From the battlefields to the runway, this veteran-turned-model is redefining beauty through empathy and courage.
A Leap of Faith into Fashion
Sometimes, life changes with one spontaneous decision. For Emtiaz Youssif-Benford, that moment came the day she walked into a model casting call in New York City — just to “give it a shot.”
“I honestly just randomly gave it a try one day,” she recalls with a laugh. “I went to a model casting call in NYC, and I was shocked I got casted!”
That unexpected “yes” marked the start of a new chapter. It was 2022, and Emtiaz — a woman who had already lived a life of courage and service — was now stepping into an entirely new arena: the world of fashion.
From the Army to the Runway
Before she ever wore couture, Emtiaz wore a uniform. A proud U.S. Army veteran, she had served in war — an experience that shaped her resilience, discipline, and deep sense of purpose.
“My military experience taught me strength, structure, and compassion,” she says. “Those lessons carry into everything I do today — even modeling.”
Her transition from soldier to model might seem unconventional, but for Emtiaz, both paths are about representation and courage. “On the battlefield, you fight for unity. On the runway, you celebrate it.”
The Heart of Her Mission: Unity in Diversity
At the core of Emtiaz’s story lies a profound message about unity — one that she lives, not just speaks.
“The gap I’m trying to bridge,” she explains, “is that unity isn’t about sameness — it’s about respect.”
Having lived in two distinct cultural worlds, Emtiaz has seen firsthand how kindness transcends language and geography. “Whether it’s through food, music, or faith,” she says, “there’s always a shared rhythm. I dream of a world where empathy outweighs judgment — where our diversity is seen as our greatest strength.”
Her words carry weight because they come from experience — a life that has seen both conflict and connection.
A Personality That Shines Through
What makes Emtiaz stand out in the often-serious world of fashion is her natural bubbly personality — infectious, genuine, and grounded.
“People always tell me they feel at ease around me,” she says with a grin. “I think that’s my gift — to bring lightness wherever I go.”
It’s that charisma — combined with her sense of mission — that has turned her from a newcomer to a fast-rising model with features and shows lining up one after another.
Defining Success on Her Own Terms
For Emtiaz, success isn’t measured in fame or money — it’s defined by fulfillment.
“To me, success means having what you’ve always aspired for through hard work and determination,” she shares. “Every step I take — whether it’s in modeling, service, or charity — feels like progress toward that goal.”
Her motivation is simple but powerful: a desire to fulfill her dreams, not just for herself, but for the people she serves and inspires.
Organized, Purposeful, and Always Moving Forward
Behind her warmth and optimism lies structure — a habit built from her years in the Army. When it comes to choosing projects, Emtiaz keeps things strategic.
“I organize everything by priority and deadline,” she says. “It helps me stay focused, especially with multiple things happening at once.”
That blend of discipline and creativity allows her to balance the glamour of modeling with her deep commitment to service and community work.
A Future Built on Service and Style
Looking ahead, Emtiaz’s vision goes far beyond the runway lights. Her upcoming projects focus on helping children with special needs and expanding her charity and community service work.
“I want to continue giving back,” she says. “Serving my community will always be part of who I am.”
At the same time, her modeling career continues to rise — with plans for more magazine covers and her next runway appearance at New York Fashion Week in February.
“I’m so excited for what’s next,” she beams. “Every new opportunity feels like another way to tell a story — mine, and the one we’re all part of.”
Grace in Every Chapter
From the discipline of a soldier to the poise of a model, Emtiaz Youssif-Benford embodies a rare balance — of strength and softness, purpose and passion.
Her life’s message is simple, yet profound: kindness is universal.
Whether on the runway or in her community, she’s proof that beauty is not just seen — it’s felt.
And as she prepares for her next walk under the lights of New York Fashion Week, one thing is clear — Emtiaz isn’t just walking for herself.
She’s walking for everyone who believes that courage, compassion, and authenticity will always be in style.
Follow Emtiaz’s journey:
Instagram – @littletinybenny
