Vanessa Minnillo Talks Female Role Models

Over the weekend, Vanessa Minnillo (who has reunited with ex-flame Nick Lachey) was busy promoting the DSW Presents: Step Up & Step Out shindig, to benefit the female empowerment charity.

And while chatting with press, the former MTV veejay revealed how important it is for younger women to have role models to look up to.

Vanessa explained, “I didn’t have my real mother growing up. My dad was always there, but there is something about a woman’s touch.  So I’ve literally drawn from so many women in my life, and I was fortunate enough to be able to have that.”

Despite her personal success, Miss Minnillo says she has a hard time feeling confident.  “I’m still like a little girl who cries at night and has a fork in the road and says — does she go left? Does she go right? I need someone’s guidance and yet, I have also helped guide others.”