2013 marked AZFoothills.com’s fourth-annual Face of Foothills and Future Face of Foothills model competitions. As we introduce this year’s first-place Faces, let’s take a look at what the past victors have been up to since their crowning moment.

Stephanie Mannon, Caitlin Wilenchik, Tori Zukowski, Emily Glynn, Laura Willert
Photographed by Cassandra Tomei. Location: Montelucia Resort and Spa.

This year’s Face of Foothills winner is much more than just a pretty face. As a student at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University, 19-year-old Emily Glynn has brains to match all the beauty.

Though Glynn entered the 2013 Face of Foothills competition knowing that winning was a longshot (there were more than 300 applicants, after all), she knew she had the support of family and friends—and their free time—on her side. “My mom and sister would spend hours voting,” Glynn says. “The last night [of Web voting] was the craziest though. I probably had 40 people behind me, and it was touching to see everyone I love come together for me.” Though her supporters helped send her to the top 10, it was Glynn’s sweet personality and natural, effortless beauty that helped her take the title.

During her tenure as the Face of Foothills, the Tucson resident is looking forward to proving herself as a spokeswoman and model (she has been with The Agency Arizona for three years). “But most importantly, I want to be a role model for young girls,” she says. “Becoming a professional model is a lofty goal and as the Face of Foothills, I hope I can inspire girls to keep at it while staying true to themselves and staying healthy, both mentally and physically.”

Looking beyond her time as the Face of Foothills, Glynn’s future sure seems bright. Not only does she dream of one day gracing a Victoria’s Secret catalog (“Like almost every other girl,” she says) but you might see her name gracing a book cover, as well. “I want to eventually write and publish a book. I have yet to come up with a great idea, but it’s something I’m really passionate about.”

STEPHANIE MANNON
2010 WINNER

AFM: What inspired you to enter the contest?
SM: As a model here in the Arizona industry, I have always admired the elegant and sophisticated fashion spreads in AFM. When I heard that the magazine was holding their first-ever modeling contest, I jumped at the opportunity to enter. I knew that winning a contest like that could really propel my modeling career, and it certainly did.
AFM: Have you pursued a modeling career?
SM: I have been modeling for over six years now and am currently signed with the FORD/Robert Black Agency here in Arizona.
AFM: What have you been up to since winning?
SM: My modeling career took off. I have had the privilege of working on the set of a couple of commercials and a movie starring Will Ferrell. I shot a couple of catalog shoots, magazine spreads and jewelry and eyewear campaigns, walked runways, traveled, etc. All while meeting and networking with some truly amazing artists in the industry.
AFM: What’s next for you?
SM: Well, I became a first-time mommy just this past November! My husband and I have been blessed with a precious baby girl, Isabella Grace. God is so good, and our hearts are just filled to the brim with so much love and joy for this little angel of ours. Who knows, maybe someday we will have a Future Face of the Foothills in the family!

TORI ZUKOWSKI
2011 WINNER

AFM: What inspired you to enter the contest?
TZ: I found out about the contest through my modeling agency. I really had no idea what I was getting into when the voting started, but then it became an intense game to win. My friends and family actually enjoyed all the voting. It got crazy at times. My mom even postponed her trip back from New York on the final day of voting because she knew how many votes I would need to make it to the top 10.
AFM: What did you think when you won?
TZ: At first I didn’t hear them call my name. Then I couldn’t believe it when a few of the other girls said I had won. I was shocked to say the least.
AFM: What have you been up to since winning?
TZ: I have attended some fun and exciting AFM events and have continued my modeling with The Agency Arizona. I am in my third year at the University of Arizona pursuing a degree in Family Studies and Family Development.
AFM: What has been your most memorable modeling experience?
TZ: I have two actually. The photo shoot I did for AFM was absolutely incredible! My other was a runway show I did for UGG boots. It was a very exciting day.
AFM: What are your career goals?
TZ: Right now I’m thinking about a career as a physician’s assistant.

CAITLIN WILENCHIK
2012 WINNER

AFM: What did you think when you won?
CW: Wow. It just goes to show you that when you dream it, you can do it! I never thought that I would win since I knew so many people before me that had tried and had not succeeded. Why would I be the one to do it? We’re all special, and, sounds corny, but if you put your mind to any goal, at least you can say you gave it your all. I had once read about the celebrity Brooke Burke-Charvet writing a bucket list on her blog and making sure she followed each [goal] rigorously until it was accomplished. I plan to do the same.
AFM: What have you been up to since winning?
CW: I graduated college, took the LSAT, and I entered the Miss Arizona USA contest for the first time. I received first runner-up. I am not giving up on my pursuit of that, like anything else, and I will pursue it once again in January 2013.
AFM: What are your career goals?
CW: Be a role model in any way by being a spokesperson for young women who suffer from self-esteem issues, and be an attorney.
AFM: What’s next for you?
CW: I’m off to law school next year, and heading to South America this December, which I am extremely excited for. When I come back, I hope to win Miss Arizona USA in January. Fingers crossed.

LAURA WILLERT

Though she is no stranger to the modeling game, 17-year-old Laura Willert was stunned to hear her name when she was announced as the 2013 Future Face of Foothills champ. (She is with FORD/Robert Black Agency.) “Right as I heard my name as being the winner, a huge relief went through my body,” she says. “Not only did I make it to the top 10, but I actually won. I was thrilled and speechless at the same time. It was so exciting to see my family so supportive of me; they are my biggest fans.” In fact, the Ahwatukee resident tries to spend all of her spare time with her support team of family and friends—and shopping. “Jeans and shoes are my weakness,” Willert says. In the future, Willert, who just graduated from Desert Vista High School, hopes to study business at Arizona State University, following in the footsteps of her three older siblings.