Humanitarian Yezenia Navarro Looks Back on a Decade of Lessons

"I believe all the experiences that I have had in my life in fashion, film industry, communities, football, and family, have helped build who I am today. I hope in the next decade I will be a better person as in a better human, a better mother, and a better friend."

"I know I am destined for a higher purpose and I believe there is something big for me that I hope I can fulfill," she added.

"I would love to participate in more speaking events targeted to women, work with my various charity organizations and travel the world to help children in places like Uganda, Columbia, and Mexico."

One of Navarro's aspirations in the new decade is to build water facilities to increase access to fresh water.

"Earlier in my life I believed I wasn’t enough, wasn’t pretty enough, wasn’t tall enough. But each and every person is special and believe that you are enough. We have two options in life: we can choose to be a victim, or we can choose to be a warrior."

She believes that when you choose to be a victim, all the bad things that have happened in your life will push you down. But if you chose to stand up and move on, you can take all the bad things that have happened in your life and help yourself and help others. The bad experiences in her life allowed Navarro to understand, empathize and help others who are going through the same experiences.

"Seeing the Ambassadors of Queens Without Scars hosting events in different countries to support women makes me proud. Even though I am not physically present at all these events, these Ambassadors continue to further the work."

Sometimes in other countries, it is easier to organize events to raise money and help girls. For example, at one event QWS helped an abuse victim to help her build a business so that she could support her children. In Columbia, QWS has a substantial impact because the Ambassador is well connected with celebrities and various key people."

This provides positive exposure for helping women from domestic violence on TV as well as highlights tours, events, and visits to shelter homes.

"Of course, in Mexico, I also actively participate in raising funds and awareness. I sincerely wish I could do more in the Middle East. Often I am contacted by women who require help, but my hands are tied. I can instruct them of the process to file a complaint but because of cultural norms and rules, it can be quite complicated."

"Honestly, I am happy to work in Qatar as a backstage manager because I have the power and an active say in how events are managed. I always request to my clients to feed my models. They need to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner and I encourage them to eat."

"Sometimes in modeling, designers believe or treat you like hangers, you are only there to showcase their clothing."

Navarro doesn't agree: "I believe a model is an actress on the catwalk that requires energy and charisma to show off the outfit or clothing."

"Another thing is that I request is body diversity."

According to her, "We as women need to embrace our bodies the way they are now and I am happy to see that in the fashion industry there is more diversity in terms of skin color, body shape, limitations, and age. Different is beautiful."

"I think it depends on the destination. When I go to the tropics or islands like the Caribbean, Philippines or Bali, I believe the sun is your best makeup. You don’t need makeup."

"But saying this, I try to always take care of my skin. I wash my face every night, use sun protection every morning and apply ample under eye cream. Honestly, I do everything that I can to take care of my skin and look fresh. I think it is key to drink a lot of water, take care of your skin with a consistent regiment and eat a balanced and healthy diet."

Navarro also recommends eating a lot of veggies and fruit. "If you want to look great, you need to start from the inside by eating well.

"I would love to say that I am not perfect. I have made several mistakes. I am a working mom that tries to balance professional and family commitments. Sometimes I feel guilty working, but my kids understand. We cannot let society say what is wrong and what is right because it is different for everyone."