Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE NAMED ONE OF NATURALIZER'S FIRST GLOBAL INCLUSIVITY AMBASSADORS?

A: I hope to lead by example. To show other brands that inclusivity is important to spotlight so that one day we don't even have to have these conversations.

Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK IT MEANS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOOK LIKE YOU TO SEE YOU IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, REPRESENTING A BRAND?

A: With every decision I make, I think about my younger self. And it's like, 'How can I make her proud?' I feel like a lot of young girls felt that they saw themselves in me doing the Naturalizer campaign. And it's one of those feelings of like, 'If she can do it, so can I,' which, I hope, is how they feel.

Q: WHAT WOULD 16-YEAR-OLD DEEPICA THINK OF YOU NOW?

A: She'd be so proud! Because she's doing exactly what she said she'd do. My 16-year-old self knew that she wanted to change the path for people today. And I feel like that's a special reality for someone to have. So I'm proud of her, too. If I could, I would give her a big hug and say, "Keep going. You're not going to listen to anyone else, because you never did anyway! And that's the right thing to do."

Q: WHAT KIND OF REACTION ARE YOU HOPING THE UNITY BOOT WILL RECEIVE?

A: The thought behind the way we're designing this boot is just so beautiful. The ombre brings together the hues of different skin tones on one shoe. It's metallic, it illuminates, it shines. And it's comfortable, so you want to wear it all the time. It all ties so perfectly together with the word "unity." It's a word that matters to me, and it continues the message of helping people feel seen.