Born and raised in Ba, Gitali Ganisha Ram, 21, is contesting the FMF Hibiscus crown this year as Miss APCO Coatings.
She now lives in Auckland, New Zealand, where she is pursuing studies in the medical field.
The eldest of three siblings completed her primary education at Arya Kanya Pathshala and secondary education at Xavier College in Ba before moving overseas for further education.
“I’m studying and modelling,” she said.
“It’s a passion of mine – models and pageantry.
“Modelling, I think, is in my gene. My mom used to do local pageants in Fiji back in the 90s’.
“She competed in two pageants and won both. One of her prizes at 18 was a trip to New Zealand.”
Inspired by her mother’s success but driven by her own will, Ms Gitali says her mother “never pushed us down this road.
“When I was 17, I saw an audition for a pageant, and I was like, I want to do this. So, she took me to the audition, and I got in.
“She has been one of my biggest motivators and supporters.”
For Ms Gitali, the Hibiscus Festival is about community and culture.
“Hibiscus brings the community together, and that’s something I’m passionate about.
“It’s not just about me. It’s about making memories and supporting every girl. I want to be part of the Hibiscus legacy.”
Deeply committed to education and youth empowerment, she adds, “Just today, I read about increasing child poverty, where kids are forced to leave school and get involved in illegal activities because they were robbed of education—the basic right every child deserves.
“I’ve been blessed with opportunities, and it breaks my heart to see others denied them.”
“Every time I speak or act, I want people to feel seen and celebrated. We should all be proud to be Fijian no matter where our story starts.”
Ms Gitali’s journey blends tradition, ambition, and community spirit as she steps forward on the Hibiscus stage this year.
