We are strong. We are resilient. We are hard working. We are loving. We are compassionate. We are smart. We are mothers. We are sisters. We are aunts. We are grandmothers. We are nieces. We are nurturing. We are equal. We are women.

International Women’s Day commemorates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and acknowledges the struggle for rights and equality. This day has been celebrated since the 1900’s where supporters pledged their allegiance to the fight through performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches. In honor of this special day the Brittany.com staff wanted to pay homage by interviewing women in our lives that we find inspiring.

Leah Karimdadian: VP|Sr.Chairman of Angel Watching Over Me Org

Michelle Jimenez interviewing Leah Karimdadian 

Michelle: Who has inspired you most throughout your career?

Leah: My father for he has showcased what working hard, passion, tenacity, alacrity, hustle, success, respecting thyself and others, but not taking no for an answer, showing up and not giving up and most impost importantly always remaining humble, kind and grateful… looks like, feels like and amounts to.

Michelle:What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Leah :Starting my own annual toy drive in 2010 that year I raised toys for 100 underprivileged kids by 2016 I was up to 2,400 kids. The  smiles on those little humans faces were more rewarding than any paycheck, bonus check, career title or tangible gift I’ve ever received   

Michelle: If you had the ability to go back and do one thing different, what advice would you give to your younger self?  

Leah: I would go back and thank my younger self, thank myself for my sassy attitude, I would thank myself for my emotions for feeling everything so deeply, for being sensitive, for my drive and passion for doing whatever the hell I wanted for never letting anyone including myself to get in my way, for being fearless, for knowing what I wanted and not stopping until I got it! I would thank myself for being ME! 

Michelle :If you could leave a piece of advice behind for young women who aspire to follow in your footsteps or walk a similar path, what would it be and why?

Leah: You have been, still are and forever will be ENOUGH, enough to do whatever makes you smile, makes your soul feel fulfilled and heart feel loved, enough to do whatever you set your mind to, enough to be respected, loved and admired, enough to reach your goals, enough to be whoever you want whenever you want, enough to start over if you’re not happy with who or where you are today, everyone has a story to tell make sure yours is worth telling,  One day your life will flash before your eyes make sure it’s worth watching! 

Michelle: Did you have a mentor coming up and do you think it’s necessary?

Leah: Yes, of course I did, and I can proudly say that each one of them played an instrumental role in my evolution so yes absolutely necessary 

Michelle: How do you define happiness? 

Leah: Be present.Be Kind.Make tea, drink tea. Eat chocolate.Drink wine.Meditate. Avoid small talk. Travel often.Embrace deep conversations. Avoid toxic humans. Leave imprints on people’s hearts. Be humble. Soul search. Spend time with family and friends. Spend time with strangers. Go on adventures. Learn a different language. Eat delicious food. Take naps. Buy a plant, water it. Pet a dog. Do something for someone that can’t do anything for you. Start a book, finish it. Take chances!!

Glorelys Mora : Manager of Social Strategy at Digitas Lbi

Maria Mora interviewing Glorelys Mora

Maria :Who has inspired you most throughout your career? 

Glorelys: My grandmother has definitely inspired me throughout my career. She always reminds me that education is the key that opens the door to success, and to work hard because I will be rewarded for my hard work. One of my favorite moments with my grandma happened when I was in middle school. She took me to Long Island and it was the first time I rode the LIRR, I thought it was so cool. I spent the day with the other side of my family, and when I got back, without being asked I wrote a story about my day with her riding the train. I shared my story, while it was in English she only spoke Spanish, she knew exactly what the story was about. She was so proud of me, and shared that essay with everyone in the family. She encouraged me to always write, to document everything – that it was great, and that she will always take me on trips because of my gratitude. That moment will forever be significant, she has always celebrated every accomplishment big or small, and always encouraged me to be proactive and go after what I wanted. She is an inspiration because I know she made something out of nothing, and I want to continue her legacy, and make her proud and build on what she established for my mom, sister and I. I’m inspired to always make my grandma proud, I love her so much.

Maria :What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Glorelys: I am the most proud of my career. Social media started out as a hobby, and I taught myself everything I know today. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today. It’s so easy to forget the struggles, but I’ve been building my career now for five-years and there is still more to go. I love that I have made myself an invaluable asset, I have created my own job security because I know I bring a competitive edge to the table that is rare to find.

Maria: If you had the ability to go back and do one thing different, what advice would you give to your younger self? 

Glorelys: Honestly, the one thing I would do differently would have been to live abroad for an extended time. As an undergraduate student at Syracuse University, I had the opportunity to study abroad but I enrolled in short term programs. I didn’t do an extended semester because I was afraid of missing out and stepping out of my comfort zone. While, I think I would’ve accomplished success – my perspective on life would’ve been so different, a more expanded outlook on life. Sometimes I dream of living in another country, even if it were for a few months.

Maria: If you could leave a piece of advice behind for young women who aspire to follow in your footsteps or walk a similar path, what would it be and why? 

Glorelys: Speak up, speak up for what you believe in, share your ideas, don’t second guess yourself. You have something powerful, you have an intuition – follow your gut and speak up. When you know something is not right, say it. When you know you have a good idea, share it. Don’t be afraid of the consequences, have balls. Someone will appreciate the fact that you spoke up. Stop being a scaredy cat, and go after what you want. Most importantly, don’t ever let anyone, especially a man, tell you-you cannot do something. Fuck that. Be fearless.

Maria: Did you have a mentor coming up and do you think it’s necessary? 

Glorelys: Absolutely, I’ve had several mentors throughout different stages in my career and I still stay in touch with them. They have always been invaluable connections that I can always rely on for honesty and support. People don’t realize you can have an unlimited mentors, take advantage of the opportunity to see the world differently, to change your perspective through the mind of different mentors. Expand your viewpoints, and find the support you need to make you feel like you can do anything.

Maria: How do you define happiness?

Glorelys:I think true happiness means having freedom. Especially the freedom to be yourself. Freedom to buy whatever you want, to go wherever you want, to express yourself. That is true happiness to me, to not have anything holding you back from your full potential.

Alexa/ Mercedes 

Alexa :Who has inspired you most during your career path?

Mercedes: My biggest inspiration during my career path have been my children. They have given me the drive and energy to continue pursuing all I can with my career. I feel so driven because I have seen my daughters work very hard to accomplish their goals at a young age. They are strong and independent young women. I feel I can accomplish anything I want at any age.

Alexa: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Mercedes :I am proud of accomplishing a career in the medical field and finally getting my degree which is something I didn’t think was possible going back to school much later in life.

Alexa: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Mercedes: Don’t allow anyone to dictate your life or allow you to forget who you are. The passion you have for life will drive you to live life to the fullest and enjoy what you do.