UConn senior Stephanie Voytek is a member of S.H.A.P.E., which stands for Students Helping to Achieve Positive Esteem. She is also the main organizer of the SHAPE event, “Catwalk to End Fat Talk,” taking place in the Student Union Ballroom at 4 p.m. this Sunday.
Voytek is studying Nutritional Science here and wants to eventually become a registered dietician.
“I want people to be healthy and I really think that food is really the foundation of health,” she said. “I really want people to have a healthy relationship with food.”
Throughout the year, S.H.A.P.E., a peer education group, presents to various campus organizations on things like positive body image and eating disorder awareness. Students at the presentations can talk to each other and learn that they may be going through similar struggles.
“Everyone’s a little insecure about themselves,” said Voytek. S.H.A.P.E. helps make them “aware of what’s going on so they know they’re not alone.”
The event on Sunday will help with S.H.A.P.E.’s mission. Women of all body diverse body types, races, and styles will all be modeling in their own clothes.
“That’s the premise of the show- celebrating who you are as an individual and being comfortable in your own skin,” Voytek said. “We have a bunch of personalities that are really different, and its cool seeing the contrast.”
Voytek hopes people will come to the show “with an open mind,” and says they should expect to have fun watching the models as well as the videos, music, raffle and food that will also be part of the event. According to Voytek, there is also going to be a special surprise guest. She hopes that this phone atmosphere will bring a positive vibe to a serious issue.
“When we talk about body image and eating disorders, it’s always really serious and it’s hard to get college students engaged,” she said. “But I think this event will be great because it promotes a good message in a fun way.”
The event is free and will take place this Sunday, November 1 at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.