The Amazing Photo Shoot
Meet Our Cover Models
Austin Halls
Austin Halls
Austin Halls, born with Moebius Syndrome, has defied the odds with his fierce determination to smile and thrive. Despite doctors’ doubts, he learned to eat orally by age three and now channels his psychology degree, personal journey, and music to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. With a flair for fashion and art, Austin, a dynamic recording artist, has released two albums and the empowering pop dance anthem "Disabled," proudly celebrating and redefining disability.
Autumn Gardiner
Autumn Gardiner
Born in rural Pennsylvania in 1977 with an extremely rare muscular-skeletal condition known as Freeman Sheldon Syndrome (aka “Whistling Face Syndrome"), Autumn Gardiner underwent more than 30 major craniofacial and foot surgeries during her childhood, starting when she was just 3 days old. Despite the frequent hospitalizations, PTSD and other challenges, Autumn managed to excel and even thrive in every aspect of life. With a degree from American University, she spent her early career working in human rights advocacy in Washington, DC, and later moved to Mystic, CT where she now lives with her husband Michael, and works as a grants manager.
Denise Nguyen
Denise Nguyen is a Product Designer at Google and model in New York City. She was born with a port wine stain birthmark on her left cheek, ear, and ankle. In her free time, she likes to solo travel and roller skate.
Dina Zuckerberg
Dina Zuckerberg has served as the Director of Family Programs at myFace for 11 years. Dina was born with a unilateral cleft lip, no vision in her left eye and hearing loss. She uses her personal experience of having a facial difference to connect with and advocate for the individuals and families myFace serves. Dina is the host of myFace, myStory podcast which has had over 34,000 views and listeners. She has spoken at more than 300 schools for the Wonder Project reaching over 100,000 students. She leads the myFace Adult Support Group and helps facilitates the Parent and Adolescent Groups. In 2021, she was the recipient of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Family Services Leadership Award which is given to an individual or group who has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership on behalf of individuals with cleft or craniofacial conditions.
Justin Stewart
Renowned as a signed model and influential figure in the world of social media, Justin Stewart has left an indelible mark through their impactful participation in numerous viral campaigns, amassing over 5 million views across various platforms. Their portfolio boasts features in esteemed publications such as Vogue Magazine, Truly, VH1, Good Morning America, and ABC News. With a career adorned by collaborations with prominent brands like Nike, Telfar, Google, and Rick Ross Maybach Music, Justin has become a recognizable face in the industry. Beyond the glamour of modeling, Justin’s platform is a beacon for advocating inclusivity and representation, especially for the craniofacial community. Their relentless efforts strive to reshape the modeling and entertainment landscape, emphasizing the importance of diversity and empowerment.
Matilda Lansdown
Long-time ambassador for facial difference, born with a cleft lip and palate. Background in beauty and fashion, loves to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote diversity. Youngest of four girls, a non-identical twin, chef’s wife and proud dog mum. Can usually be found at a party or festival when not hard at work!
Naomi Heather
Naomi Heather is a 25-year-old makeup artist living in Brooklyn, NY. Naomi’s experience of being born with a bilateral cleft lip, palette and bottoms lip pits have given her a unique approach to beauty; everyone is naturally beautiful. No matter how someone may look, they deserve to feel and see that beauty for themselves. Naomi’s career highlights have been working with big brands such as MAC, Maybelline, Estée Lauder as well as serving those with facial differences. In her free time, Naomi posts tutorials and advocacy content on social media that boost awareness and encourage people to own their confidence.
Sora J. Kasuga
Sora J. Kasuga is a writer, speaker, face equality activist, professional circus artist, the founder of The FaceOut Project, and co-founder off CirqOvation. Proudly Japanese-American, Disabled/Disfigured, Neurodivergent, and Queer, Kasuga’s many identities fuel their work to shift individual and collective perceptions in order to create a more inclusive, equitable and just world. In a society built on shutting certain people out, Sora reaches for an inclusive humanity that emerges stronger because of our differences, not despite them.
