Severina Lajtman

Severina Lajtman is the first Romani woman to grace the cover of the Croatian fashion magazine Elle. Her story is an inspiring example of overcoming obstacles and embracing one’s identity with pride.

She was born in the Roma settlement of Piškorovec and later moved with her family to Držimurec-Strelec. Today, she lives in Zagreb, where she is fulfilling her dreams and achieving remarkable success. Severina studied Romanian and Ukrainian language at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb. Her greatest aspiration, however, was to study at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb — a goal she achieved through perseverance and talent.

As a Romani woman, she takes great pride in her heritage. Through her dedication and artistic talent, she breaks down stereotypes and opens doors for new generations. Severina stands as a symbol of inspiration and strength, proving that with hard work, self-belief, and pride in one's identity, it is possible to overcome all barriers and pave the way to success.