Vanessa Umugabekazi

Vanessa is a model of Rwandan descent. She is a voice for positive social change, particularly around body image and well-being. She was the first woman to win Miss Teen Universe New Zealand in 2012, and in 2018 Vanessa was the only independent model to walk the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week's opening showcase. She says her purpose in the industry is to break barriers and challenge the status quo.