Davina Ferreira – Spreading Alegria and Breaking Stereotypes
Davina Ferreira is from Medellin, Colombia and resides in Los Angeles, California. After learning English in eight months she enrolled in a community college then transferred to UC-Irvine where she received her B.A. in Fine Arts, Drama. After graduating, Ferreira worked in Los Angeles as a theatre actor with The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts and also in independent films. In 2005, Ferreira met Sir Ben Kingsley – the academy award actor and worked with him in her own one- woman show “Illyria.”
You’ve got to be focused, persistent, consistent and willing to sacrifice luxury when you first start a business.
As preparation for their project together, she attended The Royal Academy of Drama in London (RADA) to pursue classical acting. After writing her own play “Illyria”, she began to write her first book, “Take Me with You/ Llévame Contigom,” a bilingual compilation of short stories and poems of love. In June of this year Ferreira completed a Spanish Journalism certificate from UCLA Extension. Soon, after graduating she collaborated with Esmusica TV and worked as a freelance reporter for La Prensa de Los Angeles. Read more to learn about her inspiring story.
Ana: What prepared you to own Alegria Magazine, both in education and prior experience?
Davina: Nowadays, when I look back I feel I have been preparing all lifelong through my natural curiosity and love for the arts since I was a child. The Arts have been always an instrumental part of my life and that is why my career path took me to pursue first a B.A of Fine Arts, Drama from UCI and a Spanish Journalism certificate from UCLA.
Ana: What makes you proud of the work you do?
Davina: Since day #1 when I created ALEGRIA my mission has been the same: to highlight the positive contributions of Latin Americans in the U.S and break stereotypes regarding our community.
What makes me proud to this date is listening to someone who has been uplifted and inspired because of a story we published or the messaging we are putting in the world every day.
Ana: What is your passion? How do you live your “why”?
Davina: My passion is to inspire people through everything I do to fulfill their divine potential and know that no matter their circumstances or family history, they can thrive not only professionally, but also find healing within.
Ana: What are your contributions to your community?
Davina: Contribution for me is linked to intention. I would like to believe that through these 7 years running my company, I have contributed to uplifting our community through positive storytelling.
My intention is being manifested through the work and art I put into their world, which is always guided by love and service.
It is my hope that it serves people to awaken to their own greatness.
Ana: What advice would you give to other professional and entrepreneurial Latinas, whether coming from other countries or already in the US, to grow in their career and professional or business objectives?
Davina: You’ve got to be focused, persistent, consistent and willing to sacrifice luxury when you first start a business. Also, I would say to examine the reason you want your idea or business to excel. Is it ego driven?
Or can I bring an element of service to the community you serve?
Purpose will sustain you through the ups and downs of running a business. A meaningful Purpose is everything.
Ana: Anything else you would like to share with us?
Davina: I just want to thank you for taking the time to reach out to me and feature me in your site. We need to keep uplifting each other and bond through healthy collaboration and not competition.
Cheers to all the Women Making a difference through their daring leadership!
