A young Cuban woman named Fernanda showed up for the open casting call of Victoria's Secret in Miami on May 15 and shared her experience in an emotional video posted on Instagram that touched the hearts of thousands of followers.
In the video, recorded during the casting interview, Fernanda shared her life story with complete honesty: she has been living in the United States for nearly 4 years after emigrating from Cuba, where growing up was difficult due to the lack of opportunities.
"It was tough. There were no job opportunities. I am fortunate to be here to take care of my family, to fight for my future, for what I love," Fernanda said in front of the brand representatives.
Since she was small, modeling has been her passion. It was her grandmother who instilled that dream in her: "I remember my grandmother looking at me and saying, 'One day you will be on that screen.'"
It was her mother who encouraged her to take the step when she saw the call for auditions. "A few months ago, I saw the casting notice, and my mom was the one who told me: do it. You never know. Just believe in yourself. And here I am," Fernanda said during the interview.
When asked who had been her greatest support, she answered without hesitation: “My grandmother and my mom.” The response elicited an emotional reaction from the interviewer, who said, “I don’t want to cry. You’re doing great.”
In her Instagram post, Fernanda accompanied the video with a message that sums up her journey: "From growing up with nothing in Cuba, just love, to arriving in the U.S. and fighting to make my dreams come true. Thank you, VS, for this unforgettable experience."
She also thanked her family, friends, and herself for being "a strong and hardworking woman."
The casting that Fernanda attended is part of a historic open call launched by Victoria's Secret on April 6, 2026, with registrations open until May 28. The brand organized in-person events in several U.S. cities with large Latino populations, including Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and Chicago.
The selected candidates could secure an exclusive contract with IMG Models and participate in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2026. The entire selection process will be documented in a series titled Lights, Camera, Angels.
The story of Fernanda joins a recent pattern of Cuban women who have been making their mark in the international fashion industry from exile. The Cuban model Jhayna Duarte starred in the Chanel spring-summer 2026 campaign, and other young women from the island have succeeded as models and beauty queens in the United States.
The registration for the open casting of Victoria's Secret closes on May 28, 2026, and the last in-person event is scheduled for May 27 in Chicago.
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