What If a Runway Could Change a Life?
She Stepped on the Runway. Everything pivoted. The spotlight isn’t just for beauty—it’s for becoming. There are fashion shows—and then there are moments that move. The kind that shift something inside you. The kind that remind you fashion can be more than fabric and flash. It can be a force. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the third annual CatWalk Pros Academy runway showcase returns to Miami with a bold new theme: Tierra, Viento, Fuego, Agua—Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. Hosted at the Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM) at CityPlace Doral, the event promises to be a celebration of fashion, identity, sustainability, and youth transformation. “This isn’t just about clothes,” says Sandra Ward, the powerhouse founder behind CatWalk Pros. “It’s about legacy. About seeing our girls rise—one step at a time.” Rooted in Culture, Wrapped in Power Sandra’s own story is stitched into every show she creates. Born in Panama and raised in a vibrant Afro-Latina household, her roots span Trinidad, Martinique, and St. Lucia. For her, fashion has always been a canvas to reclaim identity. “I speak Spanish, I upcycle vintage, I coach confidence—but people only see the surface,” she says. “This show is about peeling that back. About saying, look again.” Her vision for Tierra, Viento, Fuego, Agua is tied to Earth Day and her deep commitment to sustainability. Through the lens of four elements, each scene of the show explores not only environmental awareness but the internal power of the young women walking the runway. The title itself pays homage to the iconic music group Earth, Wind & Fire, but also invites a deeper connection—reminding the audience that sustainability isn’t just a trend. It’s a mindset. One that honors both the planet and the people who walk it. Sophia’s Walk Is Just Beginning One of those stories belongs to 12-year-old Sophia Rose Hinkson, a proud Trinidadian model with a magnetic presence. She’s already walked in New York and is returning to the Miami runway to embody the element of water. “I love every part of it—picking outfits, practicing my walk, being part of the team,” Sophia says. “When I’m on the runway, I feel strong—like I’m telling a story.” That strength was earned. Sophia’s path hasn’t always been easy. She grew up navigating challenges that many her age haven’t had to face—but she never walked it alone. Her aunt, Marie Bermudez-Hinkson, and her grandfather have been two of her greatest pillars—guiding her with love, discipline, and belief when the world was uncertain. They didn’t just encourage her to pursue modeling. They showed her how to move through life with grace, resilience, and purpose. Marie, in particular, has been more than a guardian—she’s been a grounding force. Sophia often speaks of her as the reason she dares to dream as boldly as she does. Whether it’s reminding her to stand tall or pushing her to keep going, Marie has always made sure Sophia knew her worth. A mindset mentor in her own right, she recently authored a book rooted in the same values she’s passed on to Sophia—resilience, self-belief, and the quiet power of presence. “Resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, moment by moment, choice by choice,” Marie says. “My hope is to help others shift their mindset, find their inner strength, and walk through life empowered—not in spite of adversity, but because of how they’ve grown through it.” That kind of support is what transforms a hobby into a calling—and for Sophia, modeling has become a way of expressing everything she’s survived and everything she hopes to become. That kind of support is what transforms a hobby into a calling—and for Sophia, modeling has become a way of expressing everything she’s survived and everything she hopes to become. “Girls from Trinidad are bold,” she says proudly. “We’re full of culture and we’re not afraid to shine.” Sophia’s walk is more than practiced posture. It’s personal. It’s her story, stitched with courage and carried in every step. Confidence in Motion At CatWalk Pros Academy, girls don’t just learn to model. They learn to believe in themselves. Sandra’s mentorship goes beyond poses and postures. It dives into emotional resilience. “We teach them how to walk—but more importantly, how to stand,” Sandra says. “There are affirmations. Journaling. Sisterhood circles. We help them find their voice.” By showtime, the transformation is undeniable. Girls who once whispered now walk with power. Parents tear up as they see daughters radiating with pride and presence. “Success isn’t fame,” Sandra adds. “It’s when a girl says, ‘I finally feel like I’m enough.’ That’s the moment I live for.” A Show With Soul This year’s showcase is packed with Miami energy, featuring standout designers like Celia Ledón, Dope Tavio, Tanya Marie, Vlackbook, The Fashion Reboot, and Curious Atelier. Together, they’ll bring a mix of upcycled innovation, avant-garde design, and Caribbean flair to the runway. The collaboration between CatWalk Pros and DORCAM represents more than just a venue. It’s a merging of artistic spaces with emerging voices—where fine art meets fierce runway moments. And while the looks may turn heads, it’s the light in these girls’ eyes that will stay with you long after the final walk. CatWalk Pros Presents: Tierra, Viento, Fuego, Agua 🗓 Saturday, April 26, 2025 – 5:00 PM📍 DORCAM – 3450 NW 83rd Ave #216, CityPlace Doral🌐 www.catwalkpros.com | www.dorcam.org
