, and joy inspire everyone around her. Over the past year, she has made extraordinary progress in her communication, from speaking just a few words to hundreds of words in English and Spanish. Zaya loves to learn, read, draw, color, dance, and create. Whether she is making art, inventing something, or expressing herself through movement, Zaya is constantly creating something beautiful. Time with her family, especially her little brother and best friend Ziggy, is the highlight of her day. Zaya shines wherever she goes, with her radiant smile, warm hugs, and unstoppable determination.
Letizia Napoleone
Letizia is a vibrant 23-year-old woman with Down syndrome who lives and works in New York City. She is actively pursuing her acting education at Epic Players, New York. In June 2024, she graduated from the Cooke School Transition Program Downtown. She radiates boundless energy and enthusiasm, earning her admiration among peers and friends at school. She is a cherished community member known for her outstanding self-confidence and exceptional social skills. Originally from a family of Italian descent, she is fluent in Italian and English. READ MORE
Kate Winfield
Kate Winfield is a 17-year-old high school sophomore from Seattle, Washington who loves to walk the runway! She had the honor of being GLOBAL’s 2010 Ambassador and one of her favorite memories is when she walked the runway with Jamie Foxx at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show in 2017. Kate is a multi-sport athlete who competes in swimming, gymnastics, cheer, and soccer. Like many teenage girls, she loves fashion, makeup and making dance videos. Don’t believe us? Follow her on Instagram. Kate is excited to rock the runway again at this year’s fashion show!