Simone Taila, a name that is quickly rising in the worlds of beauty, community service, and fashion, is making waves. At only 17 years old, Simone has already achieved accolades that highlight her talent, dedication, and commitment to serving her community. From winning Miss Photogenic and People’s Choice in the 2023 Miss Kentucky Teen USA Pageant to placing in the Top 16 nationally at the Ideal Miss Pageant, Simone’s achievements are a testament to her remarkable journey as a young role model.
Beyond her pageantry accomplishments, Simone has established herself as a freelance model with an impressive portfolio. She has modeled for high-end designs, such as Ashley Lauren and Jonathan Kayne, along with exquisite diamond jewelry by Raaz Luxe. Her work with Pink Tag and Madison Avenue has expanded her exposure, especially on social media, where she’s built a significant following through collaborations with photographers, stylists, and fellow models. Simone’s modeling finesse has been sharpened under the guidance of renowned coaches like Lu Sierra, Maria Montgomery, and Thom Brodeur, who have helped her hone her skills in professional posing and interview presence.
While her modeling and pageantry pursuits are impressive, Simone’s passion for community service sets her apart. Her long-standing involvement with the Kentucky Science Center reflects her dedication to inspiring young minds. Serving on the Young Adult Content Committee, Simone helped design the “Uniquely Human” exhibit, focusing on public health and justice issues that resonate deeply with today’s youth. Her initiative “Unbottled” provides teens with a judgment-free space to express their thoughts, offering a unique approach to mental health
support. In addition to her role at the Science Center, Simone’s volunteerism extends to hospitals and education.
As a Teen Volunteer at Norton Children’s Hospital since ninth grade, she’s spent countless hours brightening the lives of young patients and assisting nurses. Her work as a tutor at Sacred Heart Academy allows her to inspire middle school students in science and mathematics, sharing her love for learning. Simone has also volunteered at Baptist Hospital, where she supported patients and medical staff in the outpatient surgery and pharmacy units.
Her compassion for those in need is a cornerstone of her character and something she holds close to her heart. Academically, Simone has shown a deep curiosity for science, particularly in the fields of oncology and biotechnology. Selected for programs like Biogen-MIT’s Biotech in Action Summer Lab and the Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Simone has immersed herself in scientific learning and research. These experiences, coupled with a Scientific Presentation Master Class, have equipped her with both the technical knowledge and communication skills to pursue a potential career in STEM.
As she continues to grow her career, Simone aspires to channel her creativity and passion for fashion into becoming a designer. Her vision is to craft a clothing line that embodies inclusivity and self-expression for petite and plus-sized young girls and women alike. “My left and right
brain compete all the time, she shares with Vanity Teen.
I have the brain of a STEM girlie but the creativity and passion of a burgeoning fashionista. Maybe I will be one of the first Southeast Asian women with degrees in Biology, Medicine, and Fashion Design. Whoever said women can’t do it all or that we must choose, hasn’t met me.” Supported by her family and fans, Simone Taila’s future shines brightly. From inspiring peers with her community initiatives to gracing the runway with elegance, she embodies resilience, beauty, and intelligence—qualities that promise to make her a force to watch whether she is a Dr. Taila designer Simone, or both.