DeKALB | Every college student has big dreams, but for one student, Empire Models has become the fairy godmother of her happily ever after.

Sophomore communication major Elizabeth Cruz joined Empire Models in 2008, and has been lighting up the runway ever since.

Not only does she enjoy learning about the fashion industry, but she has taken up the secretary position in the organization, and encourages other students to get involved.

Each day she is learning more and more about what it takes to make her modeling dreams come true, and Empire Models is the organization that has provided her growth opportunities on a daily basis.

Northern Star: What inspired you to join Empire Models?
Elizabeth Cruz: When I first heard about Empire Models, I joined it just for the fun of it, but then it became more than I thought. I really thought it was just going to be messing around, but when I started learning about the fashion industry I started to see this was a serious organization.

NS: What does it take to be an Empire Model?
EC: You have to be unique and you have to be yourself. We don’t want people who already think they’re models; we want people who are willing to work hard and are ready to gain confidence. Height doesn’t matter here — we don’t care if you’re not 5’9 — we just want people who can take positive criticism and who are ready to learn more each day.

NS: Who are the clothes provided by?
EC: We try to bring in new designers to every show. We do work with Fashion Bug, 2451 Sycamore Road, and Ducky’s, 112 E. Lincoln Highway. We also try to involve students to by inviting any student designers to submit fashions. If people want their designs out there, then we are willing to help them since we are trying to get our name out there too.

NS: What is the best thing that has happened to you since you joined Empire Models?
EC: I would say that the confidence I have gained has been the best reward. Also, meeting people I never thought I’d meet before. I have gotten to know people who come from all over, like Israel and Bulgaria. I love hanging out with everyone; we really are like one big family.

NS: How can people who are interested join Empire Models?
EC: We host auditions at the beginning of each semester. The details are on our Facebook group too. You can set up an interview even if you don’t want to walk on the runway. We always need organized people to help set up shows and help things run smoothly backstage. Our meeting times are on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Diversions Lounge, and Thursdays from 8-10 p.m. in DuSable 180. The e-board meets at 7:30 right before practice. We really encourage guys to not be shy to join. It’s a lot of fun, and currently we have five guys in our group.

NS: What is your next upcoming event?
EC: This Friday, we are hosting the Barefoot Fashion Show for TOMS Shoes from the AT&T commercial. The show will start at 6 p.m. and will be in the Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Student Center. It is a free event, and we encourage people to bring a pair of shoes for us to donate to TOMS foundation. (Editor's note: Empire Models rescheduled the Barefoot Fashion Show for Nov. 13.)

NS: What is your future ambition?
EC: I’d love to work with an agency, but my main dream is to take Empire Models outside of DeKalb and into Chicago. I want to help other students who are interested in the fashion industry have a chance to be a part of this organization who can’t come out here. I’d also like to get more high school students involved too, because there really is so much to learn and this is such a great organization.

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.

• Your name:
• Enter text from image:
  

• Your comment:

* 300-character count. HTML formatting will not display.