Check out our interview with Jewish model and activist Elizabeth Pipko. From the early start of her career, Elizabeth stood as a force for activism within politics and early this year she launched a compelling and educational digital, web3 museum, Lest People Forget Project. The powerful platform aims to ensure that the stories, experiences, and lessons of the Holocaust are passed down to future generations.
Elizabeth regularly appears across major cable news channels and radio shows across the country to provide commentary on top issues and current affairs in the United States and abroad. Elizabeth began her modeling career with Wilhelmina Models at just 17 years old in her home in New York City. She has published three books, speaks four languages, and has appeared in top fashion magazines such as Grazia, L’Officiel, and Harper’s Bazaar. Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Follow Elizabeth @elizabethpipko
Hi Elizabeth, please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Elizabeth, though nobody in my life calls me that. I go by Liz, Liza, or Leah, depending on where you know me most likely. I’m known for a bunch of different things; I’ve somehow gotten lucky enough to work in fashion, media, politics, and much more.
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, loyal, and passionate.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My brother has made the biggest impact on my life. Growing up I believed that I wasn’t supposed to be super close with my brother, or that he should be a rival of some kind to me. For some reason this is what popular culture and society has decided to portray when it comes to sibling relationships. Luckily for me, my relationship with my brother has always been not only the opposite of that, but the most valuable and meaningful relationship in my life. He is the built-in best friend I don’t deserve, but am so so so grateful for.
How and when did you start modeling?
I started modeling with Wilhelmina models when I was seventeen years old. I had known about Wilhelmina from my years watching and studying America’s Next Top Model, so to get to be signed by them at just seventeen years old was an incredible feeling.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
The most fun and rewarding part of modeling is probably the inner confidence that it gives you if you approach the industry and the opportunities presented to you in the right way – as a blessing that most young people simply do not get to experience.
I think the industry also contributes to a lot of self-doubt and insecurity. If someone doesn’t have a super thick skin, the constant criticism of your physical features (many of which you can’t change) and constant rejection, is enough to really mess with a person’s mental state.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
The greatest lesson I have learned so far would probably be that life truly never is as it seems. Never believe that what you see in a magazine or on social media, for example, is the full truth, and never let it have a negative impact on you.
The most important thing when you are shooting is:
Probably to be in a good mood! It’s hard sometimes with long days and the lack of control models have on most shoots but that’s the challenge—to be able to put on a song you like and have the best time no matter what.
What’s your advice for young models and influencers?
Stay true to yourself and never let anyone’s negativity or lack of faith in you bring you down. The only person who has to believe in you is you.
Now tell us about your organization, “Lest People Forget Project?”
Lest People Forget is a digital Holocaust museum meant to serve as a platform for young people to not only easily have access to Holocaust materials as a history lesson but also the ability to participate in the act of preserving the materials forever.
What’s the inspiration behind this?
The inspiration for Lest People Forget was the terrifying rise of antisemitism and even Holocaust denial that we saw last year coming from some comments made by Kanye West and the response from so many young people around the world who not only agreed with his statements but proved their own lack of basic knowledge about the Holocaust.
What do you consider to be the biggest challenges facing your cause today?
The rise in antisemitism that we’ve seen around the world and the ability to spread incredibly dangerous misinformation to those under 18 who don’t know better when it comes to history and who they are learning from and listening to.
How important is collaboration with other activists or organizations in your work?
I think with everything that you do, it’s incredibly important to work with others.
In your opinion, what is the most effective way to bring about social or political change?
I’d say the most effective way to bring about social change is to become the best version of yourself as you speak about what matters to you. If you’re someone who wants to advocate for something powerful that you believe in, but you don’t do the bare minimum of treating people with respect or being a well-rounded and kind human being, all you’ll be doing is hurting your own cause.
Which place that you have visited do you think changed you in a particular way, maybe for motivation or to see a different reality, etc.?
Tallinn, Estonia, where my dad is from. It made me realize that sometimes “home” can be a place or even a person that you never knew before.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Stop worrying. It isn’t worth it.
I think only this year, for the first time in my life, did I begin to realize that life truly is incredibly short. I’m still working on reminding myself of this in moments of stress, which I unfortunately allow to ruin my days too often.
Name one of your strengths.
Never giving up.
Best advice ever given?
“Never stop dreaming” -my mom
What’s next for Elizabeth Pipko in 2024?
Despite having a lot in the works, which I’ve been planning for months, I can only imagine what G-d will still manage to surprise me with!
Stay tuned for lots of exciting things.
Where can we follow you?
@elizabethpipko wherever you can find me!
Cover photo: @nenkovna
