Age Is Just a Number
An Interview with Dr. Nina Cash

Sports Illustrated decided to declare all seven 2024 SI Swimsuit Rookie Models as winners for the upcoming 60th anniversary of the SI Swimsuit Issue that will be released in May 2024. Retired university associate dean, Dr. Nina Cash, is breaking barriers and stereotypes by becoming this year's oldest winning model at 57 years old. Dr. Cash also happens to be Filipino, diabetic, and a pillar in her Long Beach community for her philanthropic work. What she considers her "encore career," after retiring, becoming a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was something she never thought possible after a certain age because of the industry's infamous practice of not pursuing female models after reaching a certain age

A wife, mother, and daughter, Dr. Cash spent her life not only as a successful career-focused woman but also giving back and providing for others. A firm believer in the adage "it's never too late," Dr. Cash earned her bachelor's degree 10 years after high school, her master's 20 years later, and earned her doctorates in January of 2020. Along with teaching, Dr. Cash has also aligned herself with, continues to volunteer, and is on the board of the Get Safe organization (which provides a variety of programs, including children's anti-bullying trainings, workplace safety trainings, various safety programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, trauma-informed survivor programs, and law enforcement trainings).

When Dr. Nina Cash is not busy, she can be found spending time with her husband, professional dancer/choreographer Aaron James Cash in Long Beach, playing with their 4 foster dogs, dancing, and enjoying her life.

RAINE: Did you always have an affinity for models and modeling? Or was it something that became more developed over time as the industry became a legitimate second career path for you?

DR. NINA CASH: I have always been intrigued by the modeling industry. I had the opportunity to model a bit after high school, while also attending community college. In my early 20’s, I found myself married with a baby. Since my look at the time was not in high demand and bookings were very far and few between, I decided to pursue a career in education. I must say that I am grateful for my career in education and would not change a thing about my decision to go in that direction.