WOMEN WHO INSPIRE

Samantha Harris, Quentin Bryce and Sam Kerr are just some of our top female role models.

SAMANTHA HARRIS ROLE MODEL

Discovered in a Girlfriend magazine competition at age 13, Samantha Harris went on to carve out a successful modelling career that in 2010 saw her become only the second Indigenous model to grace the cover of Vogue. When she was growing up in Tweed Heads, NSW, such an achievement “would never have crossed my mind,” says the 27-yearold. These days, Harris doesn’t limit her possibilities and is honoured to encourage other young women to dream big too, she tells WHO.

As one of the few Indigenous models in the business, you’re inspiring a generation of young women— how does that feel?

When I first wanted to be a model, I never thought that I would inspire so many young girls to pursue their careers, whether it’s modelling or whether they wanted to be a doctor, or anything. Now that I’m older, it’s really humbling and I’m happy and proud that I can be somebody’s role model—i can be the reason that someone will push that little bit harder to go where they want to go in the future.

Starting your career at 13, do you think you had any idea then of how your life was about to change?

I had no idea! When I first wanted to be a model, my goal was to be in Kmart and Big W catalogues—i’ve still never done it to this day, but that’s what I thought modelling was.

Can you name a career highlight?

I’ve walked for so many amazing brands ... but my career highlight is my Vogue cover. To know that you’re the second Indigenous woman to be on the cover is very special.

You said in 2013 that you’d like to see more diversity on Australian catwalks—are you seeing progress?

Obviously, there can be a lot more multicultural models on the runway, but there has been progress. The more the merrier! Australia is a very multicultural country so show Indigenous girls, Asian girls—a mix of what Australia is today. I think it’s really important.

Who inspired you as a little girl?

My mum. I like to think that’s where I got my strength and determination.

Your next challenge?

I would love to be a Victoria’s Secret model! That is my next thing. I would love it! Fingers crossed.

What’s your message for women who are chasing a dream?

Whatever their dreams are, whatever they want to do in their careers, just keep going. Growing up, I was always told that I couldn’t be a model and, well, joke’s on them!