By Lucia Crespo –

“America’s Next Top Model,” Jaslene Gonzalez in not your typical curvy Latina. There are young Latinas who aspire to be a model but let’s hope they’re not looking to be as skinny as Jaslene.

Photo by Kevin Sinclair

Jaslene is reportedly 5’8 and weighs about 108 pounds.

Success comes with commitment, hard work and motivation.  Winner of Cycle 8 “America’s Next Top Model”, Jaslene made a comeback after being eliminated in Cycle 7.

Now known as “cha cha diva,” Jaslene  is the first full Puerto Rican woman to win “America’s Next Top Model.”  Her astounding passion, persistence, beauty, and rough times in her past helped this young lady transform into a high fashion model.

However, does her non-curvaceous body fit into the stereotype that Latinas could only win if they are, well, extremely skinny?

I wonder if this girl eats arroz con gandules and steak? What about mofongo and tostones?

Ashley Gonzalez, 17, of Chicago agrees that Gonzalez needs to eat more. Her weight does not set a good example for young Latinas.  Gonzalez (no relation) said that some of her friends love Jaslene but she is not too big of a fan.

“She is what people would consider model material.  Modeling agencies want tall and thin women.  And Jaslene is a rare because you really don’t see a Puerto Rican woman with that specific body type,” she said.

Mary Ruiz, 23, says she rarely watches “America’s Next Top Model.” When she saw Jaslene win, she felt embarrassed for her.

“It’s sad that the first full Latina to win top model is not your typical curvy Latina,” Ruiz said. “I’m happy that there is a model who is Latina but I think that this sends a message that you can be any ethnicity to win top model, however you have to be super skinny.”

Born in Puerto Rico, May 29, 1986, Jaslene and grew up in the Northwest Side of Chicago in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.  Now, Jaslene is fulfilling her life-long dream while currently living in New York.  Her family still resides in the Chicago Humboldt Park area and believed in her dream of becoming a model.

The diva tried out for Cycle 7 but only made it to the semi-finals and was sent home.  However, she reassured the judges that she was not giving up and would come back next time, and she did.  Coming back for auditions in Cycle 8 she was skinny but after winning she progressively got thinner.

Although, her strong attitude and confidence helped her make it to the final, it was a rocky road and a challenge to run against 13 girls. Jaslene did not lose hope.  She also had a fierce attitude that she made sure the judges saw and for Tyra Banks fierce is key.  Coming back in Cycle 8 she made it noted that she was now “cha cha diva.”  This sassy attitude of hers blew the judges away because they knew she had potential.

Let’s face it. The woman is persistent. But she is way too skinny. And if she wants to be a role model for Latinas, there should be more meat on her.