An Exclusive Interview with Keni— A Global Role Model for Women—Her Journey in Her Own Words
At the age of just 14, Keni embarked on her journey in the modeling industry, which eventually led her into the realms of fashion, real estate, and philanthropy. Today, she is dedicated to empowering women, particularly those facing life transitions such as divorce, all while managing a dynamic career and a commitment to giving back.
Keni, can you tell us more about your journey from modeling to philanthropy and real estate?
I started modeling when I was 14, I lived in Milan for a little bit before I came to CA at 19, and signed with Elite Models LA. Then, I decided I wanted to become a fashion designer and attended FIDM, where I graduated in 2008. That same year, I gave birth during the world economic crash and I realized it was the worst time to start a new business and my family was my priority.
But I still wanted to do something for myself and to be financially independent, so I decided to get a real estate license. We invested a lot in real estate and I was able to be in control of my schedule, so I could still be a full-time mother.
Philanthropy has always been a part of my life, from volunteering for different organizations and dedicating time and money, I have always done it in different capacities. But, a year ago, I decided I wanted to be more involved and was seeking a charity that spoke to my heart.
This is when my friend, Thomas Pierce, invited me to come to the first Aspen Snow Ball Gala to raise funds for kids’ cancer research. I absolutely loved everything I learned about the organization, where the funds went, and how passionate Thomas is about his work. Later he invited me to be on the board and I gladly accepted it.
What inspired you to use your platform to empower women, particularly those going through divorce?
I think women in general get judged for saying they are divorced. I think people feel very sorry for me, almost as if I lost something in my life, But to me, divorce is a rebirth. It’s a new beginning.
You can start your life all over again, but yes it still is hard. Yes, there is plenty of fear, but I want to encourage women to support each other and lift one another up. Especially, when you are going through a divorce there is so much unknown and fear of being judged and misunderstood.
When I was going through my own divorce, I learned so much. From the legal side, successful communication, to decision-making without emotions, and so on. I wanted to share it with other women because I just wished somebody would tell me all that stuff and be there for me.
In the process of writing my book, I became a certified divorce coach. When I talk to women who are going through divorce, sometimes they don’t even know where to start or what to concentrate on. Many are not financially prepared for it either, and some don’t have a personal checking account. I want to be there for those women and help them through every step of the process.
Could you share some insights into the process of writing your upcoming book about your divorce experience?
I started journaling during my divorce. It became my outlet for all my emotions, thoughts, fears, things I learned, great advice that my attorney would give me, or simply goals for the future
I always loved writing and once my divorce was over, I realized that I could help so many women just by sharing my knowledge.
I felt like I truly became an expert in it. Later, I decided to get even more educated on the subject and I became a certified divorce coach.
How do you balance your various roles and commitments, including modeling, television, real estate, and philanthropy?
I am a very good multitasker and an excellent organizer. I plan my weeks in the mornings, and I make lists of things I need to do and sometimes when a lot of things are going on, I plan my day by the hour to be able to complete everything.
I share my kids with their dad, so the days I don’t have them are my busiest days. Recently, I realized I have to start prioritizing and learning to say no to some events or things.
It can get really overwhelming and we all need time off to relax for self-love and to have balance in our lives.
What advice do you have for women navigating high-profile divorces or major life transitions?
I always say there is a rainbow after every storm. And it’s true no matter how hard it might be it will pass. All changes are scary and it’s normal. Never make a decision out of fear or emotions.
Give 24 hours to yourself to think about it. Be very involved and be prepared for your journey – both emotionally and financially. The attorneys are there with you and will be your advocates in your corner.
Communication is the key to a fast and successful divorce. Concentrate on the future, not the past. It can get very dark before you will see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I promise you will see it.
Could you discuss the importance of philanthropy in your life and the organizations you support?
I always had a passion for helping people or organizations in any capacity I was capable of. I remember in my 20s when I was modeling “Make a Wish Foundation” and asked me to coach a girl who had cancer, to be a model for a day and assist her during a
photoshoot.
Seeing how happy this young girl was made me realize, not only how fortunate I am, but how I can make a difference in people’s lives even with small things like teaching what I know. I am on the board of COSF, and I also support the baby2baby organization, Amfar, and local charities like schools, churches, and women’s shelters.
How has your personal experience shaped your approach to philanthropy and giving back to the community?
In March 2023 my daughter, who was at the time 14, was diagnosed with an adrenal tumor the size of a small cantaloupe. Her doctor thought due to size, that it was going to be stage two cancer.
We only had a 10% chance for it to be benign and we were lucky for it to be a miracle and not cancer. While she was at the hospital waiting for her surgery, she wrote a song that’s on all platforms now: “ Fights Not Over Yet.” She put her pain into her music, which helped her throughout the whole process.
She had to learn how to eat and walk all over again, but we were blessed that we had resources and opportunities to help her in any way possible to help her recover and heal not only physically, but emotionally.
Unfortunately, a lot of kids don’t have the same support. This is where organizations like COSF come in and create grants to hospitals for alternative care. Last year COSF made a pledge of $550,000 to fund the Music Therapy program, Artist in Residence program, and Child Life programming for a full year to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
Looking back at my life, I learned that everything happens for a reason. Even when something doesn’t go the way I wanted it to, it’s because something better was prepared for me or simply because it was not the best time for it.
I don’t look at challenges as a negative thing, I look at them as a stepping stone and encouragement to what I need to do next. Honestly, I work really well under pressure, every challenge makes me brainstorm even more and in the end, I get better results or start something completely new.
What motivates you to continue making a difference in the lives of others through your work and philanthropic efforts?
I am motivated by seeing how much of a difference it is making in their lives. Sometimes, it is a DM from a stranger with gratitude or a message from a friend with a thank you for being there for them.
Or the impact you know that will have when you donate to organizations that help on a bigger scale. I remember one time I was in New York, and a girl started talking to me, in a 20-minute conversation, she revealed to me that she was going through a breakup, which felt like a divorce to her.
She didn’t have anyone who went through a similar experience and felt ashamed to tell her friends her emotions, so I was happy I got to be there for her. It actually happens a lot more than you’d think. It’s much easier to talk to a stranger, knowing you will never see them again, leaving judgment at the door.
I just started talking to her, giving my perspective on life, and how she should concentrate on the future. In the end, she was so grateful and I could see that something in her eyes even changed.
Instead of being stuck in the past, she had this desire to move forward and continue living a full life. Seeing all that makes me extremely happy and makes me want to continue doing what I do.
Can you share some memorable moments or experiences from your involvement with organizations such as Children’s Oncology Support Fund and Red SongBird Foundation?
Organizations such as Children’s Oncology Support Fund and Baby2baby? There are a lot of memories I have with COSF. Since I am on the board, I get to see how the vision and ideas turn into reality and be a part of creating beautiful and successful fundraisers.
It’s amazing to see along the way and celebrate small milestones, like getting a big sponsor on board or selling out all tickets. It’s a beautiful thing to see how people on the board get so passionate and enthusiastic and become a family.
But I also love hands-on involvement. I love organizations like baby2baby when you get to physically go to their warehouse and help pack diapers and clothing that you know the kids will be getting. It’s extra special to me.
What do you hope readers will take away from your upcoming bookon navigating divorce successfully?
My upcoming book “Divorce As An Opportunity” is about explaining what divorce is and what comes with it, tips on how to handle it, and giving a different perspective that even though it is the end of your marriage, it’s the new beginning for your life and you need to start preparing for it during your divorce.
As a role model for many women, what message would you like to convey about resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity?
Allow yourself to make mistakes, life is a learning process. Don’t be afraid to try over and over until you succeed, don’t think what others would say. Reward yourself for accomplishments, even small ones, it builds extra confidence. And try to enjoy everything you are doing and be present in the moment.
“At Global Women Magazine, we believe in the power of resilience, the strength to rise after every fall, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. Keni’s journey reminds us that no challenge is too great, and through each hardship, we can find the opportunity to empower ourselves and others. Every story of struggle is a story of growth—empower yourself, and the world will follow”
