LADYGUNN teamed up with the leading accessory and backpack brand, Sprayground, to unzip the truth of women in positions of power who are styling our modern society with their self-love and successes. Read below for their stories and download the zine for more!

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?: Jennifer Frommer 

OCCUPATION: SVP Creative Content & Partnerships, Columbia Records/Sony Music SUPERPOWER: connecting people

What does being empowered mean to you? 

Being empowered to me means that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. If I have an idea or want to meet someone or create something, the only thing in my way is me not doing it.

 

What is your definition of women’s rights? 

My definition of women’s rights is that we have a seat at every table right at the beginning of any meeting, decision, opportunity. That we aren’t an afterthought, but instrumental all!

 

What is something in your life that has happened to change your perspective on women’s rights in the world?  

My mom was a professor and author – watching her make a name for herself was very inspiring as she challenged the status quo to produce her art and make sure her voice was heard.

What do you love about yourself? 

I love that I’m a people person and love connecting people – I also love that I’m multi-faceted, a shapeshifter – can do and be many things at once.

Why do you do what you do? 

I love doing what I do because I get to mentor amazing women on my team. I love putting partnerships together with artists and brands and thinking very creatively and out of the box – anything we can dream up, we can make happen.

What is in your life toolkit that you want every woman to have? 

Know to be nice to yourself — don’t give yourself a hard time, be patient. It will all come.

 Leave us with three words that describe what being a woman is like for you right now? :  

Open, Possible, Dynamic.

NAME: Yesenia Valencia OCCUPATION: Actress and Smartfilms, Film Festival Made With Mobile Phones CEO SUPERPOWER: Do the impossible

What does being empowered mean to you?

TO feel thatIi can do everything, To feel that the fight is of the valuable ones and of the defeats also, to feel that if there is discipline and impeccability in everything I do, everything can be done.

What is your definition of women’s rights? 

I believe that they do not exist, or not officially that I know, but I believe that it is fundamental to institutionalize them in the whole world. I believe that women are beginning to win important spaces in the company, but we are yet years old to achieve the rights that have been granted to the men from the beginning of humanity.

That means that it is key to watch for women to have the same opportunities that men have, and we can level the initiators in the policy, entrepreneurship, in the corporate world, etc…

Now, I have had the luck of being born in a society that cares for women but every time I think of the cultures in which a woman is an object, I believe that I still have a lot to do and to achieve in this lifetime.

What is something in your life that has happened to change your perspective on women’s rights in the world? 

To create a film festival made with mobile phones, in which everyone fits, in which we stimulate the good use of technology so that we can tell stories, in which we give voice to those who do not have one, in which exchanges are generated between young people, children, amateurs, disabled, and professionals, and in which this year we want to dress it like women. To stimulate women to break the fear of technology, that there is no impediment to tell their stories.

What do you love about yourself? 

My capacity of entrepreneurship, my honesty, my discipline, and tenacity.

Why do you do what you do? 

Because I want to feel proud of myself because I want to empower a team because I want my ideas and initiatives to be beyond me, and they can be institutionalized and they reach the world.

What is in your life toolkit that you want every woman to have? 

We are “three parts” beings, we are soul, body, and spirit, and I believe that we should feed these three parts at the same level of percentages: 33.3%

What does this mean? that the body is important, it is the house where your feelings and emotions live, it is your first image, it is what you see in the mirror and you should like it, you must accept it, care it and respect it.

The soul is where all the feelings, the good and the bad ones are inhabited, where the wars are between the environment and the love, the raby and the terms to do the good and the evil, and only when you identify the feeling that is attacking you, you can resolve it.

And the spirit, which is the pure part and the one that saves you, to whom you should listen carefully when he speaks.

 Leave us with three words that describe what being a woman is like for you right now? 

 Empowerment, Leadership, Freedom

NAME: Valentina Eusse OCCUPATION: Interior designer, styling , creative director for @spraygroundcolombia SUPERPOWER: CREATIVE CHILD

What does being empowered mean to you?

To believe in my qualities and talents to pursue  Everything I want to achieve.

What is your definition of women’s rights?

We are all equal and should have the same rights and opportunities in any Situation no matter gender or race. 

What do you love about yourself?

I love my ability to solve problems. And how I always have a good attitude when there’s hard times. 

Why do you do what you do?

Because it makes me feel alive, motivates me an everyday day to be better.

What is in your life toolkit that you want everyone woman to have? 

My life toolkit is confidence and kindness, both are the perfect combination that will make you succeed. 

Leave us with three words that describe what being a woman is like for you right now? :

EMPOWERED+STRONG+CONFIDENT

Name: Sharifa Murdock Occupation: CEO of ENVSN Festival & Co-Founder of Liberty Fairs Superpower: To Connect 

What does being empowered mean to you?

Being empowered means being in control of my own destiny and thoughts. It means feeling completely comfortable within my own skin 

What is your definition of women’s rights? 

My definition of women’s rights is having control of my own thoughts and things that I want to do without limitation

What is something in your life that has happened to change your perspective on women’s rights in the world?  

The opportunity to build a business as a partner and not just as a supporting figure opened my eyes to the lack of female leadership within my sector of the industry. Noticing this opportunity I was inspired to think of the needs a young Sharifa was missing in order to get to this present point. The solution was ENVSN. A space to cultivate young aspirational talent in giving them tools and a space to meet their dreams.

What do you love about yourself?

What I love about myself is that I am hardworking and determined. I always know what I want and how to get it! 

 Why do you do what you do?

I do what I do because I love to inspire people to do better 

What is in your life toolkit that you want every woman to have?

In my toolkit is time for meditation and wellness. A mentor and a mentee and a strong relationship with family and friends. 

Leave us with three words that describe what being a woman is like for you right now? 

Motivated, Agile and Determined

NAME: Carol Carmel    OCCUPATION: Real Estate Broker SUPERPOWER:  Invincible

 

What Does Being Empowered mean to you?

To me being empowered means I have the ability to face courage whatever life throws my way. This feeling of strength did not come easy but took many years to develop.

What is your definition of women’s rights?

To me, women’s rights mean as a woman I have the ability to make my own choices, without being afraid or apologetic when it comes to decisions about my life, my career or my body.

What is something in your life that has happened to change your perspective on women‘ s rights in the world?

Sadly in my life, I saw my mother and grandmother remain in an abusive relationship because the stigma against a woman seeking divorce was so great they were embarrassed for anyone to know. Because of that, they suffered and their children suffered. Today women have made great strides in improving their lives and their children’s lives, if need be on their own, without being judged by society. However, throughout the world, there is still much work to be done.

What do you love about yourself? 

I love that in spite of the mistakes I made, I am blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren. I have worked very hard and am respected in my profession and my community.

 

Why do you do what you do?

After my divorce, I became a real estate broker. It was a way to support my family and have a flexible work schedule so I could drive my five children to and from school etc. I have been doing this for over twenty-five years now and I love the opportunity to meet new people, help them find a home they will love to raise their family in and yes, it still gives me the flexibility to spend time with my wonderful family and friends

What is in your life toolkit you want every woman to have?

I want every woman to feel that she is worthy of being treated with respect at all times.

Leave us with three words that describe what being a woman is like for you right now.

Confident Inspiring Thankful

NAME: Stacia Mac OCCUPATION: Talent Manager SUPERPOWER: The ability to successfully adapt to any setting – personally or professionally  

What does being empowered mean to you? 

Being empowered to me means to purposefully strengthen yourself and others; through positive affirmations and actions. 

What is your definition of women’s rights? 

My definition of women’s rights is: society recognizing and supporting women daily, devoid of biased limitations due to sexism. 

What is something in your life that has happened to change your perspective on women’s rights in the world? 

My experience in corporate America changed my perspective on women’s rights. Previously I felt we had made a generous stride towards equality in the workplace. My personal experiences revealed women’s rights weren’t a “resolved matter” so to speak. In that space, to the contrary,  I witnessed the need for further advancements and room for healthy ongoing conversations. I outperformed my male counterparts, despite this fact I had to work harder for promotions, equal pay, and recognition. 

What do you love about yourself? 

I love that I am passionate about. By nature, I never give up on anything or being that I am committed to.  

Why do you do what you do? 

I do what I do because I am good at it. I am a sticks and bricks type of person. I enjoy management. I enjoy successfully turning a thought into reality and sharing it with the world. 

What is in your life toolkit that you want every woman to have? 

My life toolkit I want every woman to have is confidence, strength, unapologetic individuality and wisdom. 

 Leave us with three words that describe what being a woman is like for you right now? :

 Being a woman for me is demanding, interesting and lit!

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?: Manuela Agudelo 

OCCUPATION: Dancer, Choreographer  Model, Restorative Justice Coordinator, Dance educator. SUPERPOWER: Kaleidoscopic movement art 

What does being empowered mean to you?

Being empowered means that I have freedom, agency, and autonomy to BE. 

What is your definition of women’s rights?

I believe in justice more profoundly than “rights”, where all people and government are collectively seeking equity for the glorious variations within womanity. Justice for women comes from the people and a government that looks like US and experiences our struggles. 

What is something in your life that has happened to change your perspective on women’s rights in the world?

The wage gap for Latinx women of color is the largest when comparing to white men. We make between .79 and .83 cents to the dollar. I grew up in a single-parent household to an Afro-Latina mother who had to work 3 jobs to survive. Seeing the gargantuan amount of obstacles she faced to make enough for our family to get by made me realize that we need more action to support women like us. I think of how this narrative is present cross-culturally and cross-nationally, how there is a girl somewhere facing my struggle or worse. None of us are free until all of us are. 

What do you love about yourself?

My ability to inundate sunshine into any space I enter. I love that I love to love.  

I love my effervescence and colorful personality.  I love my strength and my testimony of hard work and resilience. I love my style and my artistic skills. I love my colorful mind my glittery soul and the glorious vessel God gave me. 

Why do you do what you do?

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY!

My goal is to uplift everyone to BE there best for each other for the planet and all living things and for themselves. My work is especially concerned with honoring women of color; telling our stories and giving others the chance to learn from us and our power. My work changes culture. My success is what young children of color look to, I hope they see me and realize that they too can be successful happy and impactful. 

What is in your life toolkit that you want every woman to have?

Faith. For me personally, my relationship with Jesus has empowered me within every area of my life. 

Community is everything without love and support from one another we got nothin! “Love others as well as you love yourself.’” Mark 12:31 

Invest heavily in loving yourself, taking care of your soul and body

Leave us with three words that describe what being a woman is like for you right now? : 

Magical. Scary. Exciting

 

CONNECT WITH SPRAYGROUND

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

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DIRECTOR / SANDFLOWER

STORY / PAULETTE ELY + KOKO NTUEN

PHOTOS / JENNIFER MEDINAA

STYLING / BIANCA ARIELLE BAILEY

MAKEUP / DENEY ADAM

HAIR / NIGELLA

ILLUSTRATIONS / MADDY BROOKES

GRAPHIC DESIGN / AYOBADE ADEBAYO