Mercedes Scelba-Shorte facts for kids

Mercedes Yvette Scelba-Shorte, also known as Mercedes Yvette, is an American fashion model and actress. She was born on August 24, 1981, in New Jersey, U.S. Mercedes became famous after appearing on America's Next Top Model. During the show, she shared that she has lupus. Lupus is a long-term health condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.

Early Life and TV Appearances

Before she became a well-known model, Mercedes Scelba-Shorte was a student. She studied at California State University, Northridge. In 2004, she decided to try out for America's Next Top Model. She was chosen as one of the 12 finalists for the second season of the show.

Before America's Next Top Model, Mercedes also appeared on another TV show. In 2000, she was part of the MTV reality show called Fear.

Modeling and Acting Career

On Cycle 2, Mercedes did very well. She was called first twice, meaning her photo was judged the best. She also won one challenge during the competition. She ended up as the runner-up, which means she came in second place. While on the show, she was a bit worried about telling the other contestants about her lupus.

After America's Next Top Model, Mercedes used her fame to help others. She became a spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of America. This organization helps people learn about lupus and supports those who have it.

Mercedes signed with Nous Model Management, a modeling agency. She also started getting small roles in different TV shows. Some of the shows she appeared in include One on One, All of Us, and The Bold and the Beautiful. Around this time, she also started using the name Mercedes Yvette professionally.

Magazine Covers and Ads

Mercedes has been featured in many magazines. In 2005, she was on the cover of Wedding Dresses magazine. She also appeared on the cover of Lupus Now magazine twice, in Fall 2004 and Fall 2007. She was also featured in Arthritis Today magazine. Her photos have also been seen in Teen Vogue.

She has worked on many commercials for big companies. These include Chili's restaurant, Mederma, Target, Hewlett-Packard, Sears, AT&T, Payless Shoes, Bell South, and Chevy.

Other Modeling Work

Mercedes has modeled for many clothing brands and stores. Some of these include Anchor Blue, Kohl's, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, Halston, Mervyn's, Target, and Macy's.

She has also walked in fashion shows. Her runway appearances include:

• DSquared2 Milan Fashion Show in Spring 2004
• Rock & Republic
• Studios John Sakalis Fall 2004
• Ellegirl presents Dare To Be You: Wal-Mart Meets America's Next Top Models 2005

In 2007, Mercedes was in another commercial for Chili's restaurant. She also appeared in the Kay's catalog for the 2007 holiday season. She modeled for Mandy Moore's Mblem clothing line. Mercedes also got her first beauty campaign for Leeza Gibbons' Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup. In 2010, she was in a commercial for VisitCalifornia.com called "Misconceptions." She appeared alongside other famous people like Jason Mraz, Kim Kardashian, Betty White, and the Jonas Brothers.

In 2008, Mercedes left Nous Model Management in Los Angeles. She then signed with Elite Model Management in L.A. Today, she is signed with Industry Model Group and continues to work under the name Mercedes Yvette.

See also

In Spanish: Mercedes Scelba-Shorte para niños