Introduce yourself briefly

My name is Kina. I was a model for almost fifteen years and so I was the first Belgian girl of colour to succeed abroad. I opened the doors a little bit for the colored girls there are now. I did modeling to realize my dream, to create an equestrian and wellness centre in Costa Rica. So it was thanks to modeling that I was able to realize my dream: I have thirty-five hectares near the beach where I work with children. We started an association called Cepia with Belgians who settled there. For the moment, there are ten of us in the board, including three Belgians and seven local members.

. In the long run, we hope that it will become an organization for people from there, led by people from there. This association helps children from poor families. At first, we had about thirty students. Today, seven years later, we have already helped five thousand children. So I'm often between Costa Rica and Belgium, and of course I also work for LolaLiza. I am a model for online photos and for some campaigns. I'm very happy to be here!

How should we/can we support women?

Already by showing them respect and empathy. I think it is very important to show solidarity among women. All women are very strong women. I have a lot of admiration for them.

Which woman is an inspiration to you?

There are many women who are sources of inspiration, both the housewives or the ones who are at the counter in stores, as well as the women who have done great things like Simone Veil. Michelle Obama is also a true role model for women of color. I love fashion, so Coco Chanel is also a source of inspiration because she fought for her ideas as a woman at that time, and to create her own brand that worked so well.

I believe in God and I find that Mother Teresa has helped others a lot. She dared to go against the power of the church to prove that she was strong enough to help the lepers.. Or Lady Diana. Often the royal families stay a little behind, they help but with a kind of distance, while Lady Di has defended quite a few causes.

She shook the hands of people with AIDS. It is the same for Marie Curie, who also showed her place among men in medicine and showed women that they are not just housewives but that they can also do men's jobs. I have so many sources of inspiration because I really believe in the strength of women. If the world were ruled by women, there would be fewer wars.

What is the best advice you have received to help you feel good about yourself?

It is important to know how to let go. To be able to fight for the things you believe in, but also to have some form of acceptance. Do not drop things as such, but accept things that cannot be changed. We must learn from our mistakes. I try to stay positive, even when there are negative things going on, you have to remember that it's not for nothing. It's all about chasing your dreams.

What is the best time of day for you?

I like the night very much. When my family goes to sleep and I stay awake, it really inspires me. I also enjoy the moment when you come home from work and are proud of yourself.

What is the song that puts you in a good mood?

I love the song “Alright"; by Jain Souldier.

Discover the website:

https://cepiacostarica.org

http://ibacademy.be