
Galina Slavova
Model & Actress

THIS IS
MY STORY
I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and embarked on my journey in Judo as a young prodigy, achieving my black belt by age 13—one of the youngest to do so in the Former Soviet Union. From 1987 to 1997, I was a four-time Bulgarian National Champion, alongside earning four international silver medals. Beyond Judo, I earned a National Bronze Medal in Karate, became a city champion in the 400-meter dash, and played competitive team handball.
In 2004, I transitioned from athletics to modeling when I moved to Puerto Rico. In 2007, I relocated to Miami, FL, where I established myself as a successful print model. My fluency in Spanish and unique look led to appearances in Latin American TV programs and telenovelas, which inspired me to move to Los Angeles in 2013. There, I took on roles across stage, screen, and commercials, while continuing my modeling career and expanding into voiceover work. I also dedicated myself to fitness, specializing in personal training and mixed martial arts, and used my skills to volunteer at women’s domestic violence shelters, teaching self-defense to those in need.
Life shifted dramatically when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, a journey I initially faced alone in Los Angeles due to a misdiagnosis. On January 5, 2024, after overcoming immense challenges, I was declared cancer-free, and this experience inspired me to establish the Blossoming Beyond Foundation. Our mission promotes early detection of both male and female breast cancer, as well as prostate cancer, while providing emotional support and connecting patients with essential resources. Joining forces with Mathew Knowles, a male breast cancer survivor and father of Beyoncé, we have expanded our mission to break the stigma around these cancers, fostering open discussions and encouraging early screenings for both men and women. Our upcoming documentary, Blossoming Beyond, premiering September 13, 2025, centers on my journey and those of other survivors, families, therapists, and medical experts, aiming to raise awareness and inspire resilience.

AWARDS
