My name is Josilene Finga Zawadi Kashindi, but most people know me as Josie. I was born in Uvira, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and at the age of nine, life led me to Nairobi, Kenya, where my family and I lived as refugees. By the grace of God, my brother adopted me. Through the refugee resettlement program, we found a new beginning in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a beautiful, peaceful, and loving land I am proud to call home. Though I absolutely loved and will probably always love Calgary, I fell in love with the peace of the prairies. I now live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Land of Living Skies. I love road trips, long walks.
My journey across continents has shaped who I am today, a woman of faith, resilience, and purpose. I am a devoted mother, a business sales professional, a casual, part-time, aspiring runway model, and, above all, a voice for empowerment and inclusion.
Through my involvement with Amani Congo Saskatchewan to Empower visible minorities association, I dedicate my efforts to bridging the integration gap for visible minorities, especially within the Congolese community. My passion lies in creating spaces where everyone, regardless of background, can feel seen, valued, and inspired to thrive.
I stand for unity, strength, and compassion, and I believe that true beauty shines brightest when it uplifts others and builds a community where everyone belongs.
When did your interest in modelling start? Have you always wanted to do this, or is it a recently developed passion?
My interest in modelling began recently. Through kind compliments and a renewed sense of identity and confidence, I discovered a passion for expressing myself through fashion and movement. I realized models are not distant figures, but real people, just like you and me, who are brave enough to believe in themselves and showcase beauty in its many forms. They inspire confidence, courage, and self-love, and that’s what drew me into modelling. For me, it’s more than just walking a runway; it’s about celebrating individuality, embracing diversity, and inspiring others to recognize the beauty within themselves.
How important do you think self-confidence is?
Self-confidence is everything. No matter how much others may believe in you, at the end of the day, true success begins with believing in yourself. To live life to the fullest and achieve your dreams, you must trust God’s plan, let Him take control, and have confidence in the abilities He has placed within you. Without faith and self-belief, our efforts often lead to disappointment. But when you trust God and stand firm in your confidence, you open the door to purpose, peace, and fulfillment.
Is there a moment in your life that has particularly marked you?
There was a time in my life when I went through a difficult period. In that moment, I realized that no one could truly save me except God and my own actions. Though it seemed like common sense, it was a rude awakening, one that forever changed how I saw life. I remember wishing time would stop, but I soon learned that time waits for no one. Life keeps moving, and so must we.
Through that experience, I realized the power of saying no, of setting healthy boundaries, the value of teamwork, and the peace that comes from aligning my purpose with God’s will. It taught me to live intentionally, to cherish every moment, and to find joy in simply being alive because we truly only live once.
What is happiness for me?
live by the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” To me, this means striving for integrity in every aspect of life, aligning my thoughts, words, and actions so that I can live with purpose, peace, and true joy.
What advice would you like to share with other participants?
I would advise other participants to take the time to say, “Hi, ” and truly listen, listen to understand each other’s stories, because that’s how we learn, connect, and grow together. I encourage everyone to smile often, to accept compliments with grace, and to be kind to everyone you meet. Most importantly, be fearless, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, align your will with God’s purpose, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
