79: Natasha Ward: All Things For Good; How An Athlete Turned Model, Actress, and Vocalist, Has Been Shaped By Hardship, Prejudice, and Jesus

Natasha is a West Coast Native who, by the time she went to college, lived in every state on the immediate west coast (WA, OR, CA, NV) but considers the Bay Area and Portland OR, to be the two places she feels most at home.     The only girl out of 5 boys, her tomboy toughness took her all the way to a Track & Field scholarship at The University of California Irvine, where she earned a degree in Political Science and Education, and split her talents between the track and the chorus; as she was also an integral member of the UCI Chamber choir.     Upon graduating, Natasha was scouted by Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited and went on to pursue a career in the Fitness modeling industry. Today: a model, actress, and vocalist, she is best known for her work with Global Brands such as Nike and Athleta; for her Lyrical skills as seen in the Viral Disney/Migos parody 'Belle and Boujee', as the face of National commercials such as AmazonGo (as seen on Jimmy Fallon); and most recently, as #19 on the all new Deal or No Deal with Howie Mandel on CNBC.     As an influencer, Natasha has become a powerful and eloquent voice for self esteem and body image in the Instagram community. Utilizing her platform to educate and encourage us to ask the tough questions, embrace our vulnerability, face our fears, and chase our dreams.      She currently lives in Hollywood, CA and is excited to continue to partner with God as he utilizes her talents and testimony for the kingdom.      For the full show notes, visit: theupandcomersshow.com/episodes/natasha     Time-Markers:   5:30 - Favorite Nicknames 8:30 - Natasha's Childhood 12:00 - Career Transitions 24:00 - Racial Tension / Prejudice 40:00 - What Helpful Opposition Is 48:00 - Natasha The Athlete 1:00:30 - Fitness / Exercise 1:05:45 - Coffee with Jesus 1:23:00 - Defining Moments in Natasha's Life 1:42:30 - Natasha's Current Work 1:49:00 - Common Misperceptions of Modeling 1:54:00 - What Natasha Preaches to Herself Most 1:59:00 - Natasha's Favorite Books 2:02:30 - What Natasha Wants To Know About The Future 2:05:30 - Morning Text Reminder 2:06:30 - Connect with Natasha!