Let’s meet our Miss Europe Continental New York 2025, below her interview:
‘’My name is Ilham Schnell, and I have the honor of representing New York, USA, at Miss Europe Continental. I am an entrepreneur, a content creator in beauty, fashion, and travel – and, most importantly, a proud mother of two wonderful children. This journey is not just a personal adventure for me but also an opportunity to amplify my message and continue my advocacy for women’s rights.
About me
My life revolves around growth – personally, professionally, and spiritually. I love evolving, gaining new experiences, and constantly striving to become the best version of myself. Self-care is essential to me because I’ve learned that only those who love themselves can truly give to others.
My greatest strength is my resilience. I don’t let challenges bring me down; instead, I find ways to learn from them and grow stronger. My biggest weakness? Probably my perfectionism—I often set high expectations for myself and sometimes need to remind myself to enjoy the moment.
Who inspired me?
My biggest inspiration is my children. They have such pure souls, are carefree, honest, and see the world with a sense of wonder that we adults often lose. They remind me every day how important it is to be authentic and to embrace life with joy and curiosity.
Beyond them, I admire strong women who follow their own path despite challenges—women who have the courage to break free from societal expectations and stand up for themselves.
A life-changing event
I grew up in a family where violence was unknowingly part of daily life. This deeply impacted me—I made poor choices in relationships, surrounded myself with the wrong people, and often put my own needs last. I didn’t realize how important it was to stand up for myself.
But at some point, a transformation happened. I learned that we attract what we radiate. Today, I am a completely different person, full of confidence and strength. That’s why I advocate for women who are still in these situations—whether in everyday life or in countries where abuse is ingrained in the culture.
For many years, I have been working with an organization dedicated to women’s rights, supporting women who have experienced violence and oppression. Winning the Miss Europe Continental title would allow me to extend my efforts and provide even more support to those in need.
What is happiness for me?
For me, happiness means being in my power and shaping life with intention. It’s about standing up for myself and my dreams, surrounding myself with people who uplift me, and feeling free to be my true self. Happiness is also spending time with my children—their laughter, love, and the effortless joy with which they see the world.
A quote I will never forget
“You attract what you are.”
This quote changed my life. I used to think life just happened, but now I know that we have the power to shape our destiny. By believing in ourselves, radiating positive energy, and courageously following our path, we attract the right people and opportunities into our lives.
Being part of Miss Europe Continental
I am incredibly grateful to be part of Miss Europe Continental. This platform allows me to share my story, inspire other women, and grow as a person. For me, it’s not just about beauty or fashion—it’s about having a voice, for myself and for all the women who are still finding their own strength. With this title, I hope to bring even more awareness to the issues women face and actively contribute to making a difference.
What does fashion represent for me?
Fashion is more than just clothing—it is a language without words. It allows me to express my personality, reflect my mood, and feel confident. Fashion is art, creativity, and freedom all in one.
My vision for the future
In ten years, I see myself as a successful entrepreneur inspiring women worldwide to follow their own path. I want to be even more present in the fashion and social media world while expanding my work in advocating for women’s rights. My vision is to create a platform that supports women stuck in difficult life situations—whether through mentoring, financial aid, or simply by being a source of inspiration.
One wish
If I had one wish, it would be for every woman in the world to have the opportunity to live freely—without fear, without violence, and without societal restrictions. And that everyone in this world stays healthy .’’
Stay tuned about her news: www.instagram.com/ellyschnellofficial/
