Curators: Serena Williams

“It’s just so much that you can do in life, I just like to take part in things that I can.”

-Serena Williams

In a time where models are seen more on Instagram than in any other medium, there’ still room for the classic runway model. Meet Serena Williams. No, not that Serena Williams, but her 17-year old namesake looking to change the world in her own way.

Starting at the age of 14 with the modeling agency, Dama, Serena got her start in a fashion show with the major retailer, Macy’s. “During season, Macy’s would have these shows to show dresses,” explains Serena, “a lady, Damaris (Aguilar) asked if I could be in one of her shows, so, I’ve been with the agency since then”.

Serena admits that there are many openings for photoshoots, but that she prefers the runway due to what many call her “fierce walk”. Quickly, she givea credit to her time with the Dama agency of which she now dubs herself “an alumni”. “The first year I started, I was very shy, I moved forward to runways and having posture, it’s just like little things like that”. Eventually, she became more comfortable in front of the camera and on runways, so much so, that she won awards for “Most Fierce” and “Best Teen Model in Miramar”.

Williams gave a glimpse into the life of a model and the fun opportunities it can present. “I have agencies call me from places in different areas that I don’t usually model in”says Williams. The value of travel and legitimate work at a young age can’t be understated, but Serena is already using these experiences to craft her future.

She has currently stopped modeling, but hasn’t completely ruled out the idea of returning. For now, her attention has turned towards another passion: coding.

“I’m not that familiar with the computer itself” admits Williams, “but I know how to code”. As it stands, Serena will graduate high school with profitable skills. “I started with the Khan academy, now I’m with the code academy. Another I’m gonna work with is black girl code. I work with those so I can get certification for coding”. She has taken full advantage of the technology opportunities that her community provides, and it looks like it will pay dividends sooner than expected.

“I recently got a call from Amazon” Serena says with excitement in her voice, “they want me to work with them for the coding courses that I completed. Can academy has this system where they tell about high school kids that have completed certain courses in coding. They said that they want me to work with them”.

Serena is honest in her admission that college isn’t for her, but her affinity for fashion that showed in her modeling work persists. “I recently wanted to go to fashion school, I always wanted to do fashion design. I used to take sewing classes when I was young, and I know how to sew really good”. When asked what a potential clothing line might be called in the future, it reflected both of her passions. She hopes to call it “Clothing and Coding”.