Demet Ozuturk, a Woodland Hills resident, survivor advocate, trauma educator and founder of Thrive Beyond Trauma Center, has advanced to the quarterfinals of Next Runway Star, with the opportunity to participate in a New York Fashion Week experience connected with RISE, the survivor-led civil rights organization founded by Amanda Nguyen.
However, this journey is about far more than fashion.
Nguyen created the show to flip the harmful, invasive question “What were you wearing?”—often asked of sexual assault survivors—into a celebration of identity, agency, and power. Survivors, activists, and allies walk the catwalk wearing designs from major partners to raise awareness and advocate for survivors’ rights globally
Ozoturk survived childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, profound loss, and years of believing her voice didn’t matter. Rather than remaining defined by those experiences, she transformed them into purpose by creating Thrive Beyond Trauma Center, where she helps others understand trauma, heal, and rebuild their lives.
She says, “Healing isn’t about pretending the pain never happened. It’s about choosing compassion, resilience, and hope despite it. Every challenge I’ve overcome has strengthened my commitment to helping others believe that healing is possible. Reaching this stage gives me an opportunity to carry that message onto a very different kind of platform and represent survivors, women reinventing themselves later in life, and anyone who has wondered whether it is too late to begin again.”
The story is particularly timely: the quarterfinals end Friday, August 28, and she must finish first in her group to advance to the semifinals.
If she wins the $20,000 prize, she plans to invest the prize into expanding Thrive Beyond Trauma Center so more survivors can access trauma-informed education, healing resources, and support regardless of their financial circumstances. The funding would help develop educational programs, online resources, community outreach, and scholarships for those who otherwise couldn’t afford services.
“I dedicate my life to helping people transform adversity into resilience. At 57, I want to challenge outdated ideas about age, beauty, and what is possible. I hope to inspire survivors, women rebuilding their lives, and anyone who has ever felt unseen to believe they are worthy of being seen. I don’t walk only for myself. I walk for everyone still finding the courage to step into their own light. That is why RISE resonates so deeply with me. It celebrates courage, resilience, and the belief that our greatest challenges can become our greatest strengths,” she told Valley News Group.
Readers can vote for Ozoturk at nextrunwaystar.com/2026/demet-
