Fairfax Local in the Big Apple

A graduate of Fairfax High School in 1990, Cristina DeHart continues a thriving modeling career in New York City. Now her drive to assist aspiring models brings her back to Northern, VA for a special event.

Born and raised in Fairfax VA, Cristina began modeling at a local level with agencies in the metropolitan area during her later years in high school. Upon graduation she left her hometown to attend C.W. Post, Long Island University. Before receiving her master's degree at age 22 in Criminal Justice she spent two years working for the NYS Attorney General's Office in the Consumer Frauds and Protection Unit.

While spending the day in NYC in 1995, Cristina was spotted by a photographer who was interested in taking some "test shots". After investigating the legitimacy of this opportunity through the Attorney General's Office, she agreed. With her photos she attended a contest in Los Angeles which propelled her career to an International level by fulfilling contracts with top agencies in Paris, Madrid, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore. After traveling the "International Circuit", Cristina took her experience to New York City where she continues to model professionally. Her career extends from high fashion, beauty and commercial print to acting in daytime soaps and commercials. Cristina's clients range from Modern Bride, Glamour, Calvin Klein, Burburry's and Vera Wang to Bed Bath and Beyond, Aetna Health Care, Nokia, J.C. Penny and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Now after spending eight years in the New York City fashion and beauty industry as a model, Cristina DeHart (please visit cristinadehart.com) decided to take her years of experience and create the Agency Forum www.theagencyforum.com.

The Agency Forum is run exclusively by professional models who have been in the industry for years, starting at a local level then expanding into larger markets. All of those working within the Agency Forum have modeled at an International level with the experience to match. This is their opportunity to use their experience in a productive and beneficial way that educates aspiring models and directs them to the legitimate avenues within the modeling profession. Their goal at the Agency Forum is to teach modeling hopefuls how to enter the modeling business through quality representation, successful marketing and worthwhile bookings.

Cristina is well aware of the many companies looking to take advantage of young hopefuls. Her experience with the Attorney Generals Office inspired her drive to educate consumers. "Eight out of ten young girls dream of modeling professionally. Now more young men are following suit. Unfortunately these young women, men and their parents are unaware of how to pursue this dream. They become prey to the many illegitimate searches, conventions, conferences, agencies and schools", Cristina states.

The Agency Forum is her opportunity to assist those interested in modeling professionally by offering her experience and by guiding those to the legitimate avenues within the industry. The seminar also includes agents from your local market and New York City as guest speakers. Each participant will have the opportunity of meeting these agents and presenting pictures and/or resume.