This February, all month long, we’re honouring the work of 28 inspiring leaders. Women who are drawing upon and celebrating their culture while making a lasting difference in their community using their gifts. From authors and teachers, CEOs to entrepreneurs, not-for-profit directors, artists, and more, these women are changing the face of leadership.
These are truly women to watch and veza community is so pleased to share their brilliance.
May their stories inspire YOU to rise.
Meet Laura Furtado.
Laura is a humble, hardworking, sassy entrepreneurette, and the Founder/Owner of two women-focused communities: DivaGirl, and Sexy & Wealthy in Heels. Her business and lifestyle programs span various Canadian/USA cities, and have over 20 leaders. She also runs her volunteer trip experience, Divas Abroad, and lives bi-coastal between Toronto and Vancouver.
Laura loves learning, educating, and discovering people who have “done cool stuff”, such as those who are creating change, influencing others, and helping great things happen. Laura is immensely creative, and her entrepreneurship draws upon both her creativity and her business sense. She grew up as a dancer, pianist, and actress—really immersed in fine arts and culture—and her father, who was an entrepreneur, taught her a great deal about running a business.
She strives to help women step into leadership roles and cultivate strong female leadership qualities. Laura knows the importance of creating a life that you want to live, finding a balance between personal and business life, while taking risks, being creative, and working hard to create a movement.
So tell us, Laura…
What inspires you most? What motivates you to get up every morning?
My goals motivate me. I’m very Type A, and if I say that I’m going to do something, I’ll do it. I’m very competitive and committed to my goals—I always feel accomplished once I’ve achieved a goal. Most importantly is my feeling of accountability: when I’m helping someone and know that they’re relying on me.
How do you feel that your actions teach or inspire others?
I feel that I inspire women to be independent and be content with the people that they are; to create what they want to be, and surround themselves with positivity.
I inspire them to be the best version of themselves.
What is one change you’d like to see in the world?
I’d like to see more financial literacy amongst women. Money is a tool for living, and with greater financial literacy, we can do so much more. People who have money can do more, and people who don’t, can learn to create it.
Which of your contributions to date have given you the greatest sense of pride?
When I say I’m going to do something, I do it, and everything I envisioned ten years ago about what I would achieve, I’m actually doing. I travel a lot, have houses in two different locations, and I hang out with cool, smart people.
I’m committed to my dreams, and to myself, and I’m creating a community that is awesome.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Even the littlest things you do can change someone’s life.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Laura!
Ready to RISE as a leader in your own right?
Get your copy of veza community’s NEW Feminine Leadership Guide. It’s our gift to YOU.
Inside the Feminine Leadership Guide you’ll receive a series of activating journal prompts and action exercises to inspire your next steps on the journey to greater impact.
Ishu Kler is a photographer and Social Media Manager at Veza Global. She currently owns and operates a freelance photography company called Ishu Kler Creative where she specializes in branding, portrait and event photography. Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., her love and passion for photography led Ishu to travel and live in New Delhi, India, where she obtained her Diploma in Photography. She also travelled to Costa Rica in 2015, where she obtained her Certificate in Documentary Photography from Photographers Without Borders.
Kelsey is a passionate Multimedia Designer & Communications Specialist with a diploma in Multimedia Production and over nine years of diverse design experience in different areas of the world including roles within multinational in-house marketing teams Microsoft and Technetix, marketing agencies and freelance. These experiences have led her to develop strong use of design principles, skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, knowledge in motion graphics and video editing, and knowledge in creating effective communication for a wide range of audiences and cultures.
