Star Finds Her Light at Bowie State

Models Inc. Performer of the Year Shines Bright On and Off the Runway

Deinbia “Star” Johnson is lighting up Bowie State University with her talent, confidence and drive. A psychology major who originally came to BSU for fine and performing arts, Star has become a standout member of BSU Models Inc. Known for her vibrant personality and commanding stage presence, she was named Performer of the Year this spring and recently walked in three shows during New York Fashion Week 2025, proving she has the passion and determination to shine on any stage.

Star’s journey at Bowie State has been as bold as her stage name. She first followed Models Inc. on social media in high school, drawn to their creativity from afar. Once she arrived at BSU, she joined the troupe and quickly found her second family. “I was a whole different person before I came,” she said. “Models Inc. was the first time I felt genuine support and love from people who actually want to see you win.”

That support has not only shaped her as a performer, but also as a person. Star has long been passionate about mental health and the importance of having support systems in place. That interest led her to switch her major to psychology, with the goal of becoming a therapist. “I always wanted to be that person for others that nobody else could be for me,” she explained. Her time in Models Inc. has reinforced that passion, as she often finds herself encouraging and uplifting her teammates.

Her experiences with counseling at BSU gave her perspective and motivated her to think about how she could one day fill those gaps for students. Today, she imagines a future where she works as a counselor at Bowie State while continuing to model. “I see myself working at BSU, still pursuing my modeling career, traveling, living life and being happy,” she said.

Outside of school and the runway, Star grounds herself through painting, journaling and spending time in nature. “Performing and being a student takes up a lot of time. Painting feels freeing, and it helps me connect back to myself,” she said.

Her success has also brought admiration across campus. Professors and staff are continually amazed by the reach and visibility of Models Inc., from New York Fashion Week appearances to features in Vogue. For Star, Models Inc. represents an opportunity for Bowie State to showcase its excellence far beyond campus. She hopes the university will continue to champion the group’s growth. “We’re putting the university on the map,” she said. “When we succeed, Bowie State succeeds.”

Reflecting on her time at Bowie, Star said the biggest lesson she has learned is to believe in herself. Adopted at a young age, she arrived at BSU still searching for belonging, and through both challenges and triumphs she discovered her worth. “Bowie State has helped me blossom into the woman I’ve always wanted to be. I came here feeling like I wasn’t chosen, but now I know I am loved, I am worthy and I am chosen,” she said.

Now in her third year with Models Inc., Star has performed in shows across the East Coast from Delaware to Washington, D.C. and New York. Yet despite her growing résumé, what people remember most is her warmth and the way she makes others feel seen. She hopes to continue modeling after graduation while pursuing her dream of becoming a therapist.

Her advice to other students is simple: “Just come as you are. You don’t need anything to start. We will mold you into the person you desire to be.”

Star embodies the spirit of Bowie State: resilience, creativity and purpose. Her story shows how the university helps students not only find their talents but also discover who they are meant to be. In every way, she is a shining example of how Bowie State empowers its students to lead with confidence on campus, on stage and in life.