Victoria’s Secret’s First Model With Down Syndrome

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Jenifer Urzua, Reporter

Companies as famous as Victoria’s Secret, Gerber, and Gap are updating their marketing techniques by including marginalized groups such as people who have Down Syndrome.

The nation should normalize people with disabilities and acknowledge them as well. People with Down Syndrome often enjoy many of the same products as mainstream society, wanting to be treated normally and not feel embarrassed, excluded, or put down.  An incredible story that shut down those voices would be Sofia Jirau, who has Down Syndrome and has become a successful model.

Sofia Jirau is 25-years-old and is a Puerto Rican model; she is making big moves with becoming Victoria’s Secret’s first model with Down Syndrome.

The Puerto Rican model is taking part in a collection called “The Love Cloud.”  The Love Cloud collection features women described by the company as being from a “myriad of backgrounds.”

Jirau has made it clear that she fights for other people like her who have Down Syndrome and has made it important. She has launched a world-wide campaign to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. The campaign, called Sin Limites, or No Limits, is an effort to show how Jirau and others with Down Syndrome are able to accomplish their goals despite any daily challenges they may face, including issues such as a lack of available jobs, independent housing, and a more inclusive educational system. 

“One day I dreamed of it, I worked for it and today it’s a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret,” Jirau wrote. “I am Victoria’s Secret’s first model with Down Syndrome!”

“Thank you Victoria’s Secret for seeing me as a model who has #NoLimits and making me part of the inclusive Love Cloud Collection campaign,” she added. “Inside and out, there are no limits.”