Maggie Rawlins: Nurse-turned-model making an impact through healthcare and fashion

From frontlines to fashion runways, Maggie Rawlins balances a modeling career with her passion for healthcare advocacy.

Maggie Rawlins: Nurse-turned-model 1

Talent: Maggie Rawlins. Photographer: Tom Marvel. Corset and bracelets, Orsoya Darchi from Flying Solo. Skirt, Mugler. Shoes, Vintage.

“I think everyone has a role to play in giving back and doing something that’s bigger than themselves,” says Maggie Rawlins, a registered nurse turned model, and ambassador for OneWorldHealth (OWH).

With over a decade of work alongside OWH, Maggie Rawlins has passionately supported the organization’s mission to provide sustainable, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities across Central America and East Africa. At the heart of Maggie’s advocacy is her belief that healthcare is a basic human right. She has been working with OneWorldHealth for over ten years, supporting their mission to provide healthcare in areas that need it the most. “They believe healthcare is a basic human right and that the location where you are born should not dictate your access to it,” she says.

Her work with the charity recently took her to Uganda in early 2025, where she continued to provide much-needed care and advocate for access to healthcare in the most vulnerable regions.

Dress, Bibhu Mohapatra. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.

From nurse to model: A big career change

Maggie’s path to becoming a model was unexpected. Originally from South Carolina, she trained as a nurse, specializing in oncology and hematology. It was during her nursing career that a manager suggested she give modeling a try. “She told me I should keep up with my nursing license, reminding me that I could always return to nursing if I wanted to. Her guidance was simple—’What do you have to lose?'” Maggie Rawlins reflects.

Trench, Sacai. Shoes, Balenciaga.

That advice pushed her to step outside her comfort zone. Maggie transitioned into the fashion world, initially to pay off student loans, but soon discovering that modeling would become an avenue for her to explore new opportunities and passions.

As a model, Maggie’s career blossomed quickly. She has worked with prestigious brands like RETROFÊTE, Anne Klein Fragrance, and Skims, and was named a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie in 2021.

Trench, Noir Kei Ninomiya. Jumpsuit, Paco Rabanne. Shoes, Balenciaga.

Fashion with a Purpose

Despite her success in the fashion industry, Maggie’s commitment to healthcare and advocacy has never faltered. For her, being a nurse is just as important as her modeling career. She remains deeply involved in the healthcare community and is a vocal advocate for those on the frontlines. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Maggie volunteered in New York City, helping out in hospitals that were overwhelmed with patients. “These men and women [healthcare workers] make so many sacrifices, and I feel they often go unnoticed,” Maggie says.

Maggie’s experience as a nurse has also shaped her views on fashion. “I think my medical background helps anchor me, keeping a perspective on what is truly important,” she shares. “I’m a big fan of sustainable fashion, secondhand shopping, and prioritizing quality over quantity,” she adds. For Maggie Rawlins, fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s also about making choices that are better for the planet and reflect her values.

Jumpsuit, Paco Rabanne. Shoes, Balenciaga.

Keeping active and staying balanced

When it comes to staying fit, Maggie Rawlins keeps it simple. She enjoys a mix of nature walks with her dog, Pilates, and personal training. “I love spending time outdoors, especially walking with my dog,” she says. And when it comes to comfort food, Maggie has no shame in admitting she loves a good pizza. “My ultimate comfort food is a thin-crust cheese pizza with a side of ranch from Spunto, along with a glass of red wine,” she laughs. She believes in balance—working hard but also allowing herself to enjoy the things she loves.

Finding time to relax and unwind

Maggie’s lifestyle can be hectic with all the traveling and work she does, but she knows the importance of unwinding. “I don’t have much of a routine because I travel so much,” she explains. “I kind of have to adjust to wherever I am and do whatever is needed at the time.” Even so, one thing that stays consistent is her morning coffee. “I always have a big cup of coffee when I wake up,” she says.

Maggie also finds joy in unwinding after a busy day. “While traveling, I find myself reading, watching shows, and listening to music to pass the time and unwind,” she shares. One of her favorite ways to relax is by listening to classical music while reading, helping her drown out background noise during her travels.

Dress, Diotima. Shoes, Christian Louboutin.

Looking ahead: Advocating for healthcare workers

As Maggie Rawlins continues to balance her career in modeling and her passion for healthcare, she’s thinking about the future. “I feel my biggest impact stateside may come from helping make sure nurses’ voices are heard,” she says. Maggie wants to continue advocating for nurses and making sure they get the support they need. She is also dedicated to expanding her work with OneWorldHealth, aiming to improve access to healthcare on a global scale.

Dress, Jason Wu Collection. Shoes, Balenciaga.

Talent: Maggie Rawlins @maggierawlins at The Lions @thelionsmgmt.

Producer/Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro.

Lighting Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet.
Director of Video: James Webber @james_weber.
Production: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan.
Hair: Mitch Barry @mitchbarry
from Bryan Bantry Agency @bryanbantryagency using Oribe @oribe.
Makeup: Sandy Linter @sandylinter at Bryan Bantry Agency @bryanbantryagency
using Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathlabs; Guerlain @guerlain;
M.A.C Cosmetics @maccosmetics; and Make Up For Ever @makeupforever.
Nails: Casey @caseynails at The Wall Group @thewallgroup.
Hair Assistant: Emily Knapton @e_knapton.
Makeup Assistants: Heidi Soto | heidisoto72@gmail.com.
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa.
Photographer Assistants: Sarah Schneider @sarahbschneider; MicheleWilhelmina @michelewihelminaphotography.
Video Assistant: Andre Hemmit Jr @vndrethe.ii.
Digital Artist: Theresa Hong | t@cosmic-pixels.com.

Fashion Team: Maksim Mizgirev @lu3alo; Gabi Jagodzińska @gjagodzinska_;

Madison Wen Gu @mmmaddddison; Sydney Lynch @sydneylynch_.
Shot at Hudson Yards Loft @hudsonyardsloftXMAGGIE.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam