CCNY Alumna Wins ‘Project Runway’ Modeling Contest

City College of New York alumna Millana Williams, ’10, is a prime example of how hard work, perseverance and dedication can help anyone succeed.  Just months after graduating from CCNY with a BA in advertising and public relations, she has won the model segment of Lifetime’s reality series “Project Runway.”

Originally from Houston, Millana moved to New York on a leap of faith; her goal was to obtain a college degree and break into the fashion business.  “I moved to New York when I was 19,” she said.  “It was definitely very hard financially.  Yet, I knew that I wanted to live in Manhattan and that I needed to find a public university because there was no way I could afford a private university’s tuition.

“I compared CCNY to the other CUNY schools and, after meeting with the Media and Communication Arts Department, I knew that CCNY was the place for me,” said Millana.  “Despite how hard it was to juggle everything, completing college was the most important goal for me.”

Millana, who works professionally as Millana Snow, attended the casting for “Project Runway” just ten days after she graduated.  “Being on the show was really an experience for me,” she recalls.  “I had just graduated from CCNY, and by the end of the summer I was modeling full time and on a national TV show.  Mentally, physically and spiritually, this was a journey for me.  Staying on the show was always unknown; it really showed me how important it is to stay focused and grounded.”

While attending CCNY, Millana worked for two and half years at “Uptown” magazine, and is now very excited about combining her passion for fashion and communications/business skills to serve as a guide throughout this journey.  “Aside from graduating, winning this competition was a great advantage toward my career,” she said. “I am beyond happy and grateful, but I know that modeling is a job and I hope that it leads to more opportunities.”

Project Runway has awarded Millana a fashion spread in “Marie Claire” magazine and $25,000.

About Project Runway

Hosted by supermodel and fashion maven Heidi Klum, the hit series provides 17 talented designers – the most in series history – with an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion, under the watchful eye of mentor and Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer Tim Gunn.  Judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia weigh in on the best and worst of the runway.  “Project Runway” is 2010’s number-one rated and most watched competitive reality program.