New York, N.Y. What do you get when you couple seventeen extraordinary and accomplished women, models, actresses, entrepreneurs and a TV Anchor with Philanthropy? “Models of Philanthropy” (MOPH). This dynamic New York Fashion Week (NYFW) show, at the Philippine Consulate, in Manhattan, was the first of its kind featuring timeless beauties walking for Supermodel/Designer of Luxury handbags, Avadora Mimouni.

The models not only know how to strut for the camera but make a difference in the world. Each and every one of the MOPH’s either founded, support or lend their personalities to charity. Not only do these ladies know how to talk the talk they walk the walk on the runway: Proof that a woman can ‘strut her stuff” and be fabulous at any age! The world needs a message that celebrates timeless beauty since beauty does not end at 30!

N’Kenge Pacurar, ReBecca Ricks, Lorraine Silvetz, Iracilda Pinheiro Lictinger,
Leda Nussbaum, Dena McCoy, Kathleen Giordano, Shelly Bromfield, Luisa Diaz Brown,
Deon Silvetz, Luciana Pampalone and Avadora Mimouni. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Divine Designer and model, Avadora Mimouni was born in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. As a child, Avadora was always creative expressing herself through theater and modeling at fashion boutiques. She moved to Manhattan in 1994. She pursued modeling and graced the covers of magazines, walked prestigious runway and appeared in acting roles. In 2017, she attended an event wearing a one of a kind purse she created and was surprised by the immense adulation that it received. This inspired her to launch her Avadora Mimouni Collection end of 2017.

Ivonne Camacho, Avadora Mimouni and Rita Cosby. 
Photo Credit:  Jeff Smith.

Avadora has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Ivonne Camacho, PR Creative Director of @AbsolutModerne. After hosting private events in various locations in New York Avadora’s line opened with rave reviews at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Avadora credits Ivonne with where Avadora Mimouni Collection is today.

 

Rita Cosby and Tomaczek Bednarek. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

At the top of the “Models of Philanthropy” chain of ladies was Emmy-Winning TV Host, Radio Star, and Best Selling Author Rita Cosby who spearheads countless philanthropic efforts for charities…with her main focus on heralding the military and families.

Having interviewed more than twenty leaders, including the first American journalist to interview Pope Francis, Cosby has received three Emmy Awards, six Gracie Awards, the Matrix Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Lech Walesa Freedom Award. October 11th, 2010, was declared “Rita Cosby Day” in the state of New York for her “extraordinary journalism and exemplary service on behalf of the community.”

 Lorraine Silvetz. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Lorraine Silvetz is a psychotherapist who is active in philanthropy having founded Global Stress Initiative (GSI) under ICAMI, a mental health foundation, in 2010 to research non-invasive treatments for survivors of trauma. GSI donates treatment for service members and their families with dramatic results.

Rita Cosby serves as spokesperson for GSI’s service members’ and Actress/Supermodel, Kelly LeBrock is spokesperson for GSI’s child trafficking and domestic violence survivors. Lorraine worked as a model while attending NYU Film School and later went on to earn her Masters at NYU School of Social Work.

Sara Herbert, Rita Cosby and Lorraine Silvetz.
Photo credit: Jeff Smith.

Sara Herbert is a humanitarian who has worked with many philanthropic and charitable organizations. Herbert has had a vibrant career as an actress, fashion model and registered nurse. She is Chair for the Lay Advisory Committee for Global Stress Initiative, an active member of The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the National Society of the Colonial Dames, member of SAG-AFTRA and has been Co-Chair of The National Meningitis Association Annual NYC event for over a decade.

 Sara Herbert. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

ReBecca Ricks strutted her stuff on the runway with her sister “Models of Philanthropy”. She has worked with service members and their families while Manager for Global Stress Initiative (GSI). Her early career was spent as an accomplished dancer, athlete and coach (14x Boston Marathon Qualifier), MAC makeup artist, and Paul Mitchell hairdresser. She recently returned to school to study neuroscience, kinesiology, and nutrition with hopes to apply this knowledge to a continued career in mental health.

Rebecca Ricks. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

ReBecca Ricks, Sara Herbert, Ivonne Camacho, David Schuyler Bender,
Barbara Meister Bender, Lorraine Silvetz, Julianne Michelle and  Rita Cosby.
Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Don Bray-Silvetz, is an international top model whose first professional fashion show was Chanel Paris and from there, major editorial, print and more catwalks ensued, working with some of the best designers around the world.  Gianni Versace was a personal champion for Deon, booking her for major jobs, alongside supermodels. Other major designers like Azzedine Alaia as well as Karl Lagerfeld repeatedly booked Deon, setting the tone early in her career.

She’s graced the pages of publications such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Glamour, among others. Deon is also an accomplished photographer and party planner. She creates and captures personalized events for kids and families through her company Bebe & Jules, inspired by the wonderful imaginations of her children.

Deon Bray Silvetz, Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Kathleen Giordano Founder of Lady Barber TV personality and grooming styling expert. She is also a commercial print model/actress, entrepreneur, writer. She has been featured on Kathleen has been a frequent guest on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s 20/20, QVC, Access Hollywood, Good Day NY, Us Weekly, LA Times,  GQ, to name a few.

Kathleen Giordano. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Dena McCoy enjoys inspiring women to be the best versions of themselves at any age. As an Executive Consultant with Rodan + Fields and fitness enthusiast with a focus on dance and yoga, Dena believes that the best way to serve others is to first come from a place of inner strength through fostering a healthy mind, body and spirit. Dena proudly serves as a fourth generation Director at the Woodard Family Foundation. She is currently writing a faith-based memoir to be published in early 2020. She is a member of SAG/AFTRA.

Dena McCoy. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Shelly Bromfield has as many facets as the Bling she loves. From casting fashion shows to casting off Broadway theatre, her talent knows no bounds. Her title at Donna Karan for over 20 years as Inspirational Design Director speaks for itself. SHELLY uses her style to create fashion. Wherever SHELLY goes fashion flows.

Shelly Bromfield. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Anzhelika Steen-Olsen is a Designer, Market Editor/writer  in  Women’s Studies and Fashion Accessories Exclusively. To give back in gratitude for her success she is an avid supporter and *VP of the International Academy of Arts, Sciences, Education, Industry and Arts. *Gershwin Competition.org Board Member  *Founder of SHER group, an impactful and unique organization that supports and empowers women. She also serves as an InStyle Magazine Correspondent. Her Eliann Couture handbags were featured at Henri Bendel as of July 2019.

Anzhelika Steen-Olsen. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Cherie Corso is a wife & mother, with a passion for art and fashion. On TV, she is a national patenting & lifestyle expert on Fox & Friends, Commonsense is her specialty. She is a Social Influencer and Queen of Experiential Marketing.  She volunteers her time to assist entrepreneurs in developing business at the Fordham University business school. She is also an environmentalist that likes to support people’s health and wellness.  For more information go to www.cheriecorso.com.

  Cherie Cors0. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Ivonne Camacho, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Avadora Mimouni,
and David Tupaz. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Iracilda Pinheiro Lichtinger has been involved with the Brazil Foundation since 2004. She and her family have been prominent supporters of many of the Foundation’s past galas in the United States and Brazil, and helped to ensure the success of several of their other fundraising events and campaigns. She has always been passionate about helping others, and is active with several additional philanthropic causes, including Boys and Girls Club of America, United Way of Westchester, the Resource Foundation, and Don Bosco.

 Iracilda Pinheiro Lichtinger. Photo Credit: Jeff Smith.

Luisa Diaz Brown won Ms. Venezuela International and landed a 3-year deal with the local ABC TV affiliate in NC to air her original talk show, Luisa Su Voz Latina, that she wrote, produced, and hosted. Luisa is the founder of Mi Amor Gala, an organization that celebrates kindness and helps raise funds for nonprofits, such as those that help survivors of domestic violence and stop human trafficking.