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Bio:
Discovered at age 19 in the local mall, it did not take Michelle Bernard long to work her way to the top of the modeling world. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Alice Michelle Bernard Cruz, Michelle came to settle in Miami, FL when she was four years old. Life was not always so glamorous for the Latin beauty; her parents were divorced not long after they arrived in America. Michelle was raised from then on by a single mother, who taught her all she needed to know about resilience: “My mother was left to care for two children on her own. I learned that women were just as strong as men, if not stronger.†That kind of resilience has served her well all of her life. Childhood dancing accolades lead to admission at the prestigious New World School of the Performing Arts. While she continued to excel at dance (ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance), she was able to stay focused and graduate in the top 10% of her class, earning her a full academic scholarship to Florida International University. Michelle continued her success, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Psychology, including honors from several honors societies. Even though she came from fairly innocuous beginnings, winning a local mall modeling contest at the age of 19, Michelle has since risen to the top echelons of the modeling world. Soon after her debut, Michelle signed with Ford Modeling Agency and has since worked for the top fashion and commercial institutions all over the world. This includes but is certainly not limited to: Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Enyce, Target, Macy’s, Glamour, Glamour en Espa?ol, Cosmopolitan, Vibe, and Seventeen Magazine. This young girl’s star is rising and there is no end in sight. Now as a professional model and international star, this Puerto Rican-born beauty has her eyes towards writing, TV hosting, and clothing design. Even considering all of these possibilities, Michelle won’t be satisfied with her accomplishments until she sets up a foundation for underprivileged children. “No child’s dream should go unrealized because of a lack of resources,†says Ms. Bernard. “I want to create a safe and productive environment to help ensure a solid future for these children.†After already seeing so many of her dreams come true, all Michelle can do is credit her family for getting her to where she is: “ I thank my mom for all the values she instilled in me. I am the woman I am today because of it.†.
Pharrell and Twista's "Give It Up", directed by: Hype Williams