PATHANAMTHITTA: 23-year old Riza Reji, a native of Pandalam has become the first Indian woman to be selected for the world fashion show for people with down syndrome. It will be a proud moment for Indians when Riza walks the ramp at the fashion show in Denver, USA on November 12. Twenty models from different countries are participating in the event.
The annual fashion show is organised by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to raise funds for the welfare of the down syndrome category.
Riza is the youngest daughter of Pandalam natives Reji Waheed and Anitha. They are permanently settled at Koramangala in Bengaluru. She is a popular star in singing, dancing and in stage shows.
Riza is currently practicing acting at Chrysalis Performance Art Centre in Bengaluru. Riza's father Reji Waheed is a teacher at Srishti Art Design and Technology, Manipal. Reji Waheed and Anitha are the co-founders of Beautiful Together Foundation, a voluntary organization for the people with down syndrome. Riza's elder sister Reya is an associate creative director at an advertising company in Mumbai.