Age 16-18
Ellie Goldstein was born with Down syndrome, but it hasn’t stopped her from becoming a global fashion model, performer and influencer. She now uses her platform to act as a champion for other people with differences or disabilities.
A former student at New City College Redbridge Campus, Ellie now 22, studied Performing Arts and has gone on to work for brands such as Gucci, Adidas and ASOS – making history by being the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of British Vogue magazine.
She is a dancer and performer and now also an author, having published her first uplifting picture book for children, ‘Ellie’, based on her own life story.
Ellie hopes the book will empower and inspire young children to realise they can become whoever they want to be. The story is about determination to overcome challenges despite the assumption of others.
When Ellie was born with Down syndrome, doctors told her family that she would never walk, learn or talk – yet she has danced in productions for the Royal Opera House; she has gained a New City College education and qualifications; and she now uses her voice as an advocate for disability to speak up and make the fashion world more inclusive.
Ellie is an inspiration to everyone and had a real impact on her classmates while at college – reminding them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Ellie said: “I know I can do a lot! And I hope when other people with Down syndrome or disabilities see me, they will think they can do things too. There needs to be more opportunities for people like me, more inclusivity and representation, but it is getting better.”
Her advice to young people is: “Follow your dreams, never give up. But most of all be happy and live life to the fullest!”
Her bubbly personality has won her many fans, including celebrities such as Paloma Faith, Katie Piper, Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole, as well as many other famous faces she has met during her work in commercials, TV shows and fashion campaigns.
The list of Ellie’s achievements this year is incredible:
- She has worked for Quaker, CBBC and Disney
- Been an ASOS influencer on Instagram, modelling clothes and accessories
- Appeared in a Channel 4 documentary called New Model Agency
- Has filmed on location from May to October in Devon and Bristol for her part in the Enid Blyton series Malory Towers – which is out next summer
- Filmed Celebrity Bake-Off – which is airing next March
- Launched her second book ‘Ellie’ (her first book is called Against All Odds)
Ellie says she has two dreams still to achieve – to model on a catwalk in New York and to compete on Strictly Come Dancing!
Read more about Ellie’s story in a BBC interview here.
See Ellie on Good Morning Britain here and on Loose Women here.
