Joan Smalls honored by Estée Lauder in Miami

It was my distinct pleasure to attend a special luncheon to honor Estée Lauder’s first Hispanic Global Spokesmodel, Joan Smalls on Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 in Miami Beach, Florida. As a fellow Latina, I am truly honored to have had women like Ms. Smalls and Hollywood actress Zoe Saldana surrounding me recently since they serve as inspiration and a sign that times–they are a changin’!

When news broke in December that the 5’10″ beauty would be joining the Estée Lauder family, she was in Milan for Fashion Week. Like a little girl, she said she begun jumping on the bed with excitement!

This anecdote reveals a lot about Joan’s bubbly and jovial personality. She has this hearty laugh that is infectious and you can’t help but smile when in her presence.

I can’t think of any one better to represent not just the Hispanic community but women in general. She serves as a great example with her humble and hard-working mentality, of someone who is a positive role model for young women to look up to today.

Joan has overcome adversity (can you believe she was bullied in school!), and has moved on to achieve amazing things! Pushing barriers is an extremely hard job but she is ready for the challenge.

Dressed in a golden Givency dress and Christian Louboutin heels, the Puerto Rican born stunner took the time to speak to each one of us after lunch. Ladies and gents, this is one girl you need to keep your eye on, both on and off the runway.