After leaving Colombian television, Monica Fonseca focused her career abroad, serving causes such as defending the environment and being an influencer.
She is currently a UN ambassador for the environment, spokeswoman against gender violence and for the fight against breast cancer, and a member of the board of directors of the Natalia Ponce de León Foundation, a young victim of an acid attack. She is married to actor Juan Pablo Raba, with whom she has a son, Joaquín. Together they live in Vancouver, Canada where Raba is shooting the new season of the series, ‘Six’ for the History Channel. Monica spoke via email with EL TIEMPO:
You said that together with your husband you decided to live a gypsy life. What does that mean?
That we go wherever the best work opportunities take us to grow together as a united family. Wherever we go, we build life, find our own spaces, and best of all, meet marvelous people that become family.
What do you like best about traveling?
Getting to know, hear, and see different cultures. Of the people and their stories. Taking in the world, together, enjoying every second.
Is it true that your relationship with Juan Pablo began on Twitter?
We had met before but had only said a quick hello and a few words. We were both doing our own thing. 7 years ago, around this time, I saw one of his tweets and replied to it. After that we saw each other in person and we’ve been together since then. The best is that we haven’t stopped sending each other messages. Its been an important part of our relationship.
Would you say being a mother has changed your life?
In so many ways. Being a mother has allowed me to get to know myself better, to react differently to life’s challenges, to enjoy the small and simple things.
How is life in Vancouver?
Very calm. I always think that life in this city is what our kids should have in Colombia again. I know the comparison is harsh but here I found respect for the environment, kids, the elderly, diversity in every sense. It’s a city where you breathe in fresh air. The mountains, the trees, and the ocean are insane. It’s beautiful.
Do you have any projects in Colombia?
We have been dedicated with Juan Pablo mainly on building his career, taking the complex step that is being considered an actor that, regardless of his origin, can play any character. Acting in a second or third language, without your origin being a limitation, is an arduous but gratifying task.
What about you?
I’m involved in technology with several start ups. When the opportunity arises, I co-direct or advise audiovisual projects. I study life coaching and practice pilates and yoga. Social media and branding are an important part of what I do. But my most brilliant career move has been transitioning from being someone who dedicated many hours to work to being a wife and mother who enjoys being present in her family’s life. My priority is my family life.
You are very active in social media. What do you think of those tools?
They are a marvelous, live organism. Just like any tool, when used properly, they are an ally- but, when used badly they can be the worst poison. There’s an important responsibility that exists when you help the young ones on this avenue that millions of humans and bots travel on.
How do you keep your life private with so much exposure on social media?
Precisely being less exposed on social media. Having a filter, discipline, and taking a deep breath before getting involved in fights or arguments that are not worthwhile. Also, always doing it with respect for each other’s humanity. Many times you learn from experience. But on social media, we are just now understanding, through trial and error, what goes best with each one of our personalities. There is an identity that is built on our social media accounts and is directly related to who we truly are outside of them.
You work for the environment. Are there any new projects in that field?
We just launched EmobiColombia. We have what is called carsharing, which is totally electronic, running in Bogota. Changing the face of mobility and contributing to solutions that don’t pollute. We are also working on recycling and garbage projects.
You promote healthy lifestyle. What advice would you give your followers?
Easy advice: drink water every day. Exercise, not to look good but to be happy, stress-free and to grow older with optimal health. Feel good thanks to your actions towards yourself- it sounds redundant but it’s that simple. From there, your surroundings benefit as well (partner, family, friends).
Part of your job for global empowerment is supporting foundations...
The girls and babies of the Juanfe Foundation (Juan Felipe Gomez Escobar Foundation), Natalia Ponce de Leon and every case in which a woman, a child or any human being has been aggravated or affected by another should be everyone's business. Catalina Escobar, director of the Juanfe foundation si one of the most important ambassadors for this cause worldwide. She is our teacher. Natalia Ponce is strength, forgiveness, and power to transform. I am port of her board of directors and through her message we transform and help many.
The women, both anonymous and outspoken, that have been able to not only achieve but change the frightening realities which they have been faced with, are the best example of the possibility to rise above everything. It is us, as soldiers, that accompany our leaders so that this pandemia of violence against women does not perpetuate itself and so our community changes definitively towards equality, respect, and togetherness.
You are very involved in marketing and are a brand ambassador. Is your son also a brand?
No. Joaquin Raba is a child. A very happy one. For now, his name is not a brand. He is attractive to brands perhaps because he is the son of two people that work in media. He enjoys doing activities as an influencer because it is a fun environment but he is always accompanied by us as it should be. Further along, if he likes it and finds it interesting, he will make his own choices in respect to this.
Written by ORLANDO RESTREPO
Editor - EL TIEMPO
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Editor - EL TIEMPO
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