POWER WITHIN WOMEN
LEFT TO RIGHT: ADRIANA VASQUEZ, ZAHRA HEMRAJ, SASHA EXETER, HALLA RAFATI, CHAU LUI, ISABEL CUELLAR, JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ, SERENA ANTHONY
Eight trailblazing women who inspire change and empower others.
social media … we do it all,” Serna says. “And we encountered quite a bit of discouragement starting out.” The station has more than one million Latin and other viewers
By Julie Gedeon
who take advantage of El Break to disconnect from their routines
Photography by Natasha Gerschon
and connect with its programming. “We seriously consider the mission and ambition behind everything we put on the air with the
The national Spanish-language television network El Break is
aim of inspiring others,” Rivera says. “And that’s certainly going to be
honouring eight influential women for International Women’s Day.
the case when our audience watches our interviews with these eight
“We believe that the stories each of them has to share will inspire
accomplished women.” She and Serna selected the women based
and empower others,” says the station’s co-founder Natalie Rivera.
on various criteria that included reflecting Canada’s diversity. “The
El Break’s other co-founder, Stefania Serna, says the Women Who
main considerations were how each of them serves as a role model
Inspire program is presenting individuals who have worked diligently
within her industry by mentoring others, and in giving back to her
to achieve success. “We’re hoping that by sharing their journeys
community,” Serna says.
we’ll make others aware that success isn’t something that happens
The initiative is important because women still don’t have all the
overnight, but a process that involves a lot of time and effort,” she
same opportunities or support as men, Rivera adds. Serna is confident
says.
that Women Who Inspire will show everyone watching how much
Originally from Colombia, the co-founders know these challenges personally, having faced their own struggles in making El Break successful into its fourth season. “Content production, broadcasting,
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WOMEN WHO INSPIRE WWW.ELBREAKTV.COM
perseverance has played in the success of the eight honourees. “Each of them has inspired us right to down to our soul,” she says. Living Luxe asked the eight women to reflect on their biggest