Christie Valdiserri
Christie Valdiserri
Christie Valdiserri is an American activist, fitness instructor and model based out of Southern California. In February of 2020 she was selected as one of the final six contestants in Sports Illustrated's search for their next Swimsuit Model.[1][3]
Personal Life
Valdiserri is originally from Pennsylvania. She attended Pennsylvania State University and had graduated prior to her 22nd birthday. After graduation Christie was living in New York City and attending a NYC dance program.[22]
In June of the latter part of the 2010's Christie started losing her hair in patches.
She found a dermatologist who had told her she had Alopecia Areata. Valdiserri then underwent multiple steroid injections to her skull which, unfortunately, were ineffective. She spent her time working, trying new treatments, and finding auditions in the city.[22]
Career
Prior to becoming a fitness instructor and model, Valdiserri worked in New York City as a server.
Dance and Fitness
She is an active fitness trainer as well as a professional dancer. She goes on tour teaching dance and fitness classes and also posts choreography videos on social media. [21]
Sports Illustrated
In the summer of 2019 Valdiserri walked the runway at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition fashion show in South Beach, Miami. On the catwalk she took off her wig and proudly displayed her bald head. When asked about the experience she stated in an article on Dailymail,
'I was inspired to attend the Model Search in Miami when I finally had enough strength and confidence in myself as a bald woman.'
“I truly believe we need to educate the next generation that beauty comes from who you are, not from what you look like.
Associating hair with beauty was taught to us.
We weren't born believing hair makes you pretty, but society has lead us to believe that.
So I plan to let my personality and my positive nature shine through regardless of if I ever have hair on my head again.
I want to show the confidence that I've worked so hard for and my love for life to radiate through my posts and through my presence everyday, so young girls or other women who are losing their hair or have been hiding under a wig for years have at least a small glimpse of hope.
I want to give people the little push they need to go from being bald to being bold.”
Christie is one of the final 6 models in Sport's Illustrated's search for their next swimsuit model alongside fellow model Kathy Jacobs.
Social Media
On Instagram Christie has amassed over 17,900 followers as of April 2020. On the platform Christie can be seen in various locations around Southern California, including the beaches of Malibu and the Hollywood Hills. She also posts videos of her workouts and dance routines, as well as promotes popular clothing brands and boutiques.[2]