In a remarkable tale of determination and resourcefulness, Brazilian actress Suzana Pires embarked on an unconventional journey to fund her women's empowerment foundation, "Dona de Si," which translates to "Her Own Woman" in Portuguese. Her solution? Selling her cherished collection of Chanel handbags, setting a unique example of dedication to her cause.
Brazil, unlike America, lacks the well-established fundraising mechanisms often available to nonprofit organizations. Faced with this challenge, Pires turned to her closet and made a bold decision: to part ways with 12 Chanel handbags, each a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The proceeds from this sale became the initial capital for Dona de Si, a foundation committed to empowering women by women.
Before venturing into the nonprofit sector, Pires had already made a name for herself as one of Brazil's most successful actresses, with notable roles in films such as "Loucas pra Casar" and "Elite Squad," as well as leading parts in popular TV dramas like "Destiny River." Her next endeavor, "Aruna's Magic," a Brazilian Disney+ series, promises to captivate audiences once again.
But Pires's passion for empowering women led her down a new path. She transitioned from the glitz and glamor of showbiz to become the first actress to be a showrunner at TV Globo, Brazil's largest television network. Her milestone achievement came when she was 40, and she recalls the significance of having artistic independence. It was in this position that she noticed the absence of women in similar roles, prompting her to address this gender disparity.
Dona de Si is not just a foundation; it's a movement. Pires began her mission by contributing as a writer and columnist for renowned publications like Marie Claire Brazil, Vogue Brazil, and Forbes Brazil. She understood the struggles women faced, especially in the workforce. Many women, despite being content with their jobs, expressed exhaustion and a yearning for more.
In her book "Unleashed," Pires explores three key challenges faced by countless Brazilian women: the tendency to prioritize others over themselves, the weight of patriarchal oppression in various forms, and the prevailing sense of loneliness stemming from societal burdens. Through her foundation, she strives to address these challenges by providing opportunities, resources, and education.
Pires promotes the idea that age shouldn't be a barrier to one's ambitions after seeing her mother pursue a college degree at the age of 43. Her move to Hollywood at an age when many would consider slowing down serves as a testament to her belief in breaking boundaries.
Pires's advice to women worldwide is simple yet profound: "Be honest" with oneself during the journey of self-discovery. It's a path that may involve tears, confronting demons, and uncovering the beauty within.
Through her foundation and her own life choices, Pires exemplifies the transformative power of determination, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to empower women, one step at a time. Dona de Si is not just a foundation but a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere, proving that empowerment knows no boundaries.