2025 MODEL
BIOS
Mina - Afghanistan
In the wake of Afghanistan’s government collapse to the Taliban, my family and I sought refuge in the U.S., where I embraced new opportunities while carrying the resilience and spirit of my homeland with me. Afghanistan is the heart of Asia—a land of breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and a beautiful fusion of cultures. Its vibrant traditions, rich flavors, and deep sense of community create a tapestry of resilience and unity. Despite its struggles, Afghanistan remains a place of strength, poetry, and an enduring spirit that continues to inspire me. I am wearing a Gand Afghani, also known as the Afghan Traditional Dress, a stunning reflection of Afghanistan’s heritage. This attire is more than just clothing—it is a testament to the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural identity of my people. Wearing it allows me to honor my roots and celebrate the resilience and beauty of my homeland. Women of the World changed my life by providing me with a scholarship when I needed it the most, and now my dream is to become a highly skilled software engineer, harnessing the power of technology and AI to create meaningful change. Beyond that, I want to give back—whether by mentoring others, developing innovative solutions, or using my skills to uplift communities. Technology has the power to transform lives, and I want to be part of that transformation.
Smiley & K Lee - Myanmar/Thailand
Our parents are from Burma, but we were born in Thailand, in Mae La Refugee Camp. We came to the U.S. in 2007 and have been here since. The environment in Burma is so beautiful. There are beautiful mountains, and we forage for food and resources from the land; even the roofs are made from leaves that we gather and weave. Another unique thing about the Karen heritage is that every New Year there is a Don Dance, where the young women and men perform. The Karen community in Salt Lake still celebrates with this dance. We are wearing the Muka Naw (young lady) Wah Muka (married woman) dress. Traditionally, these were worn every day but now they are worn on more special occasions. Women of the World has helped us a lot over the years, with different processes like school and social security and by helping to create our resumes, helping to build our own confidence and back us up when needed. Our goal is to become a CNA and help disabled, elderly and any patient who needs help. We want to have a connection with the patients and give the best care possible.
Olha - Ukraine
For me, Ukraine is my heart, my soul, and my strength. It is a country that inspires with its resilience, depth, and beauty. From our embroidered shirts to folk songs to beautiful steppes and majestic mountains, Ukrainian heritage lives in every detail of our culture and I carry this love and pride in my heart. Our people have an unbreakable spirit and the ability to rise even after the darkest times. I am wearing a traditional Ukrainian dress, which I chose and ordered myself. This dress is not just clothing; it is a symbol of my country. It is embroidered with unique patterns that symbolize protection, faith, and happiness. These dresses are traditionally worn during celebrations and significant events, and today it is a symbol of a new chapter in my life. Women of the World has been a pillar of support and light for me, helping me to find the strength to move forward at one of the most difficult times in my life. Their support gave me the confidence to take my first steps toward a new life. Moving forward, my goal is to start my own business implementing projects to support women who, like me, have gone through challenging situations. My dream is to help them find the strength to keep going and to rebuild their lives.
Dorsy & Mia - Venezuela
Originally from Venezuela, I arrived in this new country eight years ago with the indomitable spirit of a professional woman, a fighter with a strong and determined character. I became a single mother in this country determined to build a better future for my daughter. I am wearing liquiliqui, the traditional dress of a woman from the plains of Venezuela, who I represent. This woman is a symbol of hard work, love for the land and family, and is often the guardian of the culture and customs of the plains, one of the many regions that my beautiful Venezuela has. Women of the World has helped me when I moved to Utah after 7 years of living in Orlando. Because of them, I have submitted my degrees for revalidation and found a home for my daughter and me. My goals are to become an anesthesiology nurse here, stay involved with Women of the World to mentor other women, and continue growing with my daughter!
Ghotai - Afghanistan
My family and I came to the U.S. almost 1 year ago. We had to stay in Qatar for a month before coming to the U.S. as refugees. It was a very difficult journey. One thing that is beautiful to me about Afghanistan is the food, I cannot find food like that anywhere else. The people are also very special. I am wearing gerd kamis or Afghan dress, a unique dress that we wear on weddings or special occasions. I have designed and sewed my own dress for tonight. Women of the World has had a positive impact on my life, helping me with financial aid for college and applying for scholarships, and helping connect me to different events and activities to grow my small business. In the future, I plan to improve my English to be able to study in my own career that I had in Afghanistan—midwifery. I want to become a midwife here as well, and grow in that career. I also want to grow my small business and reach more people!
Seham & Raghad - Syria
I came to the U.S. two years ago. I am from Syria, but I lived in Jordan in the refugee camp for 10 years before being allowed into the U.S.–our case was approved in 2016, but we had to wait until 2023 because of the presidential administration. What is special to me about Syria are the customs, traditions, weddings, and family gatherings on holidays. In Syria, the sense of community is so special. The whole family gathers on holidays, especially the kids. I am wearing Abaya Mutaraza. This is special to my city of Daraa. We wear this dress for special events like weddings and engagement parties. I am proud of my country Syria and that I represent the traditional dress of my small town. I hope that peace will prevail in all countries and I hope that my country Syria will rise again after the war that lasted more than 14 years. Women of the World has helped me in so many ways. I had a lot of things that were difficult to do by myself. I went to Women of the World and they helped me to change all my problems. In the future, my big goal is to be a nurse! I also want to uplift my family and see them succeed as well, I want to see all seven of my children finish their education, get married, get a job, and have a wonderful life here.
Alamissi - Togo
I won a lottery visa to come to the U.S. from Togo 21 years ago. I knew nothing about American culture, didn’t speak English, and struggled to navigate the systems. Something so poetic and inspiring about my country is the resilience of women in Togo. They are the backbone of their families, the silent architects of strength, and the solid pillars of their communities. Whether in hustling markets, tending to farms, or running small businesses, Togolese women embody perseverance, balancing the demands of work, family, and tradition with grace. I am wearing Tem Traditional Wear, cultural and historical wear crafted with richly woven Aso Oke patterns. This is worn on special occasions to honor the region’s rich historical heritage and to celebrate the beauty and elegance of Tem women. Women of the World has given me the incredible opportunity to mentor other women, empowering them to navigate the very system I struggled with 21 years ago. In the future, my goal is to graduate this spring from the University of Utah and continue empowering others, especially young girls, to dream big, overcome obstacles, and pursue their ambitions with confidence and resilience.
Sadie - Chad
I came to the U.S. from Chad as an international student, it was my first time abroad. It was challenging but made me very strong. Something special to me about Chad is my culture and my religion–there are about 100 different languages and tribes in Chad! I am wearing a traditional dress in Chad called kabah, this is usually worn on celebratory occasions. Women of the World has given me the best case workers that I have ever met, they are my support and help me with everything. In short, they calm my mind and listen without judgement; they are my first family here. My dream since I was a child is to be a nurse. This is my goal, I am working on improving my English now to be able to take nursing classes.
Milly - Lebanon & Panama
My name is Milly, I am the daughter of a Lebanese father and a Panamanian mother. At 15, I arrived in the U.S. with a dream—not just for myself, but for my family. I knew the journey wouldn’t be easy, but I have always been strong, determined, and unafraid to chase a better future. My heritage is a blend of resilience and beauty, reflected in the outfit I wear—a symbol of the strength and confidence of Lebanese and Panamanian women. Women of the World has inspired me to embrace my power, especially through Samira, who has shown me that women have a voice and a place in building this country. Now, I’m building dreams—literally. Through my company, Golden Express Construction, I strive to be the best, creating a future where my vision helps shape Utah’s landscape and community.
Margarita - Equatorial Guinea
I came to the U.S. with a visa because many things were happening in my life and I needed to start over. I have been in the U.S. for over 3 years, but in Utah for only 6 months. Living in Utah has given me peace since the day I arrived, and I feel that Utah is my home to stay, where I can continue to grow. What I love about Equatorial Guinea, my home country, is that nature envelopes it. We have islands, lakes, and the mainland. Everywhere you go, there is nature. I am wearing a kaba, which we wear on joyful occasions, such as when a woman gives birth, baptisms, weddings, and engagement parties. The kaba signifies a woman’s dignity, equality, traditions, and connection to our ancestors. Women of the World has helped me to be independent, helping and encouraging me to get my degree and continue studying. My goal in the future is to go back to school and get my degree in Computer Science, something I couldn’t finish in my country. I would also love to keep collaborating with Women of the World to encourage and mentor other women to follow their goals!
Fatime - Central African Republic
I have been in the United States for one and a half years. My family is from the Central African Republic, but we lived in a refugee camp in Chad for 9 years before being able to come to the U.S. My first day in Utah was snowing, which was very shocking for me—it was my first time seeing snow and experiencing the cold! I love my country, it is big with a lot of natural resources…there are so many animals, forests, and rivers. More than I see here. I am wearing a dress known as the African Woman dress. It symbolizes the independence and strength and capability of women–a woman who can do everything on her own. My goals are to finish high school and go to college, to get a CPA degree. I want to become famous in my country, to help my country develop by helping young people realize their goals and the power they have.
Nabilah - Sudan
I am originally from Sudan; I came to the U.S. when I was 10 years old. Sudan is so rich in diversity and history, with vibrant traditions, music, dance, art, and storytelling that have been passed down through generations; there is a strong sense of community and deep respect for ancestors and nature. I will be wearing traditional wedding attire that represents both East and North Sudan. Women of the World has been incredibly helpful to me in highlighting the importance of women's rights and empowerment, and providing valuable insights into health, education, and leadership. I hope to always continue growing and learning, and specifically one of my goals is to get a degree in psychology to start my own business focused on mental health support.
Vinny - Cameroon
I came to the U.S. alone as a refugee from Cameroon one year ago. I love the food, music, and traditional dance rhythms of my country; I am a dancer. The outfit I am wearing is a traditional dress that dancers wear when dancing to the traditional musical rhythms in Cameroon. Women of the World helped me when I first came to the United States and didn’t know anyone. They helped connect me to the resources I needed, and search for jobs. In the future, my goal is to go back to school to improve my English so I can open my own dance school. I want to carry my knowledge of the traditional dance onwards.