While Cole had had previous modeling experience, ANTM was the first time she had national attention focused on her. Cole was one of the thirteen female contestants on cycle 6 of ANTM, eventually taking third place in the competition. Joanie Dodds took runner-up and Danielle Evans ended up winning the cycle. During her tenure on the show, Cole was described as "obnoxious, self-absorbed, and flamboyant" and "arrogant... and one of ANTMs greatest villains." E! News called Cole one of the "two biggest bitches in the history of the show." In response, Cole has stated that she felt ANTM was a "misrepresentation", an "inaccurate performance" and that she had been exploited. Entertainment Weekly included her in their list of favorite contestants and worst makeovers.
Cycle 17
Cole stated that she had turned down America's Next Top Model cycle 17, "The All Stars", citing contract issues. In an interview, Cole stated, "As much as I would have loved to be back on TV, I felt I possibly would be misrepresented if appearing on 17. signing your rights and life hypothetically away.... Reality shows frequently portray a modified and highly influenced form of reality. often persuaded to act in specific scripted ways by off-screen 'story editors' or 'segment television producers,' with the portrayal of events and speech manipulated and contrived to create an illusion of reality through direction and post-production editing techniques."
Modeling
Cole has signed with a number of agencies since her appearance on ANTM. She has signed with Diva Models, based in Singapore; Dream Models, based in Hong Kong; Uber-Warning Models, based in Los Angeles; VMH Models, based in Vancouver; and SMG Models, based in Seattle. She has also signed a contract with Elite Model Management.
Personal life
Cole was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and she is of mixed ethnicity: her father is African-American, and her mother is Dutch. Though her ambiguous ethnicity initially caused her annoyance when people questioned her about it, she learned to use it to her advantage in her modeling career. Before appearing on ANTM, Cole was a Kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia. Cole has partnered with Casa de Amparo, an organization that aims to treat and prevent child abuse and neglect.
