GIVING BACK

I believe in art's purpose to elevate our spirits and consciousness. Through my work, I hope to inspire and give voice to issues and people that are not necessarily being heard. Throughout my career as a model, actor, and now filmmaker, I have donated and contributed my time, skills, and resources to different causes and charities. I am not affiliated with any of these organizations. I have simply supported their cause and what they stand for. And so can you. Please visit the respective organizations' websites to learn more about their work, what they do, and how you can help. Thank you in advance!

Do good. Be good. Stay good.

Hearts of Gold

Hearts of Gold's mission and purpose is reimagining the future of homeless mothers and their children together by helping them to become confident and self-sufficient as they prepare to transition out of New York City’s shelter system to permanent homes.

This is at the top of my list because knowing Deborah Koensiberger (the founder of Hearts of Gold) personally, I can testify to how giving, generous, and dedicated she is to what she does. She truly cares about helping those in need. Pictured above is me walking down the runway at one of the Annual Hearts of Gold galas and fundraisers in New York City. CNN's Soledad O'Brien, actor, and activist Marcia Gay Harden are among the ambassadors to the Hears of Gold foundation. Visit their website here.

Larger than Life

Larger Than Life, an outstanding nonprofit organization, helps seriously ill children with cancer and their families cope with their fears, treatments and social isolation through the Dream Trips and many more family activities. Visit their website here.

Wash the Hate

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, there has been a startling rise in hate incidents against Asian Americans. #WashTheHate's mission is to promote solidarity across all communities as we battle a common enemy. In this time of unprecedented crisis, our country needs unity, not division. Visit their website here.

Black Lives Matter

This movement needs no introduction, especially today. Black Lives Matter doesn't mean other lives don't matter. It means their lives matter as much as any other life. It promotes equality and justice and equal treatment for black people. Black Lives Matter is an international human rights movement, originating from within the African-American community, which campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people—link to their official website here.

I have also participated in PSA spots against Violence against Women, and my latest film 'The Critic' has been referenced as one that tackles the #MeToo and #TimesUp issues as well as the topics of mental health, drug addiction and the struggle with impostor syndrome. I support equality for every human being, regardless of gender, race, religious or sexual orientation.