Marie P. Anderson knows fashion and beauty—both the good and the bad. The woman who discovered supermodel Cindy Crawford, and nurtured the careers of numerous top models, is a model industry expert, author, public speaker, mental health advocate and a staunch supporter for models’ rights. “Sexual impropriety and hostile work environments in the fashion industry is a global issue. Why do I care? I’ve been through what it feels like to be sexually traumatized,” says the 35-year model industry executive and former model.
As an in-demand public speaker and Mother Agent, Marie is fearless when it comes to shining the light on the dark corners of the fashion industry. Issues ranging from body image, eating disorders and substance abuse to trauma and mental health are addressed both in Marie’s revealing speaking engagements as well as in her candid conversations with new models. “Love can transform,” observes the former Vice President of Elite/Chicago Models and founder of Aria Model & Talent Management. “And that’s what you do with your models, hopefully, is to empower them, to transform them.”
But what truly motivates this dynamic businesswoman and media personality is deeply intimate. “Suicide Prevention and Suicide Awareness are at the core of what I do. I tried myself twice, I have 36 friends that were successful and I accidentally witnessed a total stranger plunging to his death from a Penthouse window,” reveals Marie about past traumas that have shaped her purpose. She shares her viewpoints about Suicide Prevention and Suicide Awareness publicly, making it her ultimate goal to help those who may find themselves in this difficult and painful situation.