Interviews
Brie Childers: “Exposed” Our Bodies For Breast Cancer
by Leza Raley-Labrador on Mar.17, 2010, under Interviews
“What makes Brie’s work so captivating is that she manages to illuminate the inner quality of her subject, not just make them look gorgeous”. (Steppin Out Magazine)
From the pages of fashion magazines to major advertising campaigns and celebrity imagery, Brie has found success and name recognition bringing her passion for photography and capturing beauty through the lens of her camera.
Brie is a woman to be recon with; she is a professional photographer, mother, wife, friend and humanitarian. Since first meeting Brie I have learned of her desire to help woman with Breast Cancer. She told me once, that this disease, Breast Cancer, scares her most of any disease a person could have. “Exposed”, will be a table top book, which will feature Brie’s photography, showcasing strong woman, who have survived breast cancer, or woman who have had their life intruded by this deadly disease, causing pain and inflicting its wrath personally or on loved ones. Brie will also capture the beauty, and raw sprit of some of Hollywood’s hottest female celebrities, who believe strongly, that we need to do everything we can, to find a cure and stop this hell upon the human race. “Exposed”, proceeds will be donated to the The Pink Lotus Breast Center, founded by renowned surgical Breast specialist, Dr. Kristi Funk. The Pink Lotus Breast Center, fuses state-of-the art screening, diagnosis and treatment with preventive strategies and holistic, compassionate care. “It is an honor to donate, Exposed profits, to help the country’s first female-owned, female-run and fully integrative breast center”. (Brie Childers) (continue reading…)
Made in Germany, Monja Wolf is the Founder of “Monyati Initatives” A Little Wish that is Very Close to Your Heart.
by Leza Raley-Labrador on Feb.08, 2010, under Interviews
Interview By: Leza Raley-Labrador & Ellen Alveraz
Written By: Leza Raley-Labrador
I believe the best education in life is travel and life experiences. Most see the world from inside of a fishbowl, getting a glimpse of the joy and tragedy around the world from the evening news, or from the internet within the safety of their home. Then there are those who explore the world, taking advantage of great pleasures and being witness to life’s great disasters. A world of love, laughter and miracles awaits those who dare to discover the world’s vast treasures. Humanitarians are made when a person realizes that there is beauty within life’s misfortunes and when that person makes a conscious decision to stand up to the wrongs in this world and make a difference, so that those who are being violated, neglected and left behind, have hope. Humanitarians are people who stand in the face of the world’s wrongs and evils and give a voice to the silent so that they may be heard.
Made in Germany, Monja Wolf spent most of her life working and traveling around the world. Traveling to more than 40 countries worldwide, Monja has experienced life’s treasures and tragedy. With all of her experiences and the people she has encountered on her travels; Monja made a conscious decision that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and founded “Monyati Initatives”, which is Arabic and translates to “A Little Wish That is Very Close to Your Heart.”
With so many crises in the world “Monyati Initiatives” is dedicated to helping all populations at risk, regardless of cultural and religious background. “Monyati Initiatives”, makes wishes come true where they are most needed.
What exactly inspired the idea of Monyati Initiatives? I knew absolutely at a very young age, that I wanted to work in the non-profit sector and to make a contribution to the world. Every person has their own path to walk and an individual goal to fulfill in life. I know helping people and contributing to the world is my path to walk.
I began at a young age traveling to countries at risk and therefore I have been exposed to different living conditions and cultures in other parts of the world. My first experience was shared with my father and brother. We were traveling often to Thailand and spending a lot of time in boxing camps throughout the world. The people at these camps that my family and I visited used their skills to gain freedom out of poverty. Sometimes boxing was their only tool for survival.
As a young girl, I accompanied my father and brother to rural areas of developing countries and spent months at boxing camps. This is when I became aware of the imbalance in the world. Watching young boys sleeping under the ring, pursuing their only opportunity to get out of the slums (sometimes the entire family depended on the success of these little ones) and yet even if they became successful boxers, these young boys made only pennies from their actual prize-money. Their promoters would make sure that they stayed poor and bound to them, by making them sign “slave-contracts”.
Sarah Schwab: Acupuncture for a Healthy Life
by Leza Raley-Labrador on Dec.20, 2009, under Interviews
Sarah Schwab, the Founder of Health & Harmony Acupuncture located in Los Angeles, has been working with me since September of 2008. Sarah has been an essential part in the success of taking back control of my health.
Finding internal peace has been a journey of mine for almost two years now. In September of 2008, I decided to take control of my happiness and my life. At the time I made this commitment to myself, I was the director of a talent and modeling agency based in Los Angeles, working twelve to fourteen hours a day and sleeping four to five hours a night. Due to my lifestyle at that time, I was experiencing migraines, weight gain, insomnia and mood swings. Two years earlier I moved to California, married the love of my life and had an exciting new adventure to look forward to. I should have been on top of the world but instead of enjoying my life, I felt as if my life was spinning out of control.
Taking my life back has not been an easy journey but I can honestly say that today I am happy, pain free, loving life and enjoying every moment. Incorporating a healthy diet, mediation, acupuncture and balance into my life, I have found internal peace. The main ingredient for my recipe of success is my weekly acupuncture sessions with Sarah of Health & Harmony Acupuncture. Because of acupuncture I have not had a migraine for seven months; losing weight, sleeping seven to eight hours a night and have increased energy. The benefits of acupuncture have allowed me to take back control of my health and lead me on the path to wellness.
The most valuable and prized possession is our health.
“Without our health, we wouldn’t be able to achieve the things we want to in our life, go places we want to go and do things we want to do”.- Zen Habits
For Sarah, a lifetime of curiosity has turned into her life path. She has been kind enough to answer my questions so that I can share with you the benefits of acupuncture, what is acupuncture, the differences between Eastern and Western medicine, the controversy and the knowledge of a trained professional.
For more information on Sarah Schwab and Health & Harmony Acupuncture, please visit: www.healthandharmonyacupuncture.com (continue reading…)
Swiss Chris-The Music Man With A Mission: “World Peace!”
by Leza Raley-Labrador on Nov.02, 2009, under Interviews
A musical genius with a positive vibe and a passionate supporter for world peace, “Swiss Chris” is the music man with a mission. Activist, artist, entertainer “Swiss Chris”, a Grammy Award Winning Music Director and Drummer formerly with John Legend and who is currently working side by side with legendary artist Gloria Gaynor, is also the founder of S.W.I.S.S (Saving With Instruments, Samples & Soundz), “Resolving Conflict Through Music and Sound.” (Saving With Instruments, Samples & Soundz is pending 501C3 approval)
I met “Swiss Chris” through Lou Ricca founder of EuroRock/Peace Full Sail and program director for S.W.I.S.S. Celebrated for his genius on the drums and for his work as a music director, this very talented musical mastermind takes his success to the next level; he is a very busy, very passionate and very active human rights activist, lobbying the rights for people whose voices have been ignored.
As a young curious boy, growing up in Switzerland, Chris was attuned to the world and the people of the world. When attending a geography class in school, he asked himself an important question and one that would create the man he is today, “If Africa is the richest in natural resources, why is it the poorest continent in the world?” Although he was only ten years old, he was wise beyond his years. As a young aspiring drummer and a young boy hungry for knowledge and a deeper understanding of the imbalances in the world, he began to research and follow the path of the drum. In all forms of life, from centuries past to present day, the power of the drum with its rhythm has been and is a very important part of life and can be a very powerful tool to raise or uplift consciousness, lead us on the pathway of truth and understanding and restore the spirit of humanity. He realized that playing the drums was his way to inspire, enlighten and heal people.
“Music has a positive impact that can be effective in healthful changes. More and more doctors are using music as part of their treatments to help patients stay healthy and recover more quickly from illness.” (continue reading…)
Falling Whistles: “Make Their Weapon Your Voice and be a Whistleblower for Peace in the Congo.”
by Leza Labrador on Aug.27, 2009, under Interviews
What could be more important in this world than the life of a child?
Just recently I met with Sean Carasso, also known as Vagabond Scribe and the founder of “Falling Whistles”. What is “Falling Whistles”? “Falling Whistles is a small window into the world’s largest war. Using the symbol of the whistle to speak out, we join local leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help build a more free world.”
I came across “Falling Whistles” while doing research on the internet. After just a few minutes into reading their story, I was overcome with so many emotions; anger, sadness, and an overwhelming desire to make a difference. When I read about the young boys who were kidnapped from their homes, the whistleblowers, whose poor, frail, malnourished and beaten bodies that were used as human shields, protecting soldiers with their life, not being able to turn away, one way or another they were going to die, I wanted to talk about this story, share this incredible and unbelievable information with anyone who will listen. I wanted to help make a difference.
TFM World and Founder Thomas Haugen: Music, Art and Fashion United by and for Peace!
by Leza Labrador on Aug.24, 2009, under Interviews
Music, Art and fashion united by and for peace! Activist, entrepreneur and my dear friend Thomas Haugen, who is also the founder of TFM World, is on the move and producing exciting and unique charity events, utilizing the fashion and entertainment industry in the name of peace. Launching TFM in 2004, in quaint studio flat in the Northern section of London (Islington), he developed, managed and marketed the careers of just a handful of talent and through hard work and the pursuit of a dream; he has grown TFM into a global entertainment powerhouse and an international company to be reckoned with.
TFM is a full service management, production, event and public relations company located in Norway, England, India and Turkey, whose clientele have worked with some of today’s hottest celebrities; Mischa Barton, Pierce Brosnan, Madonna, Natasha Bedingfield, among many others. Thomas, the founder of TFM understands that with success comes responsibility and he utilizes his name recognition, connections and his skills to give back and help those in need.
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Supermodel, Celebrity, Humanitarian, Joanna Krupa: “Using Her Star Power to Give a Voice to the Silent and Helpless”
by Leza Labrador on Aug.20, 2009, under Interviews
Born in Warsaw Poland and raised in Chicago, supermodel Joanna Krupa is recognized and respected worldwide for gracing more than 100 covers of world-renowned magazines, such as: Ocean Drive, LA Direct, FHM, Maxium, Esquire and GQ. She is currently gracing billboards nationwide for the hot fashion brand Ed Hardy Swimwear and is also a recurring guest on Fox Business channel, where she is featured as a business model and not just a supermodel.
Joanna is a hardworking, inspirational sensation and one of the most requested models worldwide. She has earned her success through hard work, dedication and a positive spirit. On the move, she is driving her very successful career from print to TV and film taking the entertainment industry by storm, combining beauty, brains and courage.
This year, she has starred alongside Michael Madsen in “Six Days In Paradise”, release date fall 2009 and in 2008 she lit up the big screen in “Ripple Effect” with Oscar winners and nominees, such as: Minnie Driver, Virginia Madsen and Forest Whitaker. Joanna also recently appeared on the ABC reality TV show “The Superstars” with Buffalo Bills star Terrell Owens and now will be joining, Kathy Ireland, Aaron Carter, Donny Osmond, Macy Gray, Mya, Melissa Joan Hart and many others on season 9 of “Dancing With the Stars.” Joanna is also preparing to host for her very own prime time TV show, she shot an NBC comedy pilot and appeared in hit television shows, such as: “Las Vegas”, “ER”, “Son of the Beach”, “The Dog Problem” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
With such a busy schedule, Joanna still makes time to stand up for those who are in need. Passionate and ever fighting for the rights of children and animals, Joanna is saying no to violence, hate and ignorance and yes to love, compassion, education, and reform.
World-renowned for their controversial campaigns, commanding some of today’s hottest celebrity supporters, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), “I Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” Campaign, Joanna joined the ranks with Mendes, Christy Turlington, Pamela Anderson, and recent inductee Khloe Kardashian. Joanna ’s campaign turned out to be a massive success around the globe. The billboards are stopping traffic from Hong Kong, the United States to France with rave reviews. Joanna also supports the Humane Society of the United States and recently returned to her homeland of Poland to help raise awareness and support for local orphaned children. Joanna takes her star power and gives a voice to the silent and helpless.
Her mission for life is simple:” Helping those who depend on us the most: children and animals”. -Joanna Krupa
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Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. Modern Day Abolitionist and Co-Founder of the “Frederick Douglass Family Foundation”
by Leza Labrador on Jul.20, 2009, under Interviews
Written by: Leza Raley-Labrador Edited By: Ellen Alvarez
I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be the direct descendant of two of the greatest men in history, who captured the world by storm through their passion, dedication and pursuit of freedom and equality for all. There is a man today who would not need wonder. A man named Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., born the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great grandson of Booker T Washington, two legendary Abolitionists; from slavery to freedom, who fought for the rights of those who had no voice and educated the world on human rights.
Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., in his own right a modern day Abolitionist has successfully followed in the footsteps of his ancestors. Today, with more than 27 million enslaved around the world (a number greater than that which was accounted for at the height of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade) Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., along with his mother Nettie Washington Douglass, co-founded the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFF) to honor Frederick Douglass for his dedication to the pursuit of freedom and that of equality for every man, woman and child.
Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is raising awareness and educating our youth about modern day slavery to help expedite its demise. He states that, “It is important that the young people today know their history and the legacy that has been left by not just two “African-American” heroes but by two “American” heroes, who were born slaves and into the most horrific conditions you could ever imagine. These two men, who through reading and writing, were able to overcome insurmountable odds and rise up and affect the lives of millions and millions of people.” (continue reading…)
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