Olivia DePiore, Model and Inclusion Advocate: Most Interesting People 2026

Why She’s Interesting: From Paris to Milan to Bangkok, Olivia DePiore has stunned on countless runways, breaking barriers as an international model with Down Syndrome. Along the way, she has received the President’s Gold Award for Volunteerism, raised $100,000 for cancer research and worked daily to inspire greater inclusion of diverse models. 

Call Sheet: DePiore would most like to have a phone call with her friend and fellow Northeast Ohio model, Courtney DuPerow, who was a contestant on the 22nd season of America’s Next Top Model. “I love her cuteness and her energy.” 

Model Behavior: Of all the feelings running through DePiore when she walks a runway, happiness is the dominant emotion. “It makes me smile when everyone is clapping very loud at me when I walk by.” 

Not Quite a Catwalk: DePiore says she feels a bit more equine than feline when she walks the catwalk, carrying the lessons she has learned in horseback riding onto the runway. “I keep my back straight and make sure to look at everyone in the audience.” 

Red Carpet Sparkle: DePiore made history in 2025 as the first model with Down syndrome to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Beyond that event, she’s taken her talents to runways around the world. Of all the places DePiore has visited, Thailand stands out as a favorite for its cities, crowds and, of course, food. “I loved the rice there.” 

Olympic-Level Excitement: When the Special Olympics comes to Cleveland in 2030, DePiore will be standing at the ready to support the athletes. “I definitely want to be an athlete there one day.” 

Mommy Dearest: Although DePiore’s mother and manager, Vicky, does have to remind her to make her bed, Olivia couldn’t ask for a better travel partner. “I love working with my mom. We have fun together.”

Booking the Gig: A favorite book for DePiore is the Bible, which helps ground her as she travels the world. “I love reading about God and the niceness that is out there.” 

Meet the rest of the 2026 class of Most Interesting People >>

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