{"id":8004,"date":"2022-02-14T17:35:18","date_gmt":"2022-02-14T17:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edw.involverolemodels.org\/?page_id=8004"},"modified":"2022-04-26T16:15:53","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T15:15:53","slug":"mayra-souza","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/edw.involverolemodels.org\/mayra-souza\/","title":{"rendered":"Mayra Souza"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”7856″ background_image_position=”center top” enable_bg_scale=”true” background_image_loading=”default” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height_tablet=”400″ custom_height_phone=”350″][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-md-8″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” css=”.vc_custom_1646308793741{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”5\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

Mayra Souza<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_animated_title heading_tag=”h6″ style=”color-strip-reveal” color=”Accent-Color” text=”Belgium”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1650364529311{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]\n

Global Trade Leader & D&I Champion<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1650444963469{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Mayra is an inspiring advocate for inclusion and <\/span>has been part of numerous gender diversity initiatives <\/span>throughout her career<\/span>.<\/span> She is an inspiring advocate for change and as a Global Trade Leader has worked across the industry to improve DEI, foster positive change across the workplace and uses her platform to elevate others.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]Growing up in the Brazilian countryside, Mayra Souza knew she wanted to make an impact that reached beyond the borders of her town. It was the story of Pedro, a Brazilian diplomat who was from the same town as Mayra, that inspired her to pursue a career that would cross countries and continents, with the ambition of making the world a better place.<\/p>\n

Starting her dream career was not as easy as visualizing it, though. Mayra\u2019s closest university didn\u2019t offer an International Relations course, meaning a move to Rio de Janeiro \u2013 Brazil\u2019s second-largest city and home to more than 6 million people \u2013 was needed. At the time, it was one of the most expensive cities in the world.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#0a0a0a” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-10-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

“Don\u2019t ever doubt yourself.”<\/strong><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”4%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]To save on costs Mayra stayed with her extended family, but that meant a two-hour commute to her campus, and two hours back after a long day studying. Later on in her course she was able to get a job at the university, allowing her to move further into the city \u2013 and to set her alarm clock a little later than 5:00am.<\/p>\n

\u201cI put a lot of time and effort into chasing my studies,\u201d Mayra explained. \u201cI was spending four hours on a bus each day, and sometimes you wouldn\u2019t even get a seat!<\/p>\n

\u201cBut from a young age, I always allowed myself to dream. I followed that dream because I was driven forward by my curiosity and desire to keep learning, but also by the prospect of uncovering a potential that I never really thought I had.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have always found motivation to keep investing in myself, in my development as a person and as a professional. I keep focussed on what I can achieve, and I always seek out feedback to help me improve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mayra\u2019s investment in herself proved to be worthwhile when she had the opportunity to leave Brazil and take her career to the international stage. While it was a chance that she grabbed with both hands, it wasn\u2019t without its risks.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”40px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”8278″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]By working alongside her studies and taking a job with Michelin after graduating, Mayra had been able to buy her first apartment in the city and had already begun building her future when the opportunity to move to the UK came up. It wasn\u2019t for work, however, but to continue her studies at the prestigious University of Birmingham. Her love of learning didn\u2019t fade upon graduating with a Master\u2019s Degree in International Business though \u2013 additional qualifications from the London School of Economics, University of London and Harvard University would follow.<\/p>\n

Now living and working in Brussels, Mayra is surrounded by people whose stories share similarities to hers but who have come from all walks of life. The Belgian capital is a cultural melting pot, with people from an estimated 180 nationalities speaking more than 100 different languages in the city.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#0a0a0a” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-10-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

“I didn\u2019t know what a good leader was until my team told me I was one. That\u2019s why we need to celebrate role models.”<\/strong><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”4%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\u201cI\u2019m a true believer in cross-cultural effectiveness,\u201d Mayra said when asked about the importance of being surrounded by diversity. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine my life today working for an organisation that didn\u2019t embrace that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have had the opportunity to work internationally, travelling to more than 25 different countries with my job, and that has taught me a lot. When you go from country to country, you learn so much about the culture, the workplace, the people\u2026 and when you are respectful of that, you begin to understand how other people work.”<\/p>\n

As a Brazilian woman living in Brussels, who has studied in the UK and whose family heritage encompasses Portugal, Italy, Black and Indigenous Brazilian cultures, Mayra is acutely aware of the power of diversity. \u201cI have become more self-aware, and I\u2019ve learned more about my differentiators. Being a Latin American from Brazil, with a mixed-race background, that is a source of authenticity. It is my power.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”40px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]It\u2019s been a long time since a young Mayra first heard the story of a diplomat named Pedro, but when she looks back, she understands that many of those dreams have been realised. In a role where she facilitates international trade, Mayra has been able to work in new geographies, travel the world and enjoy new cultures \u2013 South-East Asia is her favourite \u2013 and she continues to and develop herself and learn.<\/p>\n

Mayra has done all this despite, in her words, not having a role model to look up to. She explains that while a number of people have helped and inspired her when the road got bumpy, or were there when she needed advice, there wasn\u2019t a figure she felt she could look up to.<\/p>\n

Not wanting the next generation of business leaders to experience the same thing, Mayra has committed herself to fulfilling that role and giving young women, whether they are from a small countryside town in Brazil or anywhere else in the world, someone to be inspired by.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”8279″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#0a0a0a” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-10-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

“I don\u2019t want to be just a role model \u2013 I want to be part of the solution.”<\/strong><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”4%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\u201cI think I was just very courageous. I wish I\u2019d had a role model, someone to champion me, because I think my road would\u2019ve had fewer bumps in it along the way, but I didn\u2019t. I didn\u2019t know what a good leader was until my team told me I was one. That\u2019s why we need to celebrate role models.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, while I\u2019m so grateful to be part of this initiative, I don\u2019t want to be just a role model \u2013 I want to be part of the solution. It\u2019s my civic responsibility to advance the cause and contribute to a more progressive, accepting society. I\u2019ve been part of so many Boys\u2019 Club meetings where I\u2019ve been the only woman, and this isn\u2019t just my reality but the reality of so many other women.<\/p>\n

\u201cNetworks are powerful and if women and their allies act together, we can shape a more equal future. Otherwise, the younger generations will continue being unable to see what they can be.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”40px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#efefef” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]There is more road laid out ahead of us yet, but the work Mayra is doing, alongside that of our other Role Models, is helping to make it a less treacherous one than she set out on at the outset of her career. It has taken a lot for Mayra to get to this point, and while she chuckles when she said she didn\u2019t quite become a diplomat like Pedro, the message she left to her 18-year-old self was a straight-talking, serious instruction.<\/p>\n

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“I was driven forward by my curiosity and desire to keep learning, but also by the prospect of uncovering a potential that I never really thought I had.”<\/strong><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”1%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” url=”https:\/\/edw.involverolemodels.org\/” text=”RETURN TO PROFILES”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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