The 10 Finalists for 2003

Born: 6/24/62Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; launching houseware gift serviceChildren: Jack (2)Hometown: Lake Oswego, Oregon

Biggest Challenge: “After years of trying to conceive and coping with the frustration of failure, I learned to accept the way things were, regardless of the outcome. I was able to look beyond the failures, the heartache, and the negatives and begin to appreciate how blessed I am.”

Born: 7/6/57Occupation: ActressChildren: noneHometown: Henderson, Nevada

Smartest Move: “I think that entering the MORE/Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search has been my smartest move yet. Marrying my husband — a close second.”

Born: 12/11/59Children: daughter (18)Occupation: Golf course photographer, founded and runs a mother/daughter retreatHometown: Glendale, Utah

Major Change Over 40: “Embracing my daughter’s growing sense of independence was one of the most difficult phases of motherhood that I have had to cope with so far.”

Born: 9/26/59Occupation: LawyerChildren: noneHometown: New Bedford, Massachusetts

Smartest Move: “I took the chance and career move of moving to Japan for years. It was a very rewarding experience and quite the adventure!”

Born: 8/30/62Occupation: PhysicianChildren: noneHometown: Manhattan Beach, California

Biggest Challenge: “My years in medical school, passing the boards, and residency were the most challenging years of my life. Looking back on those years and seeing how far I have come and how many lives I have touched makes it all worthwhile.”

Born: 8/17/56Occupation: Interior designerChildren: daughter (30)Hometown: New York, New York

Fitness Secret: “I’ve been working out for 15 years doing weights and cardio excercises. I enjoy rollerblading and bike riding as well.”

Born: 1/21/63Occupation: Marketing consultantChildren: son (11), daughter (8), daughter (2)Hometown: Bernardsville, New Jersey

Life Philosophy: “I am a firm believer that age is attitude. Nearly anything can be accomplished, if you have the right spirit.”

Born: 8/11/52Occupation: Graphic designerChildren: Lily (8)Hometown: Napa, California

Smartest Move: “Like many career women, I decided to hire a babysitter to care for my daughter, Lily, when she was born. However, once I began working out of the house, I became aware of the fact that while I was working downstairs, someone else was raising my child upstairs. This fact truly upset me and I decided to let my sitter go. I have been running my graphic design business, while caring for and spending quality time with Lily ever since.”

Born: 3/23/58Occupation: Motocross momChildren: Nicholas (17), Spencer (15), Tyler (12)Hometown: Bellevue, Washington

Smartest Move: “Marrying my husband was the smartest thing that I have ever done. He is the true definition of the great love of my life. I fell in love with him at age 12. He ignored me until we were reintroduced by mutual friends after college.”

Born: 2/8/50Occupation: Artist, event plannerChildren: daughter (32), daughter (27), daughter (25)Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Why She Entered the Model Search: “One of my daughters subscribes to MORE magazine and encouraged me to enter the MORE/Wilhelmina model search. She told me no one looks like I do at 53 — and that I should go for it!”