Laura Chao Cover Model Feature

Laura Chao BodyScape Magazine Cover Model Feature

Bold & Beautiful

By Kerrie Lee Brown BodyScape Magazine Celebrity Profile Writer

When an opportunity is presented, not everyone acknowledges it, but Laura Chao does. Laura Chao is a trail blazer in the true sense of the word—a change maker, an advocate, an inspiration. I was fortunate to spend some time learning about this beautiful woman’s incredible story of caring and culture for this pictorial, and got to witness firsthand how her kindness, intelligence, and integrity for her past so eloquently comes together to make people’s differences seem a little less different.

I am a dreamer. So, when I go back to my hometown, I can’t believe where I have ended up and what opportunities I have been shown. That’s why I try my hardest to demonstrate what you can do and how you can live with a lot of diligence and hard work.

We often hear stories of women who have done good in the world or who engage in acts of kindness. Perhaps you know someone who has even mastered the art of maternal instincts—but to say that Laura Chao is solely an accumulation of these few sentiments is an understatement. This month’s cover model Laura Chao is much more. She is a symbol of resilience and a survivor. Moreover, she is the epitome of strength and perseverance with the uttermost respect for the Indigenous women who came before her.

Laura Chao’s story starts well beyond her impressive business acumens and educational background (she has a Master of Science degree in Physical Education and several high-level certifications). More importantly, Laura is a beautiful mother, wife, and respected advocate for the preservation of her incredible Indigenous heritage and community. She knows all too well what it’s like to grow up dealing with certain setbacks; and yet she has turned her struggles into strength and used them as arsenal to make her mark in the world. Her message is clear: to help those in her community realize that they can also be successful by taking advantage of the opportunities presented and a lot of hard work.

In essence, Laura is a role model to many and plays a pivotal part in leading the way for the next generation to make their mark, too. “I tell my kids that with every degree I graduated with or course I got certified in, I always thought of my ancestors, especially the women, who had to be strong to survive. Even if that meant they had to assimilate they never lost their way of life and language. I would not be here today if they had not done so. I feel it is my responsibility to honor them by living my life, embracing my culture, and educating others on what an Ingenious female is like today.”

I am far away from where I grew up now, but I know how much of a difference it makes when I come back and talk to students in the underprivileged communities on the Reserve. Everything comes full circle.

Symbol of Resilience

To further her mission, Laura Chao has created a non-profit that helps young people reach their educational aspirations and goals. Her unmistakable “take action” attitude not only helps preserve the life lessons of her background and early years—but also pays homage to the amazing women in her community who still influence her life.

Laura Chao is a courageous woman with tremendous heart and love for her Indigenous culture and holds high her strong family values. She supports the mission to keep her precious past and those from the Indigenous community intact while bringing attention to where it’s needed most. In a nutshell, Laura Chao is leading a movement of preservation and education that will make a difference for years to come inside her community, among her roots, and in societies that have no understanding of the critical role the Indigenous people play today.

With her childhood dreams fulfilled, she can now focus her drive and energy on a different vision—a vision that has been brought to fruition with the Desert Dreamer Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering underserved students in West Texas. The organization also participates in other important causes in the Miami community. In doing so, Laura works extremely hard to inspire students to follow their aspirations no matter where they come from. Ultimately, she believes education is the birthright of every child and is determined more than ever to make sure onlookers know as well. Laura exemplifies what we all need in life. She’s not afraid to take risks and go after what she wants. Laura Chao is a visionary and has been all of her life.

Tell us about yourself.

“I am the director and founder of the Desert Dreamer Foundation. I was born and raised in a small West Texas town, and dreamed of having a life filled with travel and learning. Financially things weren’t always easy for our family, and the struggle to make ends meet taught me how valuable an education could be. My ability to do well in school was also hindered by a learning disorder as I struggled through my elementary and secondary school years. Because of this learning disorder, I understood the importance of a safe learning environment, where a child not only felt safe but also confident while thriving within the learning process. Despite these issues, I never gave up believing education was key to a more fulfilling existence and continued to envision a greater life, a life of promising successes and endeavors that would allow me to reach my full potential. Eventually, I transformed those visions into reality when my family moved to San Antonio, Texas and I made a conscious choice to surround myself with people who taught me valuable life lessons. I became a substitute teacher at Athens Elementary School while attending San Antonio Community College; and then landed a corporate position with AT&T while continuing my education. AT&T transferred me to Miami in 1993, so with a career in place and the continuation of a college education, I was well on my way to achieving my dreams. I feel very fortunate to have worked for such great companies where I worked with and learned so much from amazing people. Working in Corporate America helped me better understand the importance of an education.”

What’s your education?

“With much determination, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Cum Laude from Florida International University (FIU), and am certified to teach in the state of Florida. Studying was so rewarding, so I decided to pursue my Master of Science degree in Physical Education also at FIU. As an enrolled member of my tribe, I am very passionate and honor my Mescalero/Lipan Apache roots and community while remaining active in raising awareness to the misconceptions of being an indigenous person in today’s society. It is important to share my experiences in hopes that students will find something in me they can identify with and use it to reach their educational goals. We all have special gifts to offer the world; we just need opportunities and the kindness of others to help us open our gifts. I see so much of myself in the students and want to continue to help make a positive difference in their lives. Many of the high school students receive partial scholarships but are unable to pay for the remaining tuition, books, or basic school supplies. Not having the financial resources causes the students not to further their education. Desert Dreamer Foundation’s goals are to help fill the financial gaps for these students, encourage their academic growth while guiding them through their journey. Along with being the founder of Desert Dreamer Foundation, I am also the owner of HOPE Wellness where I am a Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Life Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and also a Licensed Massage Therapist. My goal with HOPE Wellness is to help individuals identify what holds them back from living up to their full potential, then lay out a plan to aid in reaching their goals.”

What are some of your Foundation’s special projects?

“Desert Dreamer Foundation participated in the Dwyane Wade Basketball Summer Camp 2019, sponsoring 15 students. Eight students from the Miami area and seven students from the Mescalero Apache Reservation in Mescalero, New Mexico. These students were accompanied by the tribe’s Vice President, Gabe Aguilar and two other amazing chaperones. The students hustled on the basketball court and even had a special luncheon with Wade! A visit to the Miccosukee Indian Village allowed the students to learn about the Miccosukee’s way of life. This is a wonderful program and with your donation we can participate again in the near future. We also have many other events and special guests that inspire students, and who they can look up to. For example, Acosia Red Elk, an enrolled member of the Umatilla Reservation in Oregan, performed at Pioneer Day. Acosia danced a Jingle Dress Dance and shared the history of her buckskin dress, which was over 100 years old! She also spoke about life on the Reservation, the students, teachers, and parents enjoyed Acosia’s visit. We also had Tony Duncan of the Apache, Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan Indian Nations and his wife, Violet Duncan of the Plains Cree of Kehewin Cree & Taino Nations (Canada), visit Gulliver Academy to celebrate Native American Month. Desert Dreamer is aimed to empower underserved students as well as participate in other important community causes. The goal of Desert Dreamer Foundation is to help the financial gaps for these students and open doors to different worlds, different cultures, and endless opportunities.”

How did you end up in Miami?

“As mentioned, I’m from Fort Stockton, Texas, but live in Miami, Florida. I’m 51 years old. When I was 16 the oil industry dried out and in 1986 we moved to San Antonio. Being brought up in such a tiny town, I would pray every night to the Creator that every opportunity, every chance, would not be wasted. So, when my mom came in and said we were moving to San Antonio, I was ready! And in two weeks we moved to the ‘big city.’ I finished high school there, then worked at AT&T, and in 1993 I got the opportunity to transfer to Miami. I was hungry to learn more— and received a lot of great job opportunities—some offers in Los Angeles etc., but ended up in Miami which is where we stayed. But, most importantly, I come from the Nescalero apache tribe. I am still very proud to be from the Reservation and my upbringing has made me who I am today.”

What are you passionate about?

“I’m passionate about being the best mom I can be to my four children (17, 14, and 12-year-old twins). I grew up financially challenged. My mom was a single parent and times were kind of tough. But again, I made a promise to myself—a declaration if you will—that if I ever get out of [my small town] and got the chance I wanted, I would never disappoint those around me. I have always been very determined. I always feel like I’m on the verge of greatness and have always believed that if you expect something good, then something good will come. I try to instill this belief in my children every day. In that realm, in the verge of greatness, I see my life as a game changer. When I compare my life now to the kind of life I had growing up, this is a piece of cake. I am grateful, truly grateful. But honestly, knowing where I came from and wholeheartedly living the kind of life I want to live, is what makes me live in the moment of gratitude.”

What kind of mom are you?

“I am fortunate that I get to be the kind of mom that I needed growing up. I decided to leave the corporate world to be 100 percent devoted to being mom—and now that the kids are getting older, it’s getting easier. With my own kids, I make sure to talk to them about the importance of acknowledging our Indigenous roots and being super proud of our background and heritage. It is very important to me to instill this in them because it is a part of us and always will be. When I think about the kids [students] back on the Reserve, I think about how some of them have never even gotten on a plane or left Texas. When I go back they see me as so foreign because I appear to live this big life, but I tell them that that was my house when we drive by. I show them where I grew up and that I understand the hardships and that I know how they feel. I teach my own kids that it takes hard work, prayer, and a strong belief system to advance your life. We are more similar than you think I’d say to the students—and my kids know this too. I say don’t let what you see today paint the whole picture. I know what it’s like. I know where I come from. I believe in you. You just have to have faith that things can change. At some point you’re going to come to a turning point in your life—and then you can create your own path. More than anything, I hope my children grow up to be productive members of society like I am trying to be, while still following their dreams/goals and living life on their terms. Drive and passion.”

Education is key. Never give up on your goals for education and never forget the importance of giving back to your community.

What happens when you visit the Reservation?

“I’ve been waiting to take these strides. It’s always great to go back and instill these thoughts. To see these young kids that I can identify with is amazing. When I’m home I remember all the reasons why I wanted to leave. I remember them but I get to go back to Miami where the platform is bigger. Going back home really grounds me and reminds me of wanting to get out and do more. But I do tell the students there’s nothing wrong with staying in a small town, because if these are things you want to do—I’m all for it. I support whatever decisions kids make as long as they have decisions to make. I just encourage them to go after their dreams. You can and you always will have options. Whether you stay home and support the local economy—or go after your dreams elsewhere and leave the place you grew up—both are needed. I always thought that since I struggled in school I would never make it through University; but I proved them wrong. You have to own your decisions and manifest what you want. I did and look where I am now. I want to instill the same mindset in others.”

What are your aspirations in life?

“To further my Foundation’s financial goals, my target is the natural gas companies, solar companies, and oil companies in the South West. They’re a billion-dollar-industry and I think they could help my mission to help students get the necessities they need. What a better way for these companies to give back to the community? We’ve seen the oil business come and go and these companies have the resources to help the people who were there in the start. These people lose their homes and have no high school degrees. Having written many grants recently, I get told no a lot, but I will always try again next year. I am persistent because I know it will happen one day. I’ll ask the higher-ups, ‘When will your donations open up again because I want to apply?’ I’ve been able to fund the mission on private donations since 2016, but I want to get through to the bigger businesses so I keep writing grants. This year has been really difficult due to the pandemic, but I plan to have Zoom meetings with the bigger players soon. I do it all on my own. I get a lot of no but they encourage me to keep coming back.”

What have you learned from most?

“I had to overcome a learning disorder growing up and had difficulty in school, resulting in me having to repeat 7th grade. But, I know today that this was all a part of the plan for me. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a physical education teacher and dealing with the learning disorder would solidify my goal of becoming a kind and compassionate teacher to all students—no matter who they were or where they came from. I realized very young that we all learn in different styles and speeds; there is no one way to learn. I remember having career day at school when I was young and I’d always dress up as a teacher. But I always knew I would be a nice teacher. It didn’t matter what I said {as a result of my learning disorder} it mattered how it was delivered. I was really good at reading people and hearing tones in their voice—so I knew that would come in handy one day. No matter what I chose to become, I knew I’d treat everyone equally and fairly because everyone deserves that.”

How did you get into fitness?

“I was a great athlete in school and even after high school I always had a gym membership. Fitness was always a big part of my life. I remember ladies at AT&T where I use to work saying ‘you better enjoy that cute little body while you can because after you have kids it’s all over’ but I never gave up. The need to work out and to train myself and others has helped me with my anxiety and the gym has always been a place to clear my mind. I had a tiny place at my home called HOPE Wellness where you could work out and get a sweat going; but then I’d do a relaxation massage, the whole mind-body-spirit. You could see how the healing would take place with my clients. You’d learn about self-care and self-compassion. I’d always ask: Are you living the life you want? The connection between mind, body, and soul has always been crucial for me. Still is! Even in my 50s I have a trainer to keep me on track. I have been a certified personal trainer for four years now. I love fitness and how it can help your life in so many ways. Monica Brant and I knew each other way before she became a fitness icon, too. I am so proud of her and being a native Texan. She has and continues to inspire me.”

What was a pivotal turning point in your life?

“In my thirties, it was all about having babies. I was running myself ragged. Being everything to everyone and then only [being able to give] some to my children. But in the back of my mind I always thought, ‘I don’t have to just survive—I have to thrive.’ I realized right then that I wasn’t doing things that brought me joy. Being mom was always last. So, I started taking that time back. I was determined to make a change in my life and focus on me and the kids. I wanted to get back in tune because I realized I couldn’t give my kids what they needed if I didn’t give some to myself as well. So, now I ask the ladies I’m working out with whether they give themselves time. What have you done for yourself lately that brings you joy? Being a mom and choosing to be a stay-at-home mom is so hard. I’d rather not regret this at the end of the day. My 14-year-old tells me that he’s so glad that it’s me that picks up and drops him at school. This is the route I wanted to write—the Divine plan that I was born for. To have my children, raise them, and have the courage to teach them all that I’ve learned. I believe that you can only focus on being the best you can be. I don’t want them to worry about if they have food eat or clothes to wear.”

“We all have special gifts to offer the world, we need opportunities and the kindness of others to help us open our gifts.”

What made you decide to shoot for BodyScape Magazine?

“I met Monica Brant in San Antonio in 1990, and we reconnected via Instagram in early 2019. I mentioned to her that I’d be in San Antonio that summer and she invited me to meet Sarah Lyons, and we agreed to shoot with BodyScape Magazine to celebrate my 50th birthday! But I don’t see myself as a fitness model. I never have. I didn’t feel great about my weight, but I thought I’m going to do it. I was not in my comfort zone at all [at the shoot] but the BodyScape team was amazing. Sarah made me feel so comfortable. They guided me and then when I saw the pictures I couldn’t believe it. It gave me this confidence or affirmation that I wasn’t wrong about taking time for myself. That my joys mattered too. I was a better mom, better wife, and the shoot made things better to balance everything in my life. It was worth balancing. I need more than just an hour to go to the gym. I need to express myself. I started the Desert Dreamer Foundation in 2016 and I thought this will find its place in my 24 hours as well. I love it and more of my time is freed up since the kids are getting older. So, I’m not stopping any time soon.

What is something you truly believe in?

“I truly believe in taking care of yourself. Self-love and selfcompassion are important because you can’t pour from an empty cup. I am where I am today because manifested it. I would save my babysitting money to buy Vogue magazines and I would observe everything. My friends used to think I was crazy. I would say I don’t know how but I’m going to do it. Some friends say you are living the life you always wanted—and I guess I am. I would pray and never gave up. I remind myself when I was a kid that I’m not in control of what happens in life, the Creator is, but I would pray and promise that I would not waste any opportunity that comes my way. People would try to put doubt or fear in my eyes, but they didn’t know me. I just believed I could do it and let that speak for itself.”

Why is it important for women to express themselves and be self-confident?

“It is important for women to express themselves and be selfconfident because that’s how we empower others. I know my success has been as a result of a path paved by many strong Indigenous women who came before me—as well as other women both Indigenous and non-Indigenous who are active today in the community. One of the things I saw around me growing up were very strong women in the community who were great leaders. When I graduated with my Master’s Degree all I could think about was my grandmother. As a result of their survival and their perseverance to get through the hard times, I am able to do these things today. Women like Monica Brant and Sarah Lyons inspire me too. It’s like a sisterhood. We’ve all got a story to tell. We’re all from different walks of life but we’re more similar than you think.”

What message do you want to tell readers of this magazine?

“I’d like to end sharing two quotes that I live by: ‘No one can make you feel inferior without you consent’ by Eleanor Roosevelt, and ‘Look forward. Turn what has been done into a better path’ by Wilma Mankiller. These are two quotes that I refer to when I am feeling inferior. Being an indigenous female, people would ask me where I was from. Growing up in that environment I would allow other people’s opinions to impact me, but I am entitled to not lend more to it. One day I just decided not to take it. The quote by Eleanor reminds me not to buy into negative thoughts about me or my aspirations. No one can make you feel a certain way unless you let them. I didn’t know that in my twenties, but I do now. It’s so important. As a kid, my desire to live a better life outweighed any doubt in my life. I know I have gifts and talents and this desire that’s burning in my belly to do something different in my life has never faded. For the most part, my ‘can do’ attitude has always been there. People doubting me is fuel to my fire. There were those who said, ‘you’re not going to get a degree.’ Watch me. The hope that I’ve always had that my life is always on that verge of greatness still holds true. I refuse to lose that. HOPE Wellness helps other people evolve. You can lose the money and if you’re able to gather yourself up—what do I have? Yourself. That’s what matters the most. It’s within that verge of greatness that I am great. I’m always on the verge of greatness. I know now that I can walk in both worlds because of my grandmother her strength.”

Sadly, I’ve witnessed wasted talent and potential in so many students, so I feel I have something to contribute, we all do and we all should. A smart person learns from their mistakes but a wise person learns from others and avoids them.

About the Foundation:

Why we help

Many of the high school students we serve receive partial scholarships, but are unable to pay for the remaining tuition, books, or basic school supplies. Not having the financial resources necessary causes the students not to further their education. Desert Dreamer Foundation’s goals are to help fill the financial gaps for these students—and encourage their academic growth while guiding them through their journey.

*To contact Laura Chao directly or to find out about the Desert Dreamer Foundation, laura@desertdreamer.org or hopewell44@gmail.com @laura_chao and @desertdreamerfoundation desertdreamer.org and hopewellness.us

About the Author:

Kerrie Lee Brown is a global journalist, women’s health advocate, and author of the book “My Heart, My Self – A Heartfelt Guide for Women Who Do Too Much” available on Amazon. She is the former editor-in-chief of Oxygen Women’s Fitness Magazine as well as various other fitness and nutrition titles. Kerrie is also the founder of RedLilyLife.com and creator of the RedLily® Wellness line. Follow @KerrieLeeBrown @redlilylife and @redlilywellness

Feel Good Again in Just Days!

Key Topics: Health Shortcuts for Body Wellness, Athletic Performance, Energy, Anemia, Immunity, Digestion, Gluten Inflammatory Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate and Core Supplements, Mediterranean Diet. November, 2020

What does a world class tennis player, actor, teacher, policeman and child next door all have in common? The answer is: a food sensitivity to Gluten!

Understanding gluten and the factors influencing Celiac Disease (CD) will give you the keys to unlock the mystery behind much of the early aging and disease development that affects each child and adult to some degree. Novak Djokovic, the number one tennis player until 2013, winning six Grand Slams, attributed his unmatched ability in sports to eating “gluten free.” Following in his footsteps are excited parents everywhere who are passing on the granola bars and whole grain cereals – allowing the kids and young adults to stay off ADHD and other pharmaceutical drugs, with just a few other dietary tweaks!

Like it or not, the Gluten Free Craze is here to stay because reducing or leaving gluten out of the diet altogether really does allow one to feel better in a short period of time. Doctors are also getting on board with an improved definition of CD.

Collective research in 2003, spearheaded by Dr. A. Fasano, MD, gave a better understanding of the broader symptoms that exist with ingesting gluten (through mother’s milk) in newborn babies, throughout childhood and with adults. Previously CD was thought to be rare, with just one in 10,000 cases. At last, this explained why so many patients living with chronic digestive issues (ulcers and failing health), were minimized and written off as psychiatric imbalances.