This is not just a hobby to me; modeling is my life’s dream. My passion for modeling sparked at a young age when I got teased for appearing different from my peers. I was often teased for how slim I was. In 2003, my mother and I lost our home to a fire and went to live with my nana and poppop. My nana soon began raising me to watch the show, America's Next Top Model, which quickly became my favorite show.

While I was still in Elementary School, I joined a modeling organization at my Aftercare Program. During my first two years in college at Saint Peter's University, I became a member and model for the University modeling and fashion organization, F.A.M.E. My third year as a student, I made the decision to change my surroundings and transfer to Delaware State University after the tragic loss of a friend. The modeling team at Delaware State University was different from what I had become accustomed to. Their competitive modeling team,1 Entity Modeling Troupe incorporated choreography as well as runway into their routines.

After graduating with my degree in Mass Communications, I began working in NYC. During my first day on the job as a production assistant, I was chosen to close Chrissy Monroe's “Survive To Thrive Global” Fashion Show during the fall of 2018. That was the first night that my mother ever saw me do what I have truly always loved. While working in NYC, I became connected with published models who often inquired about me modeling. That was confirmation for me that I had not been living to fulfill my true purpose and passion in life.


I had always felt nervous that my parents wouldn’t see my dream as a reliable career, especially since they had just invested thousands of dollars into my career as a Mass Communications professional. Fortunately, after seeing my work and the amount of passion I have for my craft, my mother and father began to support me whole-heartedly. I posted a video of myself walking on my Instagram page, @missdandridgeatoi, and began receiving inquiries from photographers to meet up and shoot. I shot my first series of headshots and the inquiries really began to pour in after reaching over 2,000 likes on one of the pictures that I posted from my first set of headshots. I had begun getting noticed by ANTM candidates and established figures in the fashion industry. Now, I have the confidence I needed to step into my purpose and I am prepared to become a published model, who is flourishing in her career as a role model to the younger generation.

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