30 Under 30: Stephanie Monge

“Do what makes you uncomfortable.” Stephanie Monge has repeated that mantra to her friends and family members many times. At one point, she realized she needed to follow her own advice.

Now, Monge is a full-time model and content creator. The dynamic, creative force is the first-generation daughter of immigrants from Mexico and El Salvador. She’s passionate about body activism, Latinx representation in the modeling industry, K-12 public education equity, building confidence within Latina communities, and using art in the media for expression and healing.

Monge is a signed plus size model with one the nation’s top modeling agencies, Wilhelmina Models, and says she continuously thinks about younger girls who dream of working in the modeling industry. “Leading by example has driven more impact, and I proudly place myself in an industry that has much more to do in the name of inclusivity,” she says.

She has seen the power, influence, and impact Latinx communities have and encourages others to allow themselves to be seen. “My representation can  be that one push of inspiration for anyone stepping out of their own singular lens and ready to be seen by multiple lenses,” Monge says.