Model With Down Syndrome Feels ‘Empowered’ Despite Traditional Agencies Turning Her Down

Jun 08, 2022

There is a stigma against people with special needs that often prevents them from receiving the same level of attention and accreditation as others; thankfully, times are changing in the year 2022. Thanks to social media, people get to see different beauty standards every day at the touch of a button. This has allowed the world to see beauty through a different and more accepting lens than in history. 

One young woman named Jessica Jacinto with Down syndrome is breaking the mold of beauty standards. Jacinto was born with Down Syndrome, which is a medical condition affecting people who are born with an extra chromosome. This extra chromosome can cause someone’s brain and development to change compared to someone without Down Syndrome. 

Despite growing up with Down Syndrome, Jacinto always had a dream of making a large impact. When she was just 14-years-old, she was invited to participate in a beauty pageant for young girls with Down Syndrome. Competing in this pageant showed Jacinto and her family that she had a special talent and enthusiasm for modeling. 

From the pageant many years ago to starring in global modeling campaigns, Jacinto is the epitome of owning who you are. The young woman from Venezuela has paved the way for many other young people with Down Syndrome who want to have a profound impact in the modeling or entertainment world. While Jacinto is now known all over the world, her journey to be a relevant face has not been easy. She has been turned down by many companies and it's not thanks to them that she got to where she is today. 

In an exclusive interview with Bright Side, the model shared, “For me, being a model is like studying a career that you like, that you are really passionate about, and even if you don’t believe it, it takes dedication and innovation to improve yourself. The minute I’m on the catwalk, I become someone else. It’s almost as if there was someone else inside me suddenly coming out. I feel empowered.” 

The model has worked hard to make a name for herself. She used the platform Instagram to debut modeling pictures as well as grow her reach. Jacinto has over 50,000 followers, and the page is full of her modeling work.

Her family said although Jacinto is successful, the world still has a ways to go in order to make acceptance normal. 

“There is still a long way to go in Venezuela in terms of inclusion. The few big modeling agencies I’ve tried to get her into to give her a push always tell me they’re going to call me and they never do, same goes with some brands,” her mother said. 

Her mom added, “As I would like her to make her dream come true, I can’t get enough, and I know that someday she will achieve it.”

Jacinto isn’t just a role model in the modeling industry but in everyday life. She has worked hard to be a prime example for everyone about being a good person. She recently became a member of the Venezuelan Red Cross.

“Being a Red Cross member was a very nice and educational experience, of which I feel very proud. The project showed me that I could do anything I set my mind to and that I could perform various activities. That is why I am in a dance academy, also in skating,” the model shared. 

We hope that Jessica gets the well-known attention she deserves! If you are inspired by this story make sure to send it to another friend who will be too!