Preteen Global Icon

Darya Makooi is an honor student who excels in math and reading, both inside and outside the classroom. She is a talented swimmer and sports enthusiast, as well as a dedicated musician who plays both the flute and the Persian sitar.

She is also a top model who has walked prestigious runways across the country and internationally. Her impressive portfolio includes Art Hearts Fashion during Los Angeles Fashion Week, Miami Swim Fashion Show, Runway 7 in New York, and Vancouver Fashion Week, among many other notable fashion events.

Darya’s work has also been recognized in print—she is a published model featured in Hollywood Stars Magazine, Icon Fashion Magazine, KidFash, Youth Icon Magazine, Savvi Kids Magazine, Manila Magazine, Labelle Kidz Magazine, and more.

In addition to modeling, Darya was crowned Little Miss Nevada 2024 and currently holds the international title of Global Icon Preteen 2026.

Her platform, Voices for the Voiceless, is dedicated to advocating for shelter animals and raising awareness about spaying, neutering, and adopting pets instead of buying them. She has given back to her community by reading to dogs at shelters, taking shelter dogs on day outings, donating books to libraries, creating her own “open library,” organizing art and coloring projects at senior centers, and proudly performing the Pledge of Allegiance at the Corona City Council Meeting.

Darya is passionate, creative, and compassionate; she uses her voice, talents, and leadership to inspire others and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.