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Akubilo, who is sworn to secrecy about the results of the reality TV program, competed with 11 others for a chance to win a $1 million modeling contract with NEXT Model Management of New York City and an appearance in the 2005 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Akubilo spent four weeks in Los Angeles competing with other models from across the U.S.A.
"Overall, it was a learning experience, it was fun at times, but it was also challenging," she said. The models were transported around Los Angeles on a bus with their faces on it, Akubilo, a Lakers fan who also follows UConn men's and women's basketball. " We were treated like celebrities, that's what was so fun about it. Meeting the other girls was interesting and being in L.A. - they catered to us."
At 6'2," it's easy to see why Akubilo could stand out in a crowd, but she said the physical aspects of the reality program were the most difficult during her time working on the NBC program on the West Coast. She said that before the program, she had never taken being in good physical condition or having a workout routine seriously. "I don't," she said about a regular exercise routine, "which is really bad for a swimsuit model. I don't, but I should ... that's one of things I learned on the show. I need to be in shape." She added that she has learned modeling is not exclusively "walking down a runway," and "looking cute."
"It's hard work, it's not as glamorous as it looks. It's hard work; it's a competition, you have to be very focused. It's not easy, it's not as easy as it might look to some people," she said about modeling and the physical tests which the models in the Sports Illustrated program had to go through.
Akubilo was chosen for the NBC reality program based primarily on her personality and experiences, said Tina Kiniry, executive director of John Casablancas Model & Talent Management of Berlin. "She immediately stood out to the judges because of her personality," Kiniry said about Akubilo. "Considering the reality aspect of it they just weren't looking for beautiful girls ... they were looking for interesting girls that were interesting to watch."
Of Nigerian descent, the 20-year-old Akubilo was born in Hartford Hospital and spent five years picking up the culture and language of her family's native land beginning when she was 10 years old. She said her experiences in Nigeria helped her with the Sports Illustrated judges, "because they were really interested in what I had to say about my culture, what I learned ... it's really part of what makes me who I am today, my culture, my experiences, they really liked that."
Akubilo graduated in 2002 from Windsor High School, where she participated in the marching band and the girls' basketball team. She is now a sophomore elementary education major carrying a full course load at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. She also works part-time at K & G Fashion Superstore in Manchester. Her boyfriend, Thessalonia Cobb, also a Windsor High School graduate, is a senior elementary education major at the University of Hartford.
"I like what Windsor represents," Akubilo said. She said the town represents unity and diversity. "Very great people," she said.
Kiniry and John Casablancas discovered Akubilo at a career day at Windsor High School. Akubilo's first fashion show was for the Boys Town of Italy, a fundraiser for orphans in New York City, at the Farmington Marriott in October 2000. Modeling jobs in Connecticut followed while Akubilo was being developed for New York before she got some work in the Big Apple. Despite by now having gained a measure of national fame, Akubilo describes her life as low-key. "I focus on school, and sometimes go out with my boyfriend," she said. "This Sports Illustrated thing is the most exciting thing I've done. I'm ordinary."
When two casting directors from NBC and a scout from NEXT arrived in Connecticut last August for an "open call" among 10 casting calls in the entire U.S.A., six models got callbacks from the Casablancas office in Berlin. "They really tried to get to know the person in front of them," Kiniry said about the casting officials. "She's absolutely gorgeous, but it goes past that. She's got a great spirit about her, she's a lot of fun," Kiniry said about Akubilo. "She's very casual."
Last year, Michelle Lombardo of Glastonbury, 21, another client of the Casablancas office in Berlin, won a "Fresh Face" reality TV series competition and received notoriety in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, a $75,000 guaranteed modeling contract from NEXT in New York City, and a Nissan car. With her selection by NBC and NEXT as a finalist in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit reality TV show beginning Wednesday, Akubilo joined Lombardo as a contender with national appeal. "We're excited because last year's winner was here also and her career has really taken off," Kiniry said.
Even at a relatively young age, Akubilo still has an experience level that many would envy. "Be strong, maintain their values, and not get discouraged," she said to young people desiring a career. "Always remember nothing good comes easy, it takes hard work ... sometimes it can be, there are people who are not out there for their best interest.
"You have to believe in yourself, you have to really want it, and always love yourself," she continued. "I always have a back-up plan."
About modeling, she said, "You have to have the obvious of course. You have to have the obvious appearance of a model."
Akubilo also describes herself in her biography as a person "not afraid to take risks and find excitement in trying new things if I don't have to compromise my beliefs. My principles on self-respect, divine faith, and humility are enduring parts of my personality that keep me grounded today. I am also blessed with strong and educated parents, supportive family members, friends, and a boyfriend who have all, in some way, influenced me in a positive way."
What Akubilo has is obvious. You can see it on TV - just check your local listings - but perhaps what makes her special is what you can't see, and what Windsor, in part, bestowed upon her, which comes without a price tag.
