An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Be Kind to Yourself and Others: Kindness forms the cornerstone of inclusive communities. By practicing self-compassion and extending kindness to others, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.
In a world where diversity is often acknowledged but not always celebrated, we are taking a step forward to highlight the importance of inclusivity in building strong, vibrant communities. This series aims to explore the various facets of diversity — be it racial, cultural, gender-based, or within the differently-abled community — and understand how embracing these differences strengthens our social fabric. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Luisa Diaz.
Luisa Diaz grew up in Venezuela and moved to the United States with no knowledge of the English language, facing what she describes as the hardest challenge of her life. Despite this, she embarked on the journey of learning English while simultaneously attending college. Luisa graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Following her academic achievements, Luisa went on to create “Luisa su voz Latina” (Luisa your Latin voice), where she served as the host and producer of a Latina TV Show. This show marked a significant milestone as the first and longest Spanish-Language program on an American affiliated network (ABC and Warner Brothers) in North Carolina. During her time in North Carolina, Luisa also assumed the role of director for the Miss North Carolina Latina beauty pageant. Seeking new horizons, Luisa then moved to Hollywood to explore the world of entertainment.
She transitioned into acting and was featured in Oscar-winning movies, including “The Fighter” and “Silver Linings Playbook”. Driven by her passion for philanthropy and advocacy, Luisa is the founder of The Luisa Diaz Foundation. The foundation’s motto, “Kindness is Cool”, reflects Luisa’s commitment to spreading compassion and support to those in need. Each year, Luisa hosts the “MAG Gala” (Mi Amor Graciousness Gala) in honor of her beloved grandmother, who endured both mental and physical abuse. The MAG Gala serves as a celebration of kindness, supporting grassroots organizations and individuals who make a direct impact helping people and their communities through acts of kindness. Working with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, Luisa showcases their transition from darkness to light on the “Runway of Hope” at the MAG Gala. In recognition of her dedication to kindness and advocacy, the Mayor of NYC proclaimed May 18th as “Kindness is Cool Day” in NYC forevermore during the MAG Gala 2023. This year marks the 10-year Anniversary of the MAG Gala, which initially originated in LA but now takes place at the iconic Plaza Hotel in NYC. Additionally, Luisa organized a gala in Houston last year.
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Luisa is also an author, having penned “Sexy Is Timeless: Ten Timeless Sexy Assets That Lie Within You”. In this book, she shares her insights and redefines what it means to be “sexy” in the era of women’s empowerment. Luisa outlines ten characteristics of sexiness that serve as a reminder for women to embrace their beauty and worth. Adding to her list of achievements, Luisa is the former Ms. Venezuela International and Mrs. New York International 2019.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about celebrating diversity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Growing up in Venezuela with my beloved grandmother, I witnessed a lot of abuse as a little girl. The abuse was so bad that sometimes we had to sleep on the street. My beloved grandmother had 15 children. I don’t want to be graphic, but imagine how bad the abuse was that my grandmother with no money nor education had the courage to leave my grandfather and she never looked back. She is my hero.
Can you share an interesting or hopeful story where spending time with someone who did not look like you or who was different from you taught you something that has been useful to you?
During my college years, I found myself juggling learning the English language alongside two summer classes. Unaware of the accelerated pace of summer courses due to their shorter duration, I encountered a significant challenge. Among my instructors, Dr. Luciano, a white woman and my algebra teacher, left a lasting impression. Though I struggled to comprehend her verbal instructions, the beauty of mathematics lies in its universality — it transcends language barriers with its reliance on numbers. Although I could barely understand what she was saying, I dedicated myself tirelessly to understanding the coursework. The turning point came when Dr. Luciano administered a surprise quiz. Faced with the daunting task of translating questions from English to Spanish and back again, time slipped away, allowing me to answer only two out of the five questions. Overwhelmed with panic, I submitted my incomplete quiz and left the classroom crying. In a gesture of profound kindness and understanding, Dr. Luciano followed me out, gave me a hug and offered words of reassurance. I never forgot her act of kindness. Through her empathetic encouragement, she provided solace in my moment of distress, affirming my efforts and offering a glimpse of hope amidst the challenges I faced. Dr. Luciano’s guidance extended beyond words of comfort. Recognizing my need for additional support, she introduced me to the foreign student office, where accommodations such as extended test-taking time were made available to me. This introduction to invaluable resources proved to be a lifeline, granting me the necessary support to navigate my academic journey with greater ease and confidence. To this day, I cherish the memory of Dr. Luciano’s unwavering compassion and support, a beacon of encouragement that illuminated my path during a time of uncertainty.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
As a successful leader, three character traits that have been most instrumental to my success are Discipline, Persistence/Determination, and Kindness.
Discipline has played a crucial role in my journey to success. It serves as the foundation upon which I build my achievements, enabling me to remain focused and committed to completing tasks, projects, and goals. Through discipline, I cultivate a sense of structure and organization in my approach, ensuring that I stay on track amidst the myriad of challenges and distractions that may arise. Persistence and Determination are integral aspects of my leadership philosophy. In the face of obstacles and setbacks, I refuse to accept defeat or take “no” for an answer. Instead, I embrace a mindset of resilience and tenacity, relentlessly pursuing my objectives with unwavering determination. Even when confronted with closed doors, I persistently seek alternative pathways, recognizing that where one door closes, another may open. I firmly believe in the power of learning experiences and reject the notion of failure. Every setback presents an opportunity for growth and self-improvement, shaping me into a stronger and more resilient leader. By embracing challenges as valuable learning opportunities, I transform setbacks into stepping stones towards greater success. Additionally, I attribute much of my success to the belief that kindness is a transformative force. I have found that people are inherently drawn to acts of kindness and compassion, as they foster a sense of connection and belonging. By treating others with kindness and empathy, I create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to thrive. In essence, the combination of Discipline, Persistence/Determination, and Kindness has propelled me forward on my path to success. I believe in the snowball of kindness.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story that highlights the impact of diversity and inclusivity in your life or career?
As the founder and CEO of The Luisa Diaz Foundation, we have The Runway of Hope, which is a celebration of the courageous survivors from a place of darkness to one of hope and light. The Runway of Hope serves as a powerful platform for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to reclaim their voices and share their stories of resilience. Over the years, we have welcomed survivors from a variety of backgrounds, representing different cultures, ethnicities, and socio-economic statuses. These survivors exemplify the universal truth that abuse knows no boundaries — it can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Witnessing the courage and strength of fellow survivors fosters a sense of solidarity and community, creating a safe space where individuals can embrace their identities and reclaim their sense of self-worth.
How do you approach and manage the challenges that arise when working towards creating more inclusive communities?
As a Latina, I often encounter hurdles such as language barriers, my accent, and occasional mispronunciations. Unfortunately, these obstacles sometimes lead to dismissal or misunderstanding before I even have a chance to fully express myself. In my experience, fostering respect, kindness, and openness is paramount to overcoming these challenges and cultivating inclusivity. By extending patience and understanding to individuals who may struggle with communication barriers, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. It’s essential to recognize that brilliance and innovative ideas can transcend linguistic limitations. Some individuals may possess groundbreaking insights but lack the ability to articulate them effectively. It’s important to approach interactions with empathy and compassion, recognizing the inherent value in each person’s perspective. Ultimately, promoting kindness and understanding fosters a sense of belonging and encourages diverse voices to contribute to the collective dialogue. By embracing inclusivity in our interactions and endeavors, we can work together to create communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
What innovative strategies or initiatives have you implemented or observed that effectively promote the importance of diversity and inclusivity?
Kindness. Kindness is cool!
In your opinion, what are the key elements that make a community truly inclusive, and how can these be fostered on a larger scale?
We are living in a society that is glorifying negativity, and due to this epidemic, the prevalence of depression, loneliness and isolation that many individuals experience is taking precedence. As a society, we need a deliberate shift towards glorifying positivity and kindness by being beacons of hope. To achieve this, we must lead by example, demonstrating kindness and compassion in our interactions with others. By celebrating acts of kindness, we create a culture that values empathy and connection, fostering a sense of belonging for all members of the community. As part of this effort, I have developed a program aimed at instilling kindness from an early age. Beginning in schools, from kindergarten through high school graduation, we promote and encourage children and teenagers to treat each other with kindness. By integrating kindness education into the curriculum, we empower young individuals to cultivate empathy and compassion, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and supportive community. After all, kindness is cool!
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways We Can Build Inclusive Communities”?
The Importance of Acknowledgment: One of the fundamental ways to build inclusive communities is by acknowledging and recognizing the efforts and struggles of individuals from diverse backgrounds. For instance, during my college years, I encountered significant challenges as a non-English speaker. However, the acknowledgment and kindness shown by my teacher, who recognized my perseverance and hard work, provided me with the hope and motivation I needed to overcome my struggles and continue my academic journey. This simple act of acknowledgment boosted my confidence and reinforced my sense of belonging.
Work with those from Different Backgrounds: Building inclusive communities requires actively engaging and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through initiatives like the Runway of Hope, I have had the opportunity to connect with survivors from various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. These interactions have exposed me to new perspectives and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity within our community. By working together with individuals from different backgrounds, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Give People a Chance: Inclusivity thrives when individuals are given equal opportunities and are judged based on their abilities rather than superficial factors like their color or accent. By giving people from different backgrounds a chance to be heard and contribute, we can harness the full potential of diverse talents.
Be Kind to Yourself and Others: Kindness forms the cornerstone of inclusive communities. By practicing self-compassion and extending kindness to others, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.
Kindness is Cool! Let’s Embrace Positivity: Finally, embracing positivity and celebrating acts of kindness are essential components of building inclusive communities. By cultivating a culture of positivity and gratitude, we create a ripple effect of kindness that uplifts and inspires others.
How do you measure the impact and success of diversity and inclusion efforts, and what changes have you seen as a result of these initiatives?
As a Latina, coming to this country without the knowledge of the English language, I understood that to be included, I needed to do my part. My responsibility was to educate myself and learn the language. I have integrated myself into the community of philanthropy that I want to be a part of.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I already have created a movement of kindness is cool! For the past 10 years we have been changing the world with one drop of kindness at a time.
How can our readers further follow you online?
https://luisadiazfoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/mag.gala/
https://www.instagram.com/luisadiaztv/
https://www.instagram.com/kindnessiscool1/
https://www.facebook.com/miamorgala
https://www.facebook.com/luisadiaztv/
https://www.facebook.com/kindnessiscool/
https://www.youtube.com/@mag_gala
https://www.youtube.com/@Luisadiaz_tv
Luisa Diaz
Founder & CEO, Luisa Diaz Foundation
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Celebrating Diversity: Author & Actress Luisa Diaz On How To Build Inclusive Communities was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.