VODA presents Sophia Bajinya from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She immigrated to the United States in 2015 and found the opportunity to pursue an education. Her modeling career began at 16 when her face became the cover for MALVIE magazine. 

Tell us a little about yourself. What key experiences have shaped who you are today?

My name is Sophia Bajinya, and I was born in a country that has known war more than peace. Growing up, I was a refugee in my own homeland. As a child, my days were often spent causing mischief in the village and sneaking into neighbors' mango trees. Coming to America was a turning point in my life. I was placed in the 5th grade, even though I had never attended school before. It was my first experience with formal education, and everything was brand new to me. Living in the U.S. has given me the chance to go to school, sleep peacefully without the sound of bombs or gunfire, and enjoy a sense of safety that I once thought impossible. These experiences have taught me to be grateful for everything, big or small. Though, most importantly, they’ve instilled in me a deep sense of humility. I’ve learned never to look down on anyone because life is unpredictable, and you never know what tomorrow holds.

How do you define beauty and confidence in your life? How do these concepts influence your daily decisions?

To me, beauty is about embracing your individuality and celebrating the unique qualities in others. It shines through authenticity and self-acceptance. Confidence comes from understanding and valuing your worth, independent of external opinions or societal standards. It’s an inner strength that radiates outward, inspiring how you carry yourself and interact with the world.

What role does fashion and style play in your self-expression? How do you use it to communicate your personality?

Fashion and style are essential tools for self-expression, allowing me to showcase my personality, heritage, creativity, and confidence without saying a word. One way I use fashion to communicate my personality is through my big Afro, whether it’s my natural hair or Afro wigs. I began embracing this look during middle school when I was bullied and my friend expressed her frustration about her hair not being straight. Wearing my Afro became a powerful statement of pride in my roots and a way to encourage self-love.

In what ways do you hope to inspire others through your personal journey?

I hope to inspire others through my personal journey and remind them that with God, everything is possible. Never give up, even when the road feels tough. It’s also okay to not be okay sometimes. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We all deserve support, and no one has to face their struggles alone.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the modeling industry and why?

Adut Akech, because her story is similar to mine. She’s also a hard working model, humble and amazing model.

What do you enjoy most about being a model?

What I enjoy most about being a model is the opportunity to meet creative designers, photographers, and talented models. It’s inspiring to collaborate with such diverse and skilled individuals. I also love the chance to be myself while stepping out of my comfort zone—whether it’s trying new makeup looks, experimenting with different styles, or embracing new challenges on set. It allows me to grow and discover new aspects of my creativity.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the modeling industry?

My advice to anyone aspiring to enter the modeling industry is to avoid comparing yourself to other models. Focus on competing with yourself and your own progress. Rejection is a part of the journey—it’s not the end of the world. In this industry, setbacks happen, but they don’t define you. Don’t take it personally. Keep applying, stay persistent, and continue building your portfolio. Every experience is a step toward growth and success.

What impact do you want to make on the fashion industry and the world through your work?

I want to show that it's possible to rise from nothing to something, no matter where you start. I also want to prove that being 5'2" doesn’t limit your potential in the modeling world. You can be a supermodel at any height. My goal is to inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

It would be Tanzania because I wouldn't have to struggle with speaking English. Honestly, English can be tricky—it comes and goes whenever it wants! But with Swahili being my first language, it would feel natural. Also, the people there are amazing and the food is good too.

What’s a movie or TV show that you can watch over and over again without getting tired of it?

Black Panther is a movie I can watch over and over again without getting tired of it. It’s not just an amazing film; it also had a personal impact on me. It was a movie that made kids stop bullying me for being African. Seeing my culture celebrated on such a big stage was empowering and gave me a sense of pride.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why?

Strength, so I can just finish the war in Congo.