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Cathryn Murray

Plus-Size Model and Master’s Student

Speaker Info

  • http://www.cathrynmurray.com/

Speaking Sessions

March 16, 202211:20 - 12:20 AM EST

Biography

I grew up in a single-parent family household. My mother encouraged me to follow my dreams and continue with my education. She was an amazing woman that raised me to love, show empathy, and compassion for others.  My mother encouraged me to always follow my dreams and to believe in myself. At the age of 8 years old, I founded a teen organization for young people  With the help of my mother I was able to found Global Teen Club International. The whole goal of the organization was to bring ethnically diverse and socially aware young people together. We published a monthly publication and it went out to young people in the US and abroad. It was through this experience that I gained awareness of the world around me. My organization enabled me to travel in the US and abroad.

In 1992, I was selected as  Noxzema Extraordinary Teen Finalist that helped me to reach more young people through my own article published in ‘teen Magazine. My organization helped to make a difference and allow for others to express themselves in a nonviolent way. I was often called a ” Grassroots Ambassador” and I had dreams of being a world leader. Although I stopped the organization I went on to discover plus-size modeling.  I was not with an agency, but I used my online presence to reach out to photographers, other talent and I started making a name for myself in the industry. I enjoyed modeling and being in front of the camera. I worked with Ad Campaigns, appeared on buses and billboards, walked the runway for the Tyra Banks Show, traveled across the US as a Brand Ambassador for Just My Size, and worked with a variety of photographers. I loved being in front of the camera. My mother used to always say, ” I am so sassy.” 

It is so funny because that nickname even got me noticed as the Sassiest Girl in America’s contest in Sassy Magazine.  I had so much going for me and still do, but my life came to a sudden halt when I was hospitalized in 2009 and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar really can get your life off track if you allow it. I struggled with my weight and my sanity for a few years.  I went to live in a licensed Board and Care Residential Home and I thought my life was over. Gone were the trips to Los Angeles for shoots and my full-time job. Instead, I started to listen to my Doctors and Psychiatrists. I knew that I had to go back to school.   

Now that I am a Graduate of Northwest Christian University, I can stand tall and proud that I have gotten my Bachelors of Science at a school that believes in faith, service, and good works.  Even though it was a struggle at times, I never gave up. I know that the future looks a little scary. Right now as I write this we are experiencing a virus with no cure, rioting, and violence in our Nation. I believe that it takes a whole village to raise a child and I believe that our leaders need to come together and unite instead of having division. I believe in change and I know that in time America will heal and come back stronger than ever. I am now pursuing my Master’s Degree at Northcentral University.