The Spanish model with Down syndrome Marián Ávila received the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy 2020 award trophy last morning, delivered at an online gala from Denver (Colorado, United States), for their “achievements as a model and role model”. 23-year-old Valencian who lives in Benidorm (Alicante), the young model has shared the award with the Canadian actress from the series’ Grey’s Anatomy ‘Caterina Scorsone, and the distinctions have been given virtually during the event’ Be Beautiful Be Yourself ‘(in English’ Be beautiful, be yourself ‘), which has served to raise funds for scientific research.
Marián Ávila has been chosen for this recognition both for her career and for “using social networks to meet other people and gain visibility without prejudice or labels, and to help others“.” She calls herself a feminist and defender of human rights, family and friendship, “the jury of the organization, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global), highlighted when she was chosen by this young woman who on September 8, 2018 achieved the milestone of being the first Spanish model with Down syndrome to walk the runways of New York Fashion Week.
In an interview with the EFE agency shortly after learning about the award, Ávila stated that she felt “very happy” and assured that “people with Down syndrome can also,” just like “everyone else,” which is why her motto in life is “I can”. “We can all fulfill our dreams”stressed Ávila, who feels “happy with who I am and that everything is like that.”
During the ceremony, a video of Marián parading dressed by the Alicante couturier Hannibal Laguna was shown alongside supermodel Beverly Johnson, who was the first African-American to star on the cover of Vogue, in 1974. Ávila, 1.61 meters tall, is the image of the current Levi’s advertising campaign who advocates for diversity, and has also worked for El Corte Inglés. In addition, he has participated in the Ibiza Inclusion Fashion Day parade and in the announcement for the Valmont Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week.
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