During the month of September, FLEX alumna Linda Novika’17 (Rezekne, Latvia /Biddeford, Maine) participated in the beauty pageant ‘Face of Beauty International 2018’ in India and placed second overall!

Face of Beauty International 2018 was the seventh edition of the worldwide pageant, which was held at the luxurious grand ballroom of City Park Resort in Delhi, India. The Face of Beauty International has proven its status as a reputable pageant that aims to develop young female leaders from around the world who personify the combination of beauty and intelligence that defines the 21st century. During their stay in India, contestants participate in charity events such as ‘stop violence against women’ and ‘save the girl child’ rallies. They also participate in workshops and symposiums, and swim wear, national costume, and evening gown competitions. During the pageant, contestants must prove themselves intelligent, well-mannered and cultured.

This is not the first time Linda has claimed success in a beauty pageant. She participated in the beauty pageant ‘Miss un Misters Rezekne’ in Rezekne, Latvia in August, where she claimed the title ‘Miss Rezekne 2018’. Her fellow participant said of her: ‘’Linda is a strong, young, elegant and confident young lady who will become a successful leader and will inspire many young girls as well as women all around the world.”

According to Linda, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish and I am very proud of what I have accomplished so far being so young. This has not been an easy journey; however, I am still on it and I am grateful for it because I believe that world needs strong leaders and we are the generation who will determine the future. I am also very grateful to the FLEX program as it gave me the strength to believe in myself, to step out of my comfort zone, to learn how to fight with difficulties and to appreciate everything I have.”

Written by Paula Kellija ’17