Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Diana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started “modeling” per se about a year ago, the funny thing is I had been thinking about getting back into modeling but never told anybody about it. Until one day a friend of mine David (da_photography760) who I hadn’t spoken or seen in years reached out to me randomly to do a photo shoot and here we are a year later. I was finally at a point where I was stable and thriving in my career, I was back in school and looking for a way to express myself creatively and more than anything, looking for a way to give back. I kept my momentum going by continuing to push out content staying relevant on social media and networking whether it was via IG or at various events. I started promo-modeling for Harley Davidson and continued to shoot whether it was for fun or for work. I began hosting a Youtube show called “The Schedule” for Global Sports Streaming, where we give updates on upcoming professional boxing fights as well. I came to a point in my life where I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and take on new opportunities even if they scared me, that’s how we grow, que no?
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At a glance yes, it has been a rather seamless and smooth transition for me, life has continued to connect me so effortlessly with the right people throughout this new journey. When you have a clear intention and put in the work, life will respond to you, but we need that awareness to pick up on life’s clues. Now the one thing that I have learned, and I feel we all can relate to this, we are our own worst enemy. I have been my biggest obstacle to overcome, convincing myself that I deserve the blessings that life has presented to me. I have struggled with depression and anxiety for a few years now, and I never realized I had it until I was recently diagnosed a few months ago. Being able to have the awareness that I am my own worst enemy has reminded me that if I can conquer the battle I have within myself, there is nothing I cannot overcome with style and grace. Just a friendly reminder that “When there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do no harm.” African Proverb
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a woman of many talents, haha, no, but seriously. I work full time for a major bank handling escalated calls for our Collections department, so you know people love me. 😊 I’m pursuing my BA in Communications. I was President of Toastmasters International this past year, and continue to be an active member. I work promo-modeling for Harley Davidson, model at car shows, and more recently, I started hosting shows and events as well. Whether it be on “The Schedule” via Youtube or at car shows representing Daniel’s Kreations. Now, the most important thing I do is use my platform and voice to give back working alongside my dear friends Roberta and Jaime from Project Hope. I was lucky enough to connect with them when I was modeling for SRVNTZ we attended one of their volunteer events and knew immediately I needed to contribute in any way I could. I ended up collecting gently worn clothes to give back to those in need alongside Project Hope’s events, which by the way we are ALWAYS accepting donations, please and thank you.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Biggest barriers for leadership in my opinion and this can be applied to any gender is the mentality that there isn’t enough success to go around for everyone, that mindset comes from a mentality of scarcity and brings division in the industry as opposed to unity. So, instead of working together, people tend to work against each other, because their focus is on someone else’s success rather than their own, Resulting in energy wasted, rather than multiplied. As one, we can accomplish a lot, but united in numbers, we can conquer anything.
Contact Info:
- Email: Dianalachicana711@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram: Diana.la.chicana
- Other: www.projecthopeca.org
Image Credit:
Photographers: Luis Reyes, Adan Olivares, Manny aka el Fuchi, David Avalos, Jay aka Billie the Kid, Body art by Rick Munoz, Alberto Acosta, Omar aka Familiagrafix, and chucky from Streetlow Magazine
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