Some people are gifted with many talents, and they use these talents not only for professional achievements, but also to do good. Désirée Ávila, our very own Living in Oakland Park editor is one of those people.
Not only is she widely recognized in community as a successful REALTOR® and editor, but she also has a hidden passion for photography. Despite her busy schedule, Désirée finds time to indulge in her hobby, capturing beautiful moments around her through the lens of her camera. While many are aware of her impressive professional achievements, few know of her artistic side.
Oakland Park residents had the chance to get a first glimpse and explore Désirée’s artistic side at the Business Women of Oakland Park Photo Exhibition. The opening day was March 19, at the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce at 3472 NE 5 Ave Unit 8 Oakland Park, FL 33334. Her photos of local businesswomen in action will be on exhibition there throughout the month of April.
Featuring Plural Entrepreneur Women
The concept for this exhibit was to honor Women during Women’s Month and showcase the diversity in Oakland Park. “I wanted to show the diversity of women in our community, as well as the diversity of things they do. There are people from everywhere and I wanted to express that in the photos”, says Désirée. And if you didn’t know, Désirée herself is of Brazilian descent.
The photos evoked the uniqueness of each subject and the talents they bring to Oakland Park. But while the exhibit showcased the contributions of women to the economic life of the city, it also showcased women who are in the business of charity.
Multifunctional Women Find Time for Charity Too
It would be impossible to tell the life story of each of these women in a few photos (spoiler alert: we tell their stories here at Living in Oakland Park), but we can say that they all have one thing in common: they are multitalented. These women run businesses, take care of their family, and enjoy having a social life. They juggle these activities every day and even find time to do good works. So it is no surprise that within the exhibition there was a special space for one Kiwanis Ronnie’s Stars program.
The Ronnie’s Star program is one among many of the Oakland Park Kiwanis. What sets this program apart is that it’s formed by a group of women who crochet and sew hand-made items, such as blankets and pillows. These items are then distributed to those who may need them in hospitals, shelters and other organizations that support vulnerable communities.
The money raised at the exhibit was donated, besides to Oakland Park Kiwanis, to Three Little Flowers Center, non-profit organization that helps Sant Twa Ti Flè community in Haiti.
Experience for the Years to Come
Experienced with dealing with people with ease, thanks to her occupations as a REALTOR® and as editor of Oakland Park’s online magazine, Désirée found herself nervous playing the role of artist. “I’m used to coming to events to participate. This first experience as a hostess was a great learning experience”, she says.
“It was a great opportunity to gather experience, I don’t know when I will do one again, real estate keeps me pretty busy”, she relates, “but I know that there is so much to photograph in Oakland Park, another one is definitely coming in the future, ideally it will also include other artists too”.
By shining a light on the diverse contributions, the struggles and successes of women, “we hope others will be inspired to embrace and celebrate the richness of diversity in our community”, Désirée completes.
