Dec 5, 2023
Diana's life story is a testament to her unwavering resilience and determination. Born and raised in Chicago, she weathered a rocky childhood that included spells in foster care, living with family out of state, and even residing in homeless shelters with her mother and sisters. An astounding 11 different grammar schools marked her educational journey by the age of 10.
Around the age of 11, her family secured subsidized housing, providing more stability, though the home environment remained challenging. Diana cherished the moments of play with her sisters and friends in the neighborhood.
At a mere 17 years old, Diana became a single mother. Despite the odds stacked against her, she pursued her dreams and graduated from high school, becoming the first in her family to achieve this milestone.
Upon turning 18, Diana ventured out on her own, shouldering the responsibilities of work, rent, and continued education. She also embarked on a modeling career, primarily engaged in promotional work for brands like Nerf, Jose Cuervo, and AT&T. Collaborations with photographers added depth to her modeling journey.
As the years passed, she transitioned into nursing, embraced marriage, and celebrated the birth of her daughter. Yet, her personal struggles with depression and anxiety ignited a passion for mental health advocacy, which she channeled through her modeling platform. Diana's Instagram, known as "@the.model.nurse," transcended the realm of aesthetics, focusing on spreading joy and inspiration through her heartfelt captions.
In late 2022, Diana undertook the challenging process of divorce, prioritizing her mental well-being. She made the courageous decision to start anew, relinquishing everything she had worked for. In her lowest moments, Diana confronted a pivotal choice: to be a victim of circumstances or a survivor. Resolutely, she chose the path of the survivor.
This transformation led to the creation of "intend and inspire," her mental health platform, aimed at motivating others to heal from their traumas and lead intentional, peaceful lives. The platform is a valuable resource of mental health content with exciting developments in the works.
Recently, Diana rekindled her modeling career, securing gigs with brands like 'Optimum Nutrition' and 'Think! Nutrition Bars.' She's also been sought after for photography events as a model. With a bright future ahead, Diana is eager to continue this journey.
Diana's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for all, a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of one's true self. The future holds much promise, and we eagerly anticipate what it has in store for her.
Join us in this insightful conversation about mental health advocacy, resilience, and the journey towards creating awareness and support for mental wellness. Diana is an dvocate for mental health and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. She combines her health background as a nurse practiotioner, model, and mental health advocacy to promote modeling mental health events. Chicago join her upcoming next event on 12/9/23 to discuss. Follow Diana at : Diana (@the.model.nurse)
- Battling Imposter Syndrome
- Overcoming Creative Blocks
- Comparing your journey to others
- How to break free from self-limiting thoughts.