Her Secret -- 40+ Model Search

Wilhelmina and More Magazine had conducted model search for women ages 40+ annually since 2000. The 10 finalists are featured here at the More website. Real women, real inspirations. Here are a few from the More website along with their personal quotes.

Paula O'Connor, 41

Occupation: Oncologist

"You live your life every single day, and you get something from not only the successes, but also the challenges and the perceived failures. I think that you get something from every experience that you have, so the more experiences you have, the better."

Stephanie Allen, 54

Occupation: Executive Vice President of Creative Advertising and New Media at a major film company; part-time artist

"I think the most important thing for me is that I feel great about being over 50, and I feel like I'd love to share that with other women."

Pamela Leitzell, 56
Occupation: Psychotherapist; partner in a software company developing neuropsychological assessments and rehab modules

"Once you reach 50, you start wanting to face new challenges, and you develop a certain amount of self-confidence. It's really fun being past 50 -- I feel more alive than I ever did before."

Ursula Liebowitz-Johnson, 42
Occupation: Director of Essex County Rape Care Center, Essex, New Jersey
"I think it's so funny that we're celebrating 'over 40' like we're 90 years old. Forty is not that old! They always want women to age gracefully -- do they say that to men? No!"