Building a platform with Sara Mora
By Lucy Ivey, photo by Ashley Thompson
At just 17 years old, Sara Mora became an amazing role model for young girls across the world. Mora was invited to meet the president of Costa Rica. After speaking with the president about immigration reform, Mora realized her story deserved to be heard. We sat down with Sara to hear about her experiences, building a platform and what she hopes for women.
Do you remember what it was like speaking in front of a big group of people for the first time? Yes! I was terrified. I cried the night before and the night after. Sharing my story was terrifying because the question became, “would others care?”. As I began to share it (though, I was shaking and my voice trembled like in movies) I knew it was the right thing to do.
You’ve grown an immense following over the past few years, what has that experience been like for you? Having such a large online community has been a long journey. I didn’t get lucky. I worked really hard every chance people were paying attention to make sure people cared. The internet does the job of bringing people together, but we ultimately choose how to show up. I showed up with my story and I definitely risked a lot sharing and showing up the way I did. Nonetheless, there’s always something new to do keep people engaged.
Why is womens history month important to you? This month is truly a symbolic moment in the year to celebrate leaders that should be acknowledged all year round. What I love about this month though is definitely being able to celebrate a little more than usual the badass voices we have as women. It’s not easy but women make it look easy; to be everything we are for everyone we are something for.
What are you hopeful for for women? I am hopeful for a future where immigrant women break the glass ceiling and redefine who they are.. which lets be honest, it’s already happening. I am hopeful for immigrant women in particular to thrive an glow at all they do. I am hopeful we will continue to break barriers. I am hopeful for an end to violence. I am hopeful for more women to feel limitless and to continue to reach for theirs dreams as goals rather than just far-far-away ideas.
What has been the most important part of your career to you?
The most important part has been reclaiming my story. Working as a storyteller has meant learning my own story. In doing this, it has transformed my approach to everything I do, not just creatively but in personal life as well. In order to step into your power, knowing your story as an ongoing one is everything. Accepting that out stories are ongoing and that we are limitless regardless of where it all started is important.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself continuing to be limitless. Breaking boundaries. Sharing my love for coffee potentially by starting my own coffee shop but also continuing to speak around the world about the power of our stories. I see myself building bridges for storytellers but also continuing to reclaim my story as a young storyteller, entrepreneur and people person. Pushing and leveraging the message that we CAN change the world and that we all have a purpose.
Saras story is incredibly inspiring and is a testament to the importance of storytelling and sharing your experiences. Follow Sara Mora @misssaramora to keep up to date with all that she’s doing!
