Niyah Jean-Pierre

Niyah Imani Jean-Pierre - Maryland
Nomination by Marie Fonrose
Photography by Kobe Levi
Issue 97 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​Nomination: Niyah Imani Jean-Pierre is a talented 13-year-old model, actor, and influencer making a positive impact in the teen community. Through her social media presence, brand collaborations, and dedication to her craft, she inspires other young people to pursue their passions with confidence. Niyah’s creativity, professionalism, and leadership make her a standout teen role model deserving recognition by Inspiring Teens. She initiated Niyah’s Starlight Holiday Drive this year to help kids and families in need.

Photography by Kobe Levi
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What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
One thing that wasn’t highlighted is how committed I am to using my platform to uplift others my age. I’m proud of the holiday drive I initiated this year, where I help collect toys, clothes, and essentials for families in need. I also serve as a role model to younger kids in modeling, reminding them to stay confident and kind. Whether I’m on set, at school, or online, I try to show that you can chase your dreams and still make space to help others.

What else would you like to talk about?
Right now I’m focused on growing as an actress, model, and creator. I’m working on new photo shoots, communicating with donors for the Niyah Starlight Holiday Drive, and preparing for upcoming brand collaborations. My biggest goal is to inspire other teens to stay true to themselves and keep going even when things get hard. I also hope to continue expanding my holiday drive so it reaches more families each year. I love learning, trying new things, and using my voice in positive ways.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I’m most passionate about encouraging other kids and teens to believe in themselves. I’ve been through moments where I had to find my own confidence, so I love reminding others that they’re stronger than they think. My friends often come to me when they’re stressed or dealing with mental health challenges, and I really value being someone they can trust. Listening to them has taught me how important kindness and patience are. Whether I'm modeling, acting, or just being a friend, I want people my age to feel supported and know they’re never alone.

What inspired you to start the Niyah Starlight Holiday Drive, and what has been the most meaningful part of helping families in need?
I wanted to help families who might not have enough during the holidays. The most meaningful part has been seeing how grateful kids and parents are and knowing that something I started can bring them happiness and relief. It’s taught me that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

How do you balance being a model, actor, influencer, and student while still making time to uplift the people around you?
I stay organized and set priorities. I make sure to dedicate time each week to my holiday drive and helping friends while also keeping up with schoolwork and my projects. Planning ahead and staying focused lets me do everything I love without feeling overwhelmed. Having a manager also helps keep me on track and focused.

What does it mean to you to use your platform as a space for positivity, confidence, and kindness for other teens?
It means I have a responsibility to be real, supportive, and encouraging. I want my platform to be a place where teens feel seen, inspired, and reminded that they can chase their dreams while being kind to themselves and others.

Can you share a moment when you realized your influence was making a real difference for someone your age?
When people my age started telling me that my kindness inspired them to give back too. They see a role model in me. Reading my community’s comments about having a big heart, especially during the holiday drive, showed me what I do matters.

What are you most excited about as you continue growing in acting, modeling, and creating new content?
I’m excited about exploring new roles, trying creative concepts in photo shoots, and collaborating with brands that share positive messages. Each project is a chance to learn, grow, and inspire others.

How has being a role model for younger kids in the modeling world changed the way you see your own journey?
Being a role model has made me more aware that other kids are watching me. I now see my journey not just as my own, but as something that can teach, motivate, and uplift others who look up to me.

What are some goals you have for expanding the Niyah Starlight Holiday Drive in the future?
I want to reach more families, partner with more donors, and create programs that provide essentials year-round, not just during the holidays. I hope the drive becomes a lasting way to support kids and families in need.

You mentioned helping friends who face stress or mental health challenges—what have those conversations taught you about empathy and leadership?
They’ve taught me to listen without judgment, be patient, and offer support in ways that really help. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s also about being present and understanding what someone might be going through.

What advice would you give to another teen who wants to pursue modeling or acting but struggles with self-confidence?
Believe in yourself and keep practicing. Everyone starts somewhere, and confidence grows when you push through fear and celebrate small wins. Surround yourself with people who encourage you and never give up.

What do you hope other teens feel when they see your work, your voice, or the impact you're making in your community?
I hope they feel inspired, encouraged, and reminded that they can achieve their dreams while being kind, helping others, and staying true to themselves.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
My grandmother, who is also my manager, found my photographer Kobe Levi. She had worked with him before through some of her other clients and knew he was really good at bringing out someone’s true personality. I really enjoyed working with him because he made me feel comfortable right away. His coaching helped me relax, pose naturally, and bring out my best expressions. We focused on both headshots and digitals, and I loved how professional and fun the entire experience felt. My second photographer, Valerie, we found online because she photographed someone we follow.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My favorite memory with my grandmother and manager is our very first New York Fashion Week show. We shared every moment together, from getting ready to stepping backstage. She calmed my nerves, celebrated each step, and showed me how much she believes in me. That day made us even closer.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I want to share my story to encourage other teens. Even small accomplishments can inspire someone else to believe in themselves. This magazine is a chance to show that you can work hard, stay kind, and make your dreams real.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
I would use it to grow my career and give back. I’d invest in creating higher-quality content, taking more classes, attending youth career fairs, and expanding my holiday drive to help more families.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
My dream job would be a professional model who work high end campaigns and actress who is a series regular, but who also creates content to inspire teens. I want to use my work to entertain, educate, and help others believe in themselves.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I want to thank my grandmother, my parents ( James and Tierra), my uncle (Matt), my extended family, especially my cousin, Chris, who supports all of my shows, my friends, the designers, the brands, and my photographers. They’ve supported me, guided me, and encouraged me to always do my best and believe in myself.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I hope my story shows that even at a young age, you can make a positive impact. Dreams take work, but kindness and perseverance make every step worthwhile.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
I would be in my basement making soaps.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I’m excited for new photo shoots, new auditions, and upcoming brand collaborations.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Starting my holiday drive was hard because it required organizing donations and reaching out to families, but I stayed focused, made calls, and kept believing people will give. I was hoping for more gifts, but this was my first year. Hoping for more next year.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work hard, stay kind, and never be afraid to try new things. Believe in yourself and keep going, even when it feels hard.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself growing as an actress, model, and creator, while continuing to inspire teens. I might be just starting college.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love making soaps and selling it, I am also teaching myself to crochet. It’s a way for me express myself creatively.

3 Things on your bucket list:
1. Walk in Paris and Milan Fashion Week
2. Book more films
3. Attend a major industry event as a featured teen influencer

Who do you find inspiring?
Zendaya is inspiring because she’s talented, classy, and versatile. I like Salish Matter for her positivity and the way she encourages kids to be themselves.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I inspire others by showing that hard work, kindness, and confidence can help you chase your dreams. Also, no matter your age, you can make a difference.

Look for Niyah in issue 97 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 97

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Photography by Marie Fonrose