Eryka Becker, founder of Angels and Divas is the talented jewelry designer who has created the exclusive collection of bracelets for the Red Shoe Movement. What is amazing about her is that not only does she create beautiful custom jewelry but she has recently purchased along with a partner a franchise of Edible Arrangements. This mom of three who’s lived with Cerebral Palsy all her life, went back to college after her kids were born. She’s unstoppable, wears a smile as her signature accessory and is without a doubt one of the most positive and inspiring women I know. Here’s her interview.
How did you start your designing business?
Angels and Divas started as a hobby. I just designed a collection for a friend’s show and I got such a great response that I continued designing.
How do you manage to keep up with all your responsibilities? Not only do you have your jewelry business but now you bought the Edible Arrangements franchise?
I make time for everything. My family is really important but my career is also very important so I just don’t sleep a lot.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?
My disability is probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to put up with in my life but luckily my parents have always told me that I could do anything so I keep with that. I don’t like to be told no and that I can’t do things so when I put something in my mind I get it done.
How do you overcome those who say “no”?
My strategy is to figure out why they said no and what it is that I need to do to turn it into a yes. Life is difficult but if you put your mind to it, everything is possible.
Could you share with us what you’re currently doing to support other women’s career aspirations?
Most of my employees are women and I’m helping them advance in our business and also I’m doing special bracelet designs for the Red Shoe Movement because it is an initiative of women supporting women.
Can you share with us the names of some women who have helped you throughout your career?
My mom has helped me because she’s always giving me the confidence and the support that I need to reach my goals and my business partner for working with me in this project, us women working together to reach the goal we set up for ourselves.
Raised first in the suburbs of Stockton, California, and then in the bad side of town after her father abandoned the family, Rebekah Lynn Pierce saw her two younger brothers fall prey to gangs, drugs and prison. Yet, inspired by her mom (who only had a high school education) and two teachers who were her mentors, she graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BA in English and a few years later obtained her Master’s Degree and became a teacher herself. Along the way, this courageous woman also served for six years in the United States Air Force – 4 in active duty and 2 as a reserve. Her determination to follow her passion for teaching and then for helping women find their own dreams is a powerful inspiration for all of us.
You’ve had several careers in one lifetime something that is not easy to manage. What motivated the changes and how did you manage to break through each different industry?
I have had several different careers over the years, but none of them have caused me to stray from my purpose. From teaching to magazine publishing to playwriting, each has been a building block to solidifying the foundation of who I am and what I am here to do, which is to serve. I like to think of these careers as individual gift boxes all fitting into one another inside of one big gift box; that big gift box is education.
For example, I had always wanted to be a teacher because I love Literature and writing, and I wanted to bring the power of storytelling and relevance of a work to the present: to show how some things have and have not changed, and how this affects our lives today. Well, that philosophical approach lead to publishing Average Girl Magazine when my cousin, Damita Oglesby, was violently attacked-s tabbed in the head with a screwdriver – by the father of the child she was carrying and lived in a coma from January 2003 – May 2003 until they were able to deliver her last child via a c-section.
I had to do something to honor not just her story, but the countless stories of other women who had lost their lives to domestic violence. I felt compelled to give a voice to the voiceless, and so the day I came home from her funeral, I sat down and created a publication whose mission was to empower and inform/educate everyday woman to be extraordinary in her own right. And I was going to do that by focusing on the four core issues of a woman’s life: career/business, health & wellness, finances and family/relationships.
This naturally, for me, gravitated towards activism in theatre because I met so many women during my travels with Average Girl Magazine whose stories needed to be told. So, while in graduate school, I had taken a class on drama, and there, I had written my first play, which dealt with the mental illness of a woman named Charlotte. I produced it and was able to put it on the stage. And the response I received from women in the audience was profound. No one was telling our stories in this way – the stories of real women with real life issues living an all too real life. And I’ve been writing ever since.
There are a lot of women in the careers you’ve chosen. Do you feel there are certain areas where women are not getting through?
Breaking into publishing was very difficult. There were no women publishers I could reach out to for information in my area. All of the male publishers told me I’d either never make it or refused to even sit down and speak with me. I walked away from one meeting with a publisher completely devastated after he said my idea for Average Girl would never sell. He said, “No one will ever buy this.” With regards to playwriting, I am still trying to break into that world, and once again it seems like I cannot access the persons responsible for bringing in new shows in my town because I don’t have a big name behind me or, sadly, I am not in the right “click.” There are absolutely days when I want to quit. But I refuse to give up. I just encourage other women who want to write and produce plays to 1) continue to pound the pavement by submitting your work to different festivals and such, but 2) produce your own work. Rent a theatre space, hire a cast/director and go for it.
What do you find the most satisfying part of your current work?
The most satisfying part of being a storyteller is that I am given stories to tell that others are too afraid to touch because it’s controversial. I have never been afraid of a challenge and have never taken the road well worn. There’s something in me that bucks against tradition and following blindly. So, when I tell a story and an audience reacts with tears, laughter or shock at a subject matter that is too often pushed under the carpet like mental illness, marital rape, poverty, then I’ve done my job as a writer.
What advice do you have for other women who have unusual (or challenging) career goals?
My advice is to find someone who is either willing to mentor them or at least give them 10 minutes of their time. Each one, teach one. If they cannot find someone, then start researching. When no one would tell me how to publish a magazine, literally how to put one together, I went on the hunt for the information. Average Girl started off as a two page newsletter, then a 35 page Word documented booklet with clipart images and finally, after about a year, I found a graphic designer and a printer to work with my horrific budget of $0. I sold the ads myself – and sales is so not my strong suit – for most of the life of the business. In short, never give up. Where there is a will, you will find a way.
Give us an example of how you’re currently helping other women advance professionally or fulfill their career goals?
I am currently helping other women to advance professionally and fulfill their goals/dreams by doing what I have always done: writing about the struggle to be my own woman and that of others. I recently published my life empowerment journal book, Kryptonite Killed Superwoman: Turning in the Cape for an Authentic, Purpose-Driven Life. I speak in the book about my struggles to achieve my goals as well as providing the stories of other successful women who have made it. I’m also mentoring a few people and hope to assist more in coming to an understanding as to who they are and what their purpose is. I’ve also created a free membership for women called “Walk the Journey with Rebekah in Removing the Cape,” which you can learn more about on my website. It is my mission through this program to encourage, empower and uplift women to their greatest potential and self-awareness. Finally, my play, That Woman’s Child, will be performed in the John Chatterton/Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival in NYC.
Could you mention one or more women who have helped you get to where you are now?
The first, of course, is my mother, Genovia. She always told me that I could do whatever I put my mind to, and even though she did not have the finances to support me, she gave me the next best thing: her prayers. My former high school English teacher, Mrs. Sherri Pratt, changed my life completely. When my high school guidance counselor told me I couldn’t go to college because it wasn’t the place for me (i.e, you are colored and a girl), she told me not to believe that, and I quote, “Shit,” and helped me to fill out my college applications and wrote letters of recommendations for me. Finally, my friend Maggie, who passed away last June from a 3 year long battle with cancer, taught me to love unconditionally.
Currently working as a professional mortgage specialist in Toronto, Canada, Alicia Galarza holds a degree in Business Management and a Specialization in Marketing. Parallel to her expertise in the Financial Industry, she has developed a successful marketing career working for some of the most influential multicultural newspapers.
In addition, Alicia is an active member of the Hispanic Community of Toronto and an advocate for social change. She is the current President of “Cono-Ser” – a scholarship program for students of Hispanic origin based at York University – and of the Parent-Child Tutoring Program “Teach to Learn”.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am the current president of CONO-SER, a Scholarship fund created to provide financial assistance to first year Hispanic students at York University. One of our goals is to help decrease the drop out rate of Hispanics, we recognize a scholarship alone cannot do this and have incorporated other groups to help empower our youth. This scholarship fund also works with Teach2Learn, a tutoring program for Hispanic students that not only tutors students but also help them and their parents become more familiar with the Canadian education system. Recently, the “Encontrarte” youth collective project has joined under our umbrella. This enthusiastic group of youth will be providing dance lessons in a high-risk neighborhood.
In the past four years I have also volunteered promoting C.C.I.E Festival of Images and Words, which helps showcase the richness of the literary and artistic abilities of Hispanic-Canadians. In 2009 I was the Press Director of A.E.O (Ecuadorian Association of Ontario) during this time my goal was to promote Ecuadorian tourism, culture and art within Ontario. It was an honor to be nominated in 2009 along with 34 others by the Hispanic Business Association as one of the The 10 Most Influential Hispanics.
I take great pride and joy in working for my community and I am glad that the projects I have embarked on have tangible results. Colleagues have told me that my balanced mixture of inspiration and hands on strategies have contributed to the success of my undertakings. I firmly believe that my integration into Canadian society has been a smooth one because of my involvement in community work as it helps me better appreciate the diversity and multiculturalism within Canadian society.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a woman entrepreneur and in a Canadian company?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced since moving to Canada has been integrating into the Canadian work force. I understand that many women in Canada do experience discrimination based on their gender, but I can say that in my situation the difficulties I experienced originated from a lack of knowledge of how the industry works. Once I became more familiar with Canadian labor practices I was no longer afraid to ask for advice, look for help and network. That experience cost me money, but has made me the person I am today, I am no longer afraid to speak up, ask questions, negotiate, invest or take risks.
What advice do you have for other women who have unusual (or challenging) career goals?
The advice I would give any woman is to be persistent and always stay true to her goals and herself. Make sure you always have a strong work ethic and are disciplined; most importantly I would say network, network, network! Networking is not only a great way to find new opportunities, it is great to socialize, and also helps to inspire and keep you on track with your goals. Be serious, passionate and very organized, make sure you are always planning ahead and setting realistic goals, be down to earth and do not be afraid to fall or take risks.
Give us an example of how you’re currently helping other women advance professionally or fulfill their career goals.
I am always encouraging women to fulfill their career goals; I have been able to guide some of my female colleagues by encouraging them to take risks and by giving them advice from my own experiences when they require it. I believe it is important to lead by example, and do so for my daughter who is completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. I support her involvement in various activities. I believe balance is the key to success, therefore, I encourage her to study, work, volunteer, play sports and enjoy time with her friends. All these activities are key in becoming a fulfilled professional and human being.
Could you mention one or more women who have helped you get to where you are now?
I have three women who have inspired me throughout my life. The first is my grandmother, her values, knowledge and love helped shape me as an individual. I am very grateful for the wisdom she imparted and her advice to not fear making sacrifices or taking risks because as long as I did those I would be in control of my success. The second woman who has served as a great source of inspiration is my friend Margarita Feliciano, as a University Professor she is a great example of how hard work and persistence pay off. She is a great leader and has inspired me to continue studying, and learning and has allowed me to view the world with a new perspective. From her I have learned that sacrifice is a source of happiness, the greater the struggle and sacrifice, the greater the happiness that will follow. The third woman who has inspired me is Mississauga Major Hazel McCallion who is one of the longest serving elected politicians in history. At 91 years old she still works to serve her community and continues to work with passion, she is great proof of the success that comes when one is persistent.
You can get in touch with Alicia Galarza clicking here.
I was born in Romania 37 years ago during the harsh communist regime. I grew-up in a modest family in a small town. At 16 years old, I was chosen (from 800 girls) as one of the finalists of the national beauty contest: Miss Teen. Then, right after graduating high school I worked as a journalist for one of the most important local newspapers. At 19, I managed to leave the country to follow my dream of seeing the world’s wonders.
To my big surprise, that fantasy world turned out to be hostile, rough, and sometimes cold. I frequently felt like an alien but I worked hard to stay above the discrimination that I often experienced in my job as a model.
My path wasn’t easy at all, but I’ve never lost my free spirit. I kept the passion alive and kept focused on my dreams; and during the hardest moments I just surrendered and let myself be driven by the superior forces of life.
Life has blessed me with two amazing children whom I’m honored to bring up. In Spain, where I’ve been living for more than 12 years, I’ve studied dramatic art, Psychology, NLP, Prenatal Education, Counseling and now I’m getting a certificate as a Women’s Life Coach at the SWAT Institute. I currently work with low-income pregnant women through The Madrina Foundation.
You went from being a model to giving back to the community by working with low-income pregnant women who are mostly teenagers. What has been the most challenging part of that transition?
My experience of becoming a first time mother in a foreign country, the fact that I felt really lonely, away from my family and with little real support during such a vulnerable and important moment, made me connect with the suffering of all those mothers in the same situation. I’ve learned the hard way that when a woman becomes a mother, especially for the first time, she needs the total support of her own mother.
After my son’s birth I felt alone in this world, without my mother or “any” mother by my side. That made me experience postpartum anxiety and depression. But all that suffering led me to a deep personal and spiritual growth and that’s when I’ve actually decided to help other women.
What are some of the challenges that women face in the workforce in Spain?
Although it is not discussed much, one of the real barriers that women increasingly find in their work in Spain is motherhood. Bringing a baby into the world is bad news for a high number of employers around the country. Many pregnant women are victims of workplace harassment called mobbing. As the dismissal of a pregnant woman is against the law, the employers harass many of them in order to obtain their resignation.
The Madrina Foundation, with which I collaborate, brought out last year a study done in Spain on the maternal mobbing phenomenon (present actually in companies worldwide), a study that identifies pregnancy as the main cause for dismissal or harassment in Spanish companies.
What do you find the most satisfying part of your current work?
Accompanying another woman in her journey of becoming the best version of herself profoundly transforms myself every single time.
I fill my heart with joy when I see a “sister” blooming and when one just opens her new discovered wings and flies. It makes me happy to see them walk straight when they no longer need my support and they can follow their path with complete power and self-confidence.
I’m pleased to do what I love, to share my passion of creating a new vision, a new perspective of reality for others. I love giving women the hope and strength to create their own destiny and their own lives. It gives me total satisfaction to guide them towards becoming the women they dream to be.
What advice do you have for other women who have unusual (or challenging) career goals?
Special women have unusual career goals. So, be special! The fact that someone is not able to see what you see doesn’t mean that you’re “wrong”. Surround yourself with people who share the same passion and do not waste your precious energy and time justifying what you’re doing to those who don’t believe in you.
Be unusual! Be unique! Be brave and follow your dreams! If you don’t do it who will then? If not now, then when?
Give us an example of how you’re currently helping other women advance professionally or fulfill their career goals?
Although, for the moment, in my work I focus more on the personal aspect of a woman’s life, I can say that when I support young mothers their professional concerns are always coming into discussion. Women worry and care about their jobs and career sometimes more than anything else.
So I invite them to take the time of the pregnancy as an opportunity to redefine their life path, to embrace the moment as a welcomed brake for rediscovering their dreams and passions in order to become whom they decide to be. Pregnant or not, we should all take the time to conceive, nourish and birth our new life the way we choose to.
My goal as a future professional Life Coach is to become the facilitator for women to re-discover and free their Authentic Power, to be able to embody and cultivate their Feminine Essence in order to live a purposeful life according to their True Nature.
Could you mention one or more women who have helped you get to where you are now?
One is the wonderful Julie Gerland, founder and Director of The Holistic Parenting Program: Preconception to Birth & Beyond, international presenter, co-author, workshop leader and professional trainer. She is the Chief United Nations Representative of the World Organization for Prenatal Education Associations. I met Julie in California and I instantly fell in love with her from the moment I heard her talking at the APPAH (Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health) Congress in 2009. She is today for me a great friend and a trustful professional guide.
The other one is the amazing Crystal Andrus. She is not only my Life Coaching teacher at the SWAT Institute, but also my professional mentor and, after our group trip to Italy in September we became “soul sisters” as she calls us. Crystal is a worldwide leader in the field of self-discovery and personal transformation, best-selling author, motivational speaker, and a women’s advocate. She is the founder of the SWAT Institute (Simply Woman Accredited Trainer) —an online Personal Empowerment Coaching Certification Program designed for women to support and encourage other women to fully express their gifts, passion, and purpose.
Both Julie and Crystal inspire me. Through their teachings and magnificent example they’ve both catapulted me directly into my “Red Shoes” with which I am standing powerfully and confidently, exploring my talents and abilities, walking towards my constant progress as a woman.
Carmen Gloria Gorigoitia is the founder of Mundo Mujer, a powerful online/offline platform that help women acquire the tools they need to fulfill their career dreams whether that means working for themselves or for someone else.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Valparaíso, which is one of the oldest cities in Chile and one of its most important ports. However, I grew up and got my education in Viña del Mar and I currently live in Santiago.
Regarding my job as a coach, I have studies in PNL, Mindfulness, the Eneagram, the Ontology of Language, HR and Communications among others.
You are the Executive Director of Mundo Mujer. Tell us about this organization. What do you do? What are the organization’s goals?
Mundo Mujer is a community open to all women whose main goal is to support their career and leadership development and to provide them tools to this effect. Our value add is the Communities of Women which are in-person get togethers where peers meet to exchange knowledge, experiences, success and defeat, as well as to strengthen self leadership and enrich the quality of their lives. Part of our goals is to establish partnerships with Latinamerican organizations in order to contribute to the development of women around the world.
How did you get to this point in your career? Did you always want to have an organization like this one?
After a career as a successful executive where I observed in me and in women in general a lack of self-leadership tools, poor self confidence, little self-knowledge and lack of support networks, I launched this initiative. My observations moved me to action. Taking advantage of the benefits of technology I first created a website, Mundo Mujer where we propose topics that contribute to the development of Latinamerican women regardless of where they live. This digital platform is the launch pad for many in-person activities such as conversations, workshops and the program called: “Women Communities.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a professional woman in Chile?
As a professional woman in Chile one of the biggest challenges I faced in the beginning of Mundo Mujer was to overcome the obstacles to make my project a reality. There’s a lot of bureaucracy, gender prejudice, lack of access to financing opportunities, and lack of support networks.
What do you find the most satisfying part of your work?
To offer my small contribution to the improvement of the quality of life and interpersonal relationships among men and women, first in the Chilean society and then in the Latinamerican society.
What advice do you have for other women who have unusual (or challenging) career goals?
To create space within their lives so they can take a pause. To pay attention and listen to their intuition, to define their dreams and above all, to be part of peer organizations where they can give and receive support.
Give us an example of how you’re currently helping other women advance professionally or fulfill their career goals?
We are currently starting a program to support entrepreneurialship for 60 women in 2 regions of Chile. It entails 8 months of free advice on how to write a Business Plan. This program will provide technical and social tools to 60 women so they can fulfill more successfully their business idea.
Could you mention one or more women who have helped you get to where you are now?
One of the women who has helped me get to where I am now is the Chilean anthropologist Patricia May. I had the chance to meet her when Mundo Mujer started and I participated in her workshops. It was thanks to the information I acquired during her programs that I started to believe more in my own project.
Another woman who has helped me get to this point is Verónica, one of my sisters. Her technological skills have been a great source of support for our platform from the very beginning.
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Eryka Becker, founder of Angels and Divas is the talented jewelry designer who has created the exclusive collection of bracelets for the Red Shoe Movement. What is amazing about her is that not only does she create beautiful custom jewelry but she has recently purchased along with a partner a franchise of Edible Arrangements. This mom of three who’s lived with Cerebral Palsy all her life, went back to college after her kids were born. She’s unstoppable, wears a smile as her signature accessory and is without a doubt one of the most positive and inspiring women I know. Here’s her interview.
