Age truly is just a number, and Dr. Nina Cash stands as an example of truly having an “encore career.” At the age of 57, Nina has not only embraced a new chapter in her life but has also achieved remarkable success by being named one of the seven winners of the 2024 Sports Illustrated Rookie Model competition. This accolade has seen her featured in the 60th Anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated. We had the opportunity to catch up with her to chat about her inspiring life and illustrious career, delving into the experiences that shape her unique narrative in the industry.
1. Dr. Cash, can you share what it felt like to be named one of the winners for the 60th Anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated at age 57? How did you react when you first heard the news?
Hi…thank you. Please call me Nina. Being named one of the winners for the 60th Anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at age 57 was an incredibly surreal and exhilarating experience. When I first heard the news, I was in disbelief and then overwhelmed with joy. It felt like a recognition that transcended traditional age and beauty standards. I felt proud and honored, not just for myself, but for everyone who believes that age is just a number, and that life can bring amazing opportunities at any stage. The moment powerfully reminded me that our potential is limitless, no matter where we are in life.
To celebrate the outstanding performance of the winners, event organizers can use a special way to recognize their achievements – Custom Medals.
These custom medals serve not merely as an acknowledgment of the winners’ individual endeavors but as an enduring tribute to their motivating tales. Imagine a carefully designed medal engraved with the winner’s name, date, and the logo of the event. It is not only a symbol of honor but also a physical object to inspire those who come after.
If you are choosing a prize for the competition, you can go to custommedals.co to take a look.
2. You’ve had a remarkable career as a University Associate Dean and now you’re breaking into the modeling world. Can you talk about what motivated you to pursue modeling as your “encore career”?
Sure. After some early experiences modeling while attending community college, life led me down a different path as I married and started a family in my early 20s, ultimately pursuing a career in workforce development and education. Upon retiring in 2022, I thought I would dip my toes back into the modeling pool. On a whim, I submitted a video application to the 2023 SI Swimsuit Rookie Search. To my astonishment, I progressed from being one of thousands of applicants to being named one of the co-winners and featured in the prestigious Sports Illustrated 60th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue. This unexpected wave of modeling opportunities has been both thrilling and fulfilling; an exciting time as I embark on my encore career.
3. As a Filipino woman over 50 and a member of the diabetic community, you represent several important demographics. How do you hope to inspire others who see themselves in your journey?
As a Filipino woman in her late 50s and a member of the diabetic community, I hope to serve as an inspiration to others by demonstrating that it’s never too late to chase new aspirations and shatter barriers. I believe that age, ethnicity, and health conditions should never confine our potential or restrict our opportunities. I hope through my journey of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passions despite any perceived limitations, will encourage others to embrace their own unique paths and pursue their dreams with confidence.
4. Your work with the Get Safe organization is commendable. How do you balance your time between modeling, your philanthropic efforts, and your personal life?
Balancing my commitments, especially as someone with a Type A personality, requires careful planning. Effective time management ensures I devote ample time to each area without neglecting any. Prioritizing tasks enables me to focus on those with the most significant impact, whether it’s a modeling assignment or a charitable initiative. Setting boundaries allows me to dedicate myself fully to each endeavor, minimizing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Finally, prioritizing self-care is crucial for me to maintain balance and preserving my energy across all aspects of my life. With these strategies in place, I feel better prepared to manage my encore career, volunteer work, and personal life, finding fulfillment in each pursuit.
5. Earning your bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees at different stages of your life shows incredible determination. What advice do you have for those who feel it’s too late to pursue their dreams?
Earning degrees at various life stages indeed reflects determination. For those who feel their dreams are out of reach due to timing, I offer this advice: Firstly, believe in you and your abilities; self-confidence is key. Next, start with small steps towards your goal, gradually building momentum. Remember, your life experiences provide valuable insight and skills; leverage them to your advantage. Seek support from mentors, friends, or family who can offer guidance and encouragement. Celebrate each milestone along the way, acknowledging your progress. Maintain a positive mindset, focusing on possibilities rather than limitations. Ultimately, understand that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams; your journey is unique, and you can achieve remarkable things at any age. Time will pass regardless of what you are doing, or not doing … so go for it!
6. Your husband, Aaron James Cash, is a professional dancer and choreographer. How has your relationship and his career influenced your own journey, especially your fitness and dance aspirations?
My husband’s career has greatly influenced my encore career. His excellence in the arts, highlighted by collaborations with icons like Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharpe, Cher, Michael Jackson, and Prince, serves as a constant source of inspiration. Through our relationship, I’ve gained insight into the discipline, perseverance, and creativity required to excel in dance. His support and encouragement have empowered me to pursue my encore career aspirations with confidence, pushing me to strive for excellence and embrace new challenges.
7. With your new career in modeling and your passion for dancing, do you have any plans or goals you’re looking forward to, such as appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” or other projects?
Absolutely! I’m thrilled about my encore career in modeling and my passion for dancing. While I may not have formal dance training, the prospect of the opportunity to appear on “Dancing with the Stars” is truly exciting. However, I’m equally enthusiastic about pursuing alternative projects that enable me to demonstrate my talents and creativity. Whether it involves partnering with brands, gracing fashion runways, or delving into dance-related endeavors, I’m eager for the opportunities that lie ahead. Above all, the chance to inspire others through my journey, championing inclusivity, diversity, and the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams, is an immensely rewarding aspect of this chapter in my life!
Age truly is just a number, and Dr. Nina Cash stands as an example of truly having an “encore career.” At the age of 57, Nina has not only embraced a new chapter in her life but has also achieved remarkable success by being named one of the seven winners of the 2024 Sports Illustrated Rookie Model competition. This accolade has seen her featured in the 60th Anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated. We had the opportunity to catch up with her to chat about her inspiring life and illustrious career, delving into the experiences that shape her unique narrative in the industry.
1. Dr. Cash, can you share what it felt like to be named one of the winners for the 60th Anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated at age 57? How did you react when you first heard the news?
Hi…thank you. Please call me Nina. Being named one of the winners for the 60th Anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at age 57 was an incredibly surreal and exhilarating experience. When I first heard the news, I was in disbelief and then overwhelmed with joy. It felt like a recognition that transcended traditional age and beauty standards. I felt proud and honored, not just for myself, but for everyone who believes that age is just a number, and that life can bring amazing opportunities at any stage. The moment powerfully reminded me that our potential is limitless, no matter where we are in life.
To celebrate the outstanding performance of the winners, event organizers can use a special way to recognize their achievements – Custom Medals.
These custom medals serve not merely as an acknowledgment of the winners’ individual endeavors but as an enduring tribute to their motivating tales. Imagine a carefully designed medal engraved with the winner’s name, date, and the logo of the event. It is not only a symbol of honor but also a physical object to inspire those who come after.
If you are choosing a prize for the competition, you can go to custommedals.co to take a look.
2. You’ve had a remarkable career as a University Associate Dean and now you’re breaking into the modeling world. Can you talk about what motivated you to pursue modeling as your “encore career”?
Sure. After some early experiences modeling while attending community college, life led me down a different path as I married and started a family in my early 20s, ultimately pursuing a career in workforce development and education. Upon retiring in 2022, I thought I would dip my toes back into the modeling pool. On a whim, I submitted a video application to the 2023 SI Swimsuit Rookie Search. To my astonishment, I progressed from being one of thousands of applicants to being named one of the co-winners and featured in the prestigious Sports Illustrated 60th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue. This unexpected wave of modeling opportunities has been both thrilling and fulfilling; an exciting time as I embark on my encore career.
Credit: Ben Watts /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.
3. As a Filipino woman over 50 and a member of the diabetic community, you represent several important demographics. How do you hope to inspire others who see themselves in your journey?
As a Filipino woman in her late 50s and a member of the diabetic community, I hope to serve as an inspiration to others by demonstrating that it’s never too late to chase new aspirations and shatter barriers. I believe that age, ethnicity, and health conditions should never confine our potential or restrict our opportunities. I hope through my journey of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passions despite any perceived limitations, will encourage others to embrace their own unique paths and pursue their dreams with confidence.
4. Your work with the Get Safe organization is commendable. How do you balance your time between modeling, your philanthropic efforts, and your personal life?
Balancing my commitments, especially as someone with a Type A personality, requires careful planning. Effective time management ensures I devote ample time to each area without neglecting any. Prioritizing tasks enables me to focus on those with the most significant impact, whether it’s a modeling assignment or a charitable initiative. Setting boundaries allows me to dedicate myself fully to each endeavor, minimizing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Finally, prioritizing self-care is crucial for me to maintain balance and preserving my energy across all aspects of my life. With these strategies in place, I feel better prepared to manage my encore career, volunteer work, and personal life, finding fulfillment in each pursuit.
5. Earning your bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees at different stages of your life shows incredible determination. What advice do you have for those who feel it’s too late to pursue their dreams?
Earning degrees at various life stages indeed reflects determination. For those who feel their dreams are out of reach due to timing, I offer this advice: Firstly, believe in you and your abilities; self-confidence is key. Next, start with small steps towards your goal, gradually building momentum. Remember, your life experiences provide valuable insight and skills; leverage them to your advantage. Seek support from mentors, friends, or family who can offer guidance and encouragement. Celebrate each milestone along the way, acknowledging your progress. Maintain a positive mindset, focusing on possibilities rather than limitations. Ultimately, understand that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams; your journey is unique, and you can achieve remarkable things at any age. Time will pass regardless of what you are doing, or not doing … so go for it!
6. Your husband, Aaron James Cash, is a professional dancer and choreographer. How has your relationship and his career influenced your own journey, especially your fitness and dance aspirations?
My husband’s career has greatly influenced my encore career. His excellence in the arts, highlighted by collaborations with icons like Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharpe, Cher, Michael Jackson, and Prince, serves as a constant source of inspiration. Through our relationship, I’ve gained insight into the discipline, perseverance, and creativity required to excel in dance. His support and encouragement have empowered me to pursue my encore career aspirations with confidence, pushing me to strive for excellence and embrace new challenges.
7. With your new career in modeling and your passion for dancing, do you have any plans or goals you’re looking forward to, such as appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” or other projects?
Absolutely! I’m thrilled about my encore career in modeling and my passion for dancing. While I may not have formal dance training, the prospect of the opportunity to appear on “Dancing with the Stars” is truly exciting. However, I’m equally enthusiastic about pursuing alternative projects that enable me to demonstrate my talents and creativity. Whether it involves partnering with brands, gracing fashion runways, or delving into dance-related endeavors, I’m eager for the opportunities that lie ahead. Above all, the chance to inspire others through my journey, championing inclusivity, diversity, and the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams, is an immensely rewarding aspect of this chapter in my life!
Follow Nina on Instagram here.
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