Brazilian actress Suzana Pires had to think outside the box when it came to raising money for her women’s empowerment nonprofit, Dona de Si. In Brazil, traditional fundraising methods are not as accessible as in America, so Pires had to get creative. She looked at her closet and decided to sell her entire collection of designer Chanel handbags. Pires sold 12 of her prized bags until she raised enough money to start Dona de Si. With her nonprofit established, Pires’s first step was to assemble a team of women to bring her vision to life.
Prior to her work in the nonprofit sector, Pires enjoyed a successful career as one of Brazil’s most accomplished actresses. She has appeared in films like “Loucas pra Casar” (“Crazy to Get Married”) and “Elite Squad,” as well as leading roles in TV shows such as “Destiny River.” She is currently set to star in the Brazilian Disney+ series “Aruna’s Magic.”
Pires has now added another accomplishment to her resume by becoming a published author with the release of her book, “Unleashed.” This book serves as a guide for women around the world, encouraging them to tap into their inner power and take control of their destinies. Pires wants to inspire others to unleash their own power and make a positive impact on the world. The book’s foreword, written by actress Sharon Stone, touches on how the pandemic has forced people, especially women, to reflect on the legacy they want to leave behind.
Pires made history in Brazil when she became the first actress to also serve as a showrunner at TV Globo, one of Brazil’s largest TV networks. She achieved this milestone at the age of 40 and realized that she was one of the few women in such a position of power. Being a woman in a powerful position comes with constant testing and challenges, and Pires felt the pressure. She then went on to work as a contributing writer and columnist for popular publications such as Marie Claire Brazil, Vogue Brazil, and Forbes Brazil, using her platform to empower more women in the industry. Her readers reached out to her, expressing their exhaustion and longing for more fulfillment in their lives. This inspired Pires to expand Dona de Si beyond just a brand and tackle the underlying issues women face.
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As Dona de Si continues to grow, Pires saw the need to supplement her nonprofit work with a book that encompasses her mission. In “Unleashed,” Pires addresses three major issues faced by Brazilian women: work overload, oppression from a patriarchal society, and deep feelings of loneliness. She believes that women are constantly working for others and forget to prioritize themselves as individuals. Additionally, women face subtle and overt forms of oppression in society, leading to a sense of isolation. Pires aims to combat these societal challenges and empower women to become leaders in all sectors of the Brazilian economy.
Inspired by her own mother, who pursued a college degree at the age of 43, Pires is determined to challenge patriarchal norms and break boundaries. She firmly believes that age should not limit a person’s success or opportunities. Pires hopes to inspire women around the world to be honest with themselves and embark on a journey of self-discovery, knowing that they will face both challenges and beautiful moments along the way.
“Unleashed” is available for purchase at various retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and select bookstores. Through her book and nonprofit work, Suzana Pires is making a difference in the lives of Brazilian women and beyond, encouraging them to embrace their power and take control of their destinies.
