Regina Askia

**Regina Askia-Williams** (born Imaobong Regina Askia Usoro on December 16, 1967, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria), widely known as Regina Askia, is a Nigerian-American nurse practitioner, actress, former model, and public speaker. She rose to prominence as a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, and for her success in beauty pageants. **Early Life and Education** Regina Askia-Williams attended the University of Calabar and the University of Lagos. While at the University of Lagos, she won the title of Miss Unilag in 1988. Following her pageant success, she later pursued further education in the United States, earning her nursing degree from Wagner College. She subsequently obtained certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Askia-Williams' career first gained widespread recognition in 1989 when she won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant. In 1990, she represented Nigeria at the Miss Charm International pageant in Leningrad, Russia, where she came in second place. She was also the first Nigerian to compete at the Miss International pageant in Japan, where she was awarded the most outstanding traditional costume. Her transition to acting led her to become one of the most celebrated actresses in Nollywood in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her performances earned her the "Best Actress in Nigeria" award by Afro Hollywood London in 2000 for her role in an undisclosed film. **Notable Works** As an actress, her notable film credits include *Most Wanted* (1998) as Cleopatra, *Rituals* (1997), *Vuga* (2000), *Vuga 2* (2000), *Festival of Fire* (2002), *Dangerous Babe* (2003), and the *Slave Warrior* series (2007, 2012). **Current Status** Regina Askia-Williams currently resides in the United States with her family. She practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in New York City. She is actively involved in advocacy work, writing and speaking publicly to promote African outreach in children's health, education, and economic development. She is married to Rudolph 'Rudy' Williams, and they have two children together, Teesa Olympia and Rudolph Junior, in addition to her daughter, Stephanie Horneck, from a previous relationship.