Former student and successful plus model Shanta Washington feels that her training at The Academy was essential to her growth as a model. "The Plus Academy served as the gateway to success AND self acceptance for me at a pivotal time in my life”, Shanta reflects. “The Academy was the greatest starting point for me as an aspiring model while at the same time, the instructors and volunteers helped me to become in touch with my inner self...they taught me self acceptance on another level. I would never trade my experiences and the knowledge gained through The Plus Academy and the Director, Gwen DeVoe for anything in the world...I owe my career to it!"  Shanta has gone on to appear in several magazines, including Essence.