Donning designer pieces from her own personal wardrobe, Mimi Assefa shows her versatility by modeling clothing with drastically different patterns, cuts and styles. / photos by Christopher Guzman

by Andrew Vasquez
photography by Christopher Guzman

For a moment, she seems helpless as a plethora of hands wave brushes, large and small, over her face. Combs and curlers engulf her hair as the sickly sweet hair spray smell saturates the air. She pulls on the dress she has been directed to wear, and, again, another flurry of hands tug it into a perfect fit. Now, finally free of her handlers, she is on her own. Her heart races as she approaches the pearly white catwalk, outstretched before her like a path to heaven. She bursts forth from her backstage world into the limelight, and hundreds of pairs of eyes instantly, expectantly focus upon her. She takes a deep breath, but it is not fear that makes her breath low and heavy; it is exhilaration. Tigist “Mimi” Assefa is a runway model, and at age 29, the catwalk is still her world. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, her statuesque figure and striking features, coupled with her confidence, fit well with the modeling world’s expectations. Even dressed in plain street clothes, she gives off a sense of elegance and grace hinting that in addition to being a University of La Verne student, she is someone who has already made a professional name for herself.

Mimi started her modeling career in 2000 at age 18, and, after three years of trials and tribulations with Los Angeles agencies, she signed non-exclusive agreements with two: Whittier Rodriguez and LP Entertainment. “I ate, drank and slept fashion,” Mimi remembers. It was not without sacrifice. Mimi was born in Ethiopia and at age 3 moved to the United States. Her parents, both college educated and highly valuing education, did not approve of her career choice. This was especially true for her father, who Mimi says is traditional and believes that an education is the only way to gain a successful career. “At first it was hard for my father to grasp what I was doing; he couldn’t understand why I was putting my education on hold,” she says. “I was even basically kicked out of my house for choosing to model over going to college. He saw it as me using my body and not my intellect to get ahead in life.” Her friendships were also tested as a full-time model. “My days were so strategically planned. I had no social life. And when most people were just getting out of bed, I was halfway through my day. But I loved it.” However, not everyone in Mimi’s life remained unsupportive. “My mom has always been my cheerleader. She has always helped me with whatever I needed and has been to my runway shows,” she says.

Katie Magnuson, friends with Mimi since 2001 while both were trying to make it as model/actresses and working at Gold’s Gym in Long Beach, validates Mimi’s career choice while acknowledging that the family stress was tough. “It tore her up inside because she and her family are so close. But she would probably never tell anyone that. For Mimi, it spurred her to make her father proud of her.” And she did make a name for herself on the runway, modeling in shows sponsored by well-known designers and sponsors including Emanuel Torres, BCBG, G-Unit, Venus Swimwear, Donna Loren and the Art Institute. Her father eventually accepted her career choice and became involved. “Once he saw the contracts and answered the phone calls from agencies, he saw that I was doing something and was actually being successful. However, his acceptance of what I was doing was always with the expectation that I would be going to college to get a degree eventually.”

Mimi says her experiences have taught her an important lesson and given her the mind-set all aspiring models should have. “For anybody who wants to be a model, do it. Forget what anyone else says.” Katie says that Mimi has “made it” but probably will never admit that. “She has become very successful, and I am proud of her,” she says. “But I know her too well, and this is just the beginning. She will be more successful than this. She is blessed with incredible beauty and is a natural at every part of the modeling business. But it is her presence more than anything. When people work with her, they want to work with her again.” Actor and Producer Joram Moreka, friends with Mimi since meeting her on a movie set four years ago, says she can make it in other art arenas. “Not only is she talented and willing to work hard, she is also a very talented actress.”

Finding modeling success is not easy. There are many industry pitfalls. “It’s easy to get talked into doing something that you don’t want to do, that compromises who you are and your morals. You have to know who you are, and what kind of model you do and don’t want to be. There is the artistic, and then there is a part where sex sells. You should always speak up, especially when you are told to do something you don’t want to do. It is easy to be taken advantage of. If it is something that compromises who you are, don’t do it,” Mimi says. Another industry pitfall: not all agents or agencies are truthful about promised work or future success possibilities. “People lie to you in this industry; they make it seem like they can get you in the door easily. Some will, but many won’t, and you have to be a smart model and know who is just trying to take advantage of you. You can be sweet, but you can’t be naïve in this business.”

Aspiring models should not look to reality television shows such as “America’s Next Top Model” as a real look into what the modeling world is like or as a way to become a real top model, she says. “‘America’s Next Top Model’ is not an entirely accurate portrayal of many things in the industry. It’s definitely more of a G-rated portrayal of the atmosphere of a photoshoot. Drugs and alcohol are a reality in many photoshoots. Also, most female models are not put in a modeling house and therefore do not get catty with each other as they do on that show. There are only two people whose opinions matter for models during a photoshoot: the artistic director and the photographer,” she says. “Girls looking to this show as a doorway to instant success should keep in mind that no industry wants to be told by a TV show who or what is hot. I have worked with and seen only one contestant from that show, but she was not by far any big name. I can’t think of one girl who won that show who actually went on to become a top model.”

Mimi says that modeling success is simple yet extremely important. One is networking. “Follow up; you want to be at the top of their minds and on the tip of their tongues.” She encourages aspiring models to start young. “Agencies just need a bodyshot and a headshot, and they always have open calls. Or you can start modeling independently by creating a profile on websites like ‘Model Mayhem’ that allow you to network with local photographers and other people.” Regarding agencies, Mimi says the best are approved by the Screen Actors Guild. “Always keep on top of your agents to make sure they get you jobs. You aren’t their only client so you have to show them that you’re serious.” She also has more practical advice, “Keep yourself healthy by exercising and eating healthy. But don’t diet; make it a lifestyle. I have made it a lifestyle, and I will still be able to model even though I am 29.” She says that the perceived age gap for models is not as serious as most think as long as models keep themselves healthy and fit.

Mimi feels that some people have a negative understanding of modeling. “It is easy for people to blame others for their problems. If a child is anorexic, there are deeper issues than a girl in a magazine. It’s a profession; not everyone can or should be a model. When you are modeling, especially high fashion, you have to be a certain body type to fit the clothes.” Normally, female high fashion models are expected to be 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall with a bust size between 32 to 35 inches, a waist size between 22 to 25 inches, hips between 22 to 25 inches and a shoe size of 7. However, these measurements are only for high fashion models. Models in other categories of fashion have different acceptable measurements. “It’s not a statement about what is attractive or how every girl should look. High fashion models act as a frame for the clothes. That’s it. A model should not have to be a role model. It’s not my job; it’s the job of the parents,” Mimi says. And she does not want to be judged by preconceived notions. “I wish everyone saw the art in it,” she says. “Modeling has such a negative connotation attached to it, whether it is eating disorders or vanity. Some people have a negative opinion of me when they find out I am a model so I don’t tell many people. But to me it’s all fun; it’s playing dress up. It’s art, and it’s work, and during a show you feel honored to be allowed to wear something that someone put so much time and effort into creating.”

Presently, Mimi has dialed down on her modeling gigs and focused on school partly because that was the agreement she and her father had when he finally accepted her modeling career. Ever still the independent woman, Mimi says that her choice of majoring in radio broadcasting at La Verne is for her. “If it were up to my father, I would be going to law school after graduation this fall. But I want to some day be a sports commentator on ESPN or a political commentator on a station like KNX or KFWB. Sports and politics are the things, besides fashion, that I have always been most interested in.” She also plans to continue modeling for as long as she can. Her agent still is active in getting her jobs, and she says right after she is done with school she will start modeling full time again.

“For anyone who wants to be a model, you have to do it for you,” Mimi says. “People may not agree with it or understand, but it’s your future and your life.”

Spinning Top 40 hits on 107.9 LeoFM, Mimi Assefa rules the air on Tuesday mornings. / photo by Christopher Guzman

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No stranger to modeling, Amanda Gomez, University of La Verne broadcast journalism student, former Miss Arizona High School Rodeo Queen and three-time Rose Parade veteran, was ready from the outset. More than 160 pictures later, so was Emmy’s Angel, on loan from Carie Olson, a professional barrel racer, trainer and equestrian instructor. / photo by Michael D. Martinez

by Erin Foltz
photography by Michael D. Martinez

Amanda Gomez listens to the upbeat music opener that marks the start of the University of La Verne produced Foothill Community News and one more time brushes back her forehead hair with her right hand. The lights are uncomfortably hot. A count down rings out: 3…2…1. She takes a breath, smiles and on cue from the student floor manager, turns to the unblinking eye of camera one and engagingly says, “Good evening, this is Foothill Community News. Thanks for joining me; I’m Amanda Gomez.” Her demeanor, her voice, her dress—a white colored jacket with green trim and matching skirt—sets her off as a consummate newscaster. Amanda is the news anchor for LVTV-3 and KWST, and she feels at home on the set. Her recent internship experience at ABC Network News, ABC-7 and Good Morning America validates her career choice.

Yet, there is a side to this 22-year-old Portland, Ore., born broadcast journalism major that she does not show off at La Verne. A significant part of her life has taken place on the back of a horse in the state where she grew up. She is a member of the Arizona Cowgirls Historical Foundation and is a former Miss Arizona High School Rodeo Queen. She began riding horses when she was 4 years old. “I’ve always loved horses,” Amanda says. “I had an interest in learning to ride so I asked my parents to take lessons. I got my first horse “Cricket,” a Sorrel Brown Quarter horse, when I was 8. I will always remember him, because he was the horse I rode for all my queen competitions. I was closer to him than any of my other horses.” She describes Cricket like a dear old friend, smiling as she recalls how he had a sweet tooth and loved to eat pancakes. As a child, she would go into his stall and talk to him like a playmate.

Her mother Patricia Gomez recalls the first time she brought the then 4-year-old Amanda to an equestrian riding lesson. “It became apparent that there was something special there. Amanda had no fear; she was walking underneath the horse, touching and talking to it; she was instantly so enamored,” Patricia says. “At a young age, she was the catalyst for our family adopting a country western lifestyle. When she wanted to start riding and wanted a horse, that was the start of our journey. I grew up on a turkey ranch myself in California; my grandfather raised and broke horses as well, and my husband has western heritage and roots with members of his family who own a ranch in New Mexico, so it almost seems full circle that Amanda developed these interests.”

When Amanda was 8 years old, she won her first rodeo queen competition, Miss Little Bit Rodeo. In time, she also held the titles of Miss Pre Teen Country Western USA, Sr. Princess Gilbert Rodeo Days Queen, and in 2006 Miss Arizona High School Rodeo Queen, where she was a representative for the state of Arizona and went on to compete at the National High School Rodeo Queen competition.

“When I was a junior in high school, I competed in Gillette, Wyoming, for National High School Rodeo Queen. There were representatives from 40 states and Canada. During the 10-day competition, I won the Horsemanship Award, which is one of my most coveted awards. I won the competition on a horse I had rented for the competition and with which I had just a few days to get acquainted. That was my most memorable experience throughout my rodeo queen days,” Amanda says.

Rodeo barrel racing competitions

She was a competitive 4H Club barrel racer while in middle school; In high school, she earned distinction in school barrel races. Barrel racing is a rodeo event where a horse and rider attempt to complete a clover-leaf pattern around pre-set barrels with the fastest time. It combines the horse’s athletic ability and the rider’s horsemanship skills as they maneuver around three barrels placed in a triangle in the arena center. “My most unforgettable experience as a barrel racer was when I performed at the Queen Creek Arizona Rodeo. I remember every turn being sharp, and I didn’t knock down any of the barrels. I also achieved one of my best times ever in a barrel racing competition that day,” she says.

Amanda likens the help of her family to a NASCAR pit crew. As they supported her through all her pageants, she became more involved in the western lifestyle, and her parents did so as well. “My parents were such a support system and source of encouragement when I was growing up. My mom would put rollers in my hair and make sure that I was always dressed perfectly for the competitions. My dad traveled all over Arizona with me, and always helped saddle my horse and cleaned up the horse poop,” smiles Amanda.

Her parents agree that she definitely created a country western feel to their lifestyle. Her mother, a retired Horizon Airlines pilot and now part-time professional photographer, and her father Rick, an airline pilot flying international routes with United, attribute this change to the interests Amanda cultivated growing up.

“With Amanda being interested in horses, pageants and rodeos, it was definitely a new journey for us as a family. Not only was it really exciting and fun but an educational experience as well,” her mothers says. “As Amanda developed a strong relationship with her horse, it gave me an opportunity to teach her the responsibility of when you commit to something, you follow through with it. I believe it helped to make her be the best that she can be.”

Cowgirls Historical Foundation

Amanda’s mother became involved with The Cowgirls Historical Foundation during Amanda’s rodeo pageant days. Since, she has become the organization’s president. “My mother is a huge part of where CHF is as an organization today, and how it has grown in the last few years,” Amanda says. “She firmly believes in what it stands for, which is the preservation of the western lifestyle, and is actively involved in the charity work. She gets the word out about our events and has helped transform CHF into the nonprofit that it is today.” Amanda, herself a CHF member since its 2005 start, says the organization has a country western ambassador charge, with a group focus on increasing public awareness, appreciation, and preservation of America’s western heritage and equestrian lifestyle. The women participate in parades, rodeos, charity events, fashion shows and public speaking events. “I am able to do much community service and fundraising for good causes. It is also very important for me to educate other people, young or old, about western lifestyles and the ‘Wild West,’” Amanda says.

“I believe that CHF is a very positive organization for young women,” adds Patricia.“It helps to empower them, improves upon their life skills and is a great way for young people to get out and get involved in the community. The girls interact with people in the community, which helps them to become better conversationalists and to learn social skills.” CHF charity involvement includes the Veterans Medical Research Council, Returning Warriors Fund and the March of Dimes. The organization performs special fundraisers such as Valentines for Veterans.

CHF members wear expensive vintage country western outfits from Hollywood’s western golden age for parades and fundraisers. “We wear rhinestone studded vintage outfits that are really beautiful works of art—collectibles—that should be in museums actually,” says Amanda. “My favorite vintage outfit is my gray riding skirt outfit with matching jacket. It has light-pink roses and greenery embroidered down the front of the jacket and down the front of the riding skirt. It is covered in rhinestones and comes with gray boots to match. I feel so special wearing this outfit because it is helping preserve western culture.”

Rose Parade rides

For CHF members, the Pasadena Rose Parade ride is now an annual event. Amanda herself has ridden in the parade three times: 2007 to 2009. Dressed in their rhinestone cowgirl costumes, the women decorate their horses with silver saddles and put red roses in their manes. “Riding in the Rose Parade is an indescribable experience I will never forget,” Amanda says. “We have to be on the freeway at the staging area at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. We are on our horses at 5 a.m. for the 8 a.m. parade start, so there is a bit of waiting involved. We ride our horses in a serpentine pattern for the five miles of the Parade route. It usually takes about two hours and requires a lot of smiling and waving.” Along with the Parade comes participation in the Equestrian Fest at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. There, equestrian Parade participants perform horseback choreographed drills. The CHF team rides to music and waves bright colored ribbons to add to the excitement. Following, the women sign autographs, take pictures and meet with children and fans who are intrigued by them and their beautiful horses. “Our group loves speed and going fast, so our performances are very fast paced and energetic. It’s really exciting to pump up the audience and get them involved in our presentation,” she says. Excitement brimmed recently when the CHF women learned that their organization will now be sponsored by Rural Free Delivery TV, a country western television channel.

Plans for the future

Since moving to California in 2006 to become a ULV student, Amanda does not always have the time available to devote to CHF and her rodeo lifestyle. “I will always try to be a part of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation forever. I want to include an equestrian lifestyle and horses in my life, but my passion for news and journalism, and my professional goal of being a reporter or a producer brought me to La Verne; I love being here as well.” She aspires to enter the world of broadcast journalism and is excited about the possibilities. “I want to start out as an entry level reporter at a small station, take what I have learned as a student at La Verne, and test things out to see whether I go into producing or possibly become an anchorwoman.” Her family is also excited for her future and her career direction. “My main hope for Amanda, and for all my three children, is that they be the best they can be, be successful at it and have a passion for what they decide to do. If Amanda’s career path leads her into the realm of broadcast journalism, I have all confidence she will have a really successful career,” her mother says.

Amanda will always look back fondly on the time she spent as a rodeo queen, as well as considering membership in CHF as one of the most important experiences of her life. “Being a part of CHF has taught me so much. This group has changed me as a person. It has taught me to speak to people, has shaped my morals and values and made me strive to be a role model. It has taught me that in life, whether it be actual or theoretical, if you fall off your horse, always get back on and ‘cowgirl up.’ Perseverance and confidence are key cowgirl attributes.”

photo by Michael D. Martinez

photo by Michael D. Martinez

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Woodworker Sam Maloof and actress Rene Russo smile from Bill Neill’s computer screen. Russo narrated Neill’s documentary, “Maloof.” / photo by Sheila DelCastillo

by Victoria Allende
photography by Sheila DelCastillo

Relaxing in the shade of his gazebo, Bill Neill drinks in the beauty of his garden. From the specially crafted barbecue to the tree house he built for his grandchildren, Neill’s home is filled with unique personality. Living in a historical home, located just a few blocks from the University of La Verne, Neill blends in with the close-knit community as another friendly neighbor.

But Neill is not your typical neighbor. He is a five-time Emmy nominee and successful documentary filmmaker. His most recent accomplishment is “Maloof,” an hour-long documentary on the life of world-renowned wood-worker, Sam Maloof. Maloof, who is 92 years old, creates unique, high-quality, furniture. At an auction held at Anderson Ranch Arts and Craft Center, one of his rocking chairs was sold for $180,000. Maloof has been designated by the California Legislature as one of California’s living treasures. His fans include actress Rene Russo and former President Jimmy Carter, who calls Maloof “the finest woodworker in the world.”

A few years ago, while visiting Maloof’s Rancho Cucamonga home, Neill met Russo. “I was there for his birthday, and Rene Russo came with a gift,” Neill recalls.

When Neill asked Russo if she would be willing to appear in the documentary as a host and voice-over, she happily agreed. “I’d do anything for Sam,” she says.

A 1962 graduate of what was then known as La Verne College, Neill returned to the University of La Verne in the mid-1970s to earn his master’s degree in educational technologies.

After many years of working in various television teaching positions, Neill accepted a job at KOCE TV in Huntington Beach. He worked as the producer/director of the television station for 11 years. He produced films on subjects that included astronomy, cultural anthropology and the arts.

Years after his graduation from La Verne, Neill returned to the college, this time to teach in the Communications Department. He was station manager for LVTV from 1988 until 1991. This time around his wife, Charlotte, joined him. She worked as assistant to the dean from 1989 until her retirement in June 2007.

ULV Communications Professor Mike Laponis reflects fondly upon Neill’s time at LVTV. He credits Neill’s experience at KOCE TV with helping LVTV become a better station.

“He did a very good job,” Laponis says. “He was a real professional.”

Although it has been several years since his departure from the university, Neill keeps his feet firmly planted in the ULV community.

“I’ve designated myself to be an archivist for the University of La Verne,” Neill says. He explains that whenever he sees something is occurring or changing on campus, like the demolition of the old gym, he goes over with his camera and documents what’s going on. Neill has such a passion for the university that he named his production company Lordsburg Productions, after the university’s original name.

Neill would like to produce a documentary on ULV President Stephen Morgan, and another on former ULV athletic coach Roland Ortmayer, who was Neill’s basketball coach when he attended the university. Ortmayer was the type of coach who encouraged his athletes to attend class over practice—not something commonly seen in school sports today. He’s also thinking about doing a documentary on a book called “Wine and War,” which is about the wine industry during World War II.

“[It’s] how the wine industry survived during the war.” He would like to first make a documentary about it, and then perhaps produce a theatrical feature.

In the meantime, Neill enjoys his days in his beautiful home with his family. “I love to come outside with my coffee when it’s raining and walk up and down my porch.”

Whichever project Neill decides to take on next, it is sure to be a success. This happy grandfather, father, teacher, filmmaker and Emmy nominee shows no sign of slowing down.

photo by Sheila DelCastillo

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