Dubai Teen Dreams of Inspiring Others Through Inclusive Modeling

19-year-old Amanda Dsilva is from Mumbai, India and attends school in Dubai. She dreams of becoming a fashion model and helping to change the way the industry views people with down syndrome.

While she was growing up, Amanda’s mother worked hard to find a school that would accept her and had the resources to teach a child with down syndrome. Eventually, Amanda’s mother was referred to the Winchester School by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the Dubai government department that oversees the private education sector. With support and guidance from the school, Amanda grew from a shy young girl to a confident and outgoing young lady with dreams of modeling.

Amanda currently works with an inclusive modeling agency in Dubai, Miriam George Agency, and has worked with brands like Coega Sunware and in the future hopes to work with cosmetic brands like Huda Beauty.

“She enjoys it a lot,” Amanda’s mother says. “She wants to pursue a career in modeling, if agencies are willing to include children like her.”