Gigi Cunningham has always dreamed of having a career in the entertainment industry and at 17-years-old, it looks like this budding model is well on her way. Born, Ghaliyah, meaning beautiful, Cunningham, this amazingly gifted young star is truly the embodiment of her name as she uses her talents and growing popularity to raise awareness for the Down Syndrome community and to help put an end to bullying.
Born with Down Syndrome, Cunningham grew up determined to change the face of beauty, letting everyone know that she is no different than anyone else. “When people read my story,” she began in an interview with The Mighty, “I want them to know that I can do anything, [and] with social media the world will see my true potential and beauty. I want the world to really change how they perceive people with disabilities and continue to embrace their beauty. People with Down’s Syndrome are beautiful, smart, creative, loving, confident, and it should be displayed.”
And showing off her style, she has! Cunningham has participated in multiple runway shows and events that have given her a platform to spread her message.
