One-on-One with Nina Cash – The 50-Something Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model
Breaking Barriers at 57: Dr. Nina Cash Named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie Model
At 57 years old, Dr. Nina Cash is defying age stereotypes and exploring an unexpected “encore career” as a model. She was recently named one of seven winners who will be featured in Sports Illustrated’s iconic Swimsuit Issue, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in May 2024.
As a Filipino woman over 50 representing the Asian and mature female demographic, Dr. Cash is thrilled to showcase that beauty has no age limit. She also hopes to be an inspiring role model for the diabetic community, proving that the condition does not have to slow anyone down.
This modeling opportunity comes after Dr. Cash retired from a successful career in higher education. Most recently, she served as an associate dean at her university. Her academic journey included earning her bachelor’s degree 10 years after finishing high school, her master’s degree 20 years after that, and her doctorate in 2020.
Outside of her career, Dr. Cash has always prioritized giving back, including serving on the board of the Get Safe organization. The nonprofit provides programs for vulnerable groups, including anti-bullying and workplace safety training.
Now as she gears up for her landmark SI photoshoot, Dr. Cash wants to spread the message that it’s never too late to explore new pursuits. She hopes her barrier-breaking modeling career will encourage other women over 50 to proudly embrace their beauty.
When she’s not busy with modeling or volunteering, you can find Dr. Cash at home in Long Beach with her husband, professional dancer Aaron James Cash, playing with their four foster dogs. She also loves to dance, keeping active thanks to her husband’s dance background.
We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Nina and the opportunity to talk about diabetes, Asian American and Pacific Islander Awareness Month and what can be found in her purse on any given day. Read on to learn more about Nina Cash in 8 questions:
NYSG – What made you want to try out to be a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model
Nina – Well, it’s a funny story, William, because, you know, as a youngster in the eighties. Obviously, you know, we would see the magazines, and I distinctly remember in 1984, that’s the year that I graduated high school, and on the cover was Cheryl Tiegs!
NYSG – How has this “encore career” given you a different outlook on life and work?
Nina – So my background is in workforce development education and training, and I’ve been in higher Ed. But I also was a career counselor. And, you know, working with folks who were mid-career and wanted to change their careers or folks that have been laid off. In my 35-plus years in this whole workforce development realm. Little did I know that I would get this wonderful opportunity for myself to have an encore career. So now I shortened it to “encoreering”. That’s a little name that I’ve given. Because you know what I think when people retire, it’s not the end of the world. Maybe you’re retiring from that job or that industry, but you can certainly do other things that you’re passionate about. So I feel blessed that I’m having this opportunity, and I’m having the time of my life. I really am. It’s just like it’s magical. It’s magical.
NYSG – What message do you hope to send to women over 50 and the diabetic community?
Nina – Yes, and I’m so glad you are bringing this up. So yeah, diabetes runs in my family. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my daughter at 26. So kinda knew that that was the precursor for me to get diabetes. My doctors are great. I eat what I want but in total moderation. I think a lot of people get crazy and cut the sugar. They’ll say things like “I can’t have this”. Now again, this is my body. So everybody’s body is different. But for me, I eat everything in moderation. And I exercise, I exercise. I’m an optimistic person. I’m not a pessimist. I tried to choose my attitude of happiness. But again, looking at me, people go. You’re diabetic, and I go. Yes, so it’s not just about looks. You know. So I thank you for bringing that up because a lot of people think diabetics are overweight. Either you’re not healthy, or you don’t eat right. But I do, and it’s genetics for me, right? And I’ll always have to be on medication, for the rest of my life.
NYSG – The 60th anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated comes out in May 2024 – which also happens to be Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I learned that you were Filipina, what does that timing mean to you as a member of the AAPI community?
Nina – Thank you for bringing that up and asking that question. It’s huge because I go back to what I said when we, you know, started this conversation. Never would we have seen someone like me in the pages, or even on the cover. Now I will say that I think it was the second issue. There was one person, and I. Her name escapes me, and I feel so bad. But she was Polynesian, and she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, but then it changed after that right? This is huge.
So there’s another person who is Asian as well, and it was Serena Gutierrez. She’s 32. She’s been modeling for 20 years. She’s also a rookie, and, needless to say, we are super excited. You know, this is because of the Asian community and how we were raised. It’s, you know, don’t lose face for the family. We support people, but we do everything on the sidelines. We’re quiet, we don’t seek accolades. We don’t seek the spotlight. We’ve always been put in the back right when it comes to the minority populations. I mean, this is not to put down any of my fellows in this demographic, but it is going to be so wonderful to see me in those pages and think, gosh! In 1984. It would’ve never even entered my mind, William. Gosh! And if I were to get the cover? I shouldn’t say not that that would happen. I’m just gonna put it out there in the universe. Wouldn’t it be awesome?
NYSG – What’s your current workout routine?
Nina – Peloton, Peloton, and walking. I love it, I love it, and then my treadmill, and then I do weights with my husband.
NYSG – Go to snack?
Nina – I love carrots and celery. I love the crunch, crunchiness of stuff, and the coldness of it.
NYSG – What can anyone find in your bag on any given day?
Nina – Bug spray!
NYSG – What’s next?
Nina – What’s next? Gosh! Well, I would love to get on a talk show. I would love to be a panel member on a talk show. That’s been one of my dreams since I was very, very young. I would love to have other women and men and we talk about, you know, issues, fun things, but timely things. I think I’ve you know, lived life. I’m 57. So I think I’ve got some life experience that I would like to share. So yeah, that would be something that would be next after Sports Illustrated.
We wish Nina Cash continued success as we know there is so much more to come…
