As she waved from a World War II era jeep to onlookers lining the tiny streets of the New York City suburb she now calls home, a sense of pride overcame Faudia Ali-Silletta as she relished in the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities and being crowned Mrs. New York International 2016 earlier this year.
“I am so honoured to take part in such a wonderful American tradition, especially with my family rooting for me,” expressed Faudia.
The beauty will next represent New York in her quest for the title of Mrs. International 2016 on July 22 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Faudia is a native of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, and the holder of a master’s degree in Microbiology and Chemistry. Among her accomplishments, she is a proud wife and mother of two adorable boys. She also became a licensed medical technologist in New York only a few years after becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States.
Growing up in a single-parent household with her mother, Shabeeba, and two brothers, Zaiyad and Frankie, Faudia honed the qualities needed to succeed in life, all the while helping others.
“I’ve always been one to solve problems, and so the medical field, specifically clinical laboratory work with an emphasis in Microbiology and Chemistry, seemed like a natural fit for me,” she mentioned.
Being striking in appearance is only one of the requisites of becoming Mrs. International. The annual pageant is for married women with exceptional personal and professional stories. Additionally, it was developed to promote today’s married women, their accomplishments and commitment to family and marriage.
“I have always been well-grounded and will not allow all the growing attention coming my way to fog my judgment. This opportunity has changed my life. I appreciate the love and support from those close to me and the public in general. I have always admired the fashion/modelling industry; I have walked the runway on behalf of several couture clothing designers during New York’s acclaimed Fashion Week as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s campaign against autism,” she outlined.
Faudia is looking to represent the State of New York, the Guyanese population, and the diaspora in the U.S.A., Toronto and the United Kingdom. She plans on visiting Guyana to meet her Guyanese supporters and to raise awareness and funding for the fight against the homeless, orphans, abused women, drug abuse and teenage delinquency, depression, breast cancer awareness and autism.
“My passion is to help raise awareness and resources to curtail the homeless epidemic, assist battered women, curtail substance abuse and depression as well as eradicate diseases such as cancer and autism,” she declared.
She noted that despite her work ethic and determination, she “never imagined being in a position to have such a positive impact on others. This proves one should never lose hope and embrace their dreams regardless of age and/or circumstance in life.”
To show your support for Faudia Silletta, visit www.mrsinternational.com. Online voting started April 1, 2016.
