THIS TV HOST AND FORMER MISS NEW YORK APPLIES SHOOT EXPERIENCES TO OTHER MULTIMEDIA ENDEAVORS

BY JENNIFER VIKSE

INDUSTRY: How did you get started modeling?
Jennifer DeCillis: Although I started my journey into the industry right out of high school, I didn’t fully understand where I belonged until years later. With agencies like POSH, which accepts and nurtures models of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, I became confident in myself and my role in the industry. Eventually, I found my passion in pageantry.

Tell us about some gigs.
Modeling has provided an amazing outlet for travel—getting… shooting in some of the most beautiful destinations around the world, like Mykonos or The Red Sea. It has also been a humbling and eye-opening experience. I’ll never forget, on a work trip to Colombia, we met these beautiful local children scouring the beach for leftover food, who approached us asking for our leftover coconuts. Another concern of theirs was being able to afford pencils and books for school, and it broke my heart. It reminds you how blessed you are to have the basic necessities of life.

What else has highlighted your career?
As Miss New York [for 2016, in the The Miss United States Pageant], I recognized my passion for working on camera. Since then, I have hosted TV shows and red carpets and interviewed some of the biggest celebrities in the industry. With a background in journalism, though, I have always loved writing. Today, I continue my work in TV hosting, along with writing and editing.

Where do you live?
In the West Village of Manhattan, and absolutely love it!

What else are you passionate about?
My family might sound like the most common answer, but it is so true. My mom is my best friend and my brothers have equally loved and challenged me since they day they were born. I also have a full list of places I still need to explore. I love to read and never go on a trip without a new book. It relaxes me and also keeps me fresh for writing.

How would you describe your personality in three words?
Only having three will be tough! I’d have to start with passionate. I feel and love intensely and my emotions are strong in many aspects of my life. I am also driven. My mom raised me to be a strong woman who never settles and knows how to depend on herself. Lastly, I’d have to say silly. I quote movies in my daily speech and love a good board game. My best days are being back home with family, making them laugh and letting my goofy side come out.

VJ SPREAD

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JENNIFER DeCILLIS
AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 5’6″
WEIGHT: 130
SHOE SIZE: 9
HAIR COLOR: BROWN
EYE COLOR: HAZEL