Concordia University graduate Joyce Fuerza is the host of her own self-titled talk show in Canada. The media mogul and owner of Joyce Fuerza Productions uses her know-how as an entrepreneur to motivate viewers in Canada to pursue their dreams. The motivational aspect of her show has earned the Haitian-Canadian comparisons to the States-side mogul-of-all-moguls Oprah Winfrey.
Kreyolicious: You went to Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. If you had to do things over, would you have skipped college and just gone right into a position in broadcasting?
Education has always been a top priority for me and one of our key values growing up in my family. Going to university has been an incredible experience and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Aside from the knowledge I got, I was able to make amazing connections. I got exposed to a rich cultural and social environment. University definitely allowed me to mature and be more equipped to tackle everything I’m doing today. However, you should never limit your education with only what you can learn in school. You have to constantly be networking, volunteering or do internships with established organizations so you can learn more about the industry you are interested in…And keep learning all your life through books, seminars, workshops, conferences and more.
What would you like to say to somebody out there whose going to be reading this interview…who’s tried everything with their personal and professional lives, and nothing seems to work. What would you say to encourage that individual?
Success is not something that happens overnight. You have to constantly take tons of action with the right attitude and surround yourself with positive and likeminded people who will lift you higher and contribute to your success. In today’s world where technology is constantly changing, where there are so much networking opportunities, there is no such thing as, “I’ve tried everything.” Learn as much as possible about yourself, about what you want to accomplish, about what you like or are passionate about. Even though it is not always easy to determine at first what is it you are really meant to do, you need to get involved and engage in activities that are of interest to you and by engaging you will certainly discover your true potentials and have a clearer sense of what direction to aim towards. A lot of doors will close for you on the road to success, and that is exactly when you should get even more fired up to knock at other doors and go after your goals. As Oprah likes to say it: Failure is the Universe trying to shift you into another direction. So wake up, dust yourself up, and try again—or try something new.
Kreyolicious: Are you involved with any philanthropic causes?
Every year, I volunteer with different organization. I’m involved in causes such as feeding the homeless. I am also involved at the Fabienne Colas Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education in the arts as well as to promoting cinema, art and culture in Canada and abroad. At the Foundation, we leverage the power of the arts in order to break isolation and foster social change. One of the most amazing festivals we also do is the Québec Film Festival in Haiti which is completely free for everyone. This allows exchange and cultural sharing between Québec and Haiti.
Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture? Do you go to Haiti often?
I am very involved in the Haitian community and support as much Haitian initiatives as I can. I am also part of the organizing team of the festival Haiti en Folie in Montreal every summer. It was created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and it definitely gives me a sense of pride in supporting Haiti and having others discover my country’s culture. The festival offers the very best of Haitian culture by showcasing over a hundred artists. It attracts thousands of people each year. Because of all my current projects, I don’t get to go to Haiti as often as I would like to, but I definitely stay connected to my roots.
Above: Joyce interviewing a guest on her talk show.
Kreyolicious: Are your parents proud of you? How have they shown that?
I am very blessed to have parents and siblings who have always been the first people to praise me and encourage me to reach all my milestones in life. I am very fortunate and grateful to have their support in everything I do. But don’t get me wrong…they are also my toughest critics. You also need to have constructive criticism in order to get better.
As a media professional and entrepreneur, you constantly have to get hip to the latest technology and developments. In order to grow, you have to be on this perpetual road of applying new things. What should we expect from you next?
I am currently working on many projects having to do with Fashion, TV, including being a jury member for a beauty contest happening in Canada this fall, and other projects from my production company Joyce Fuerza Productions, Inc., I also have many speaking engagements, I get invited to be on several panels, and to host different events. I am also focusing on my career as an actress. I can’t reveal too much for now, but make sure to stay connected by following me on social media and by signing up for my free newsletters where I give lots of tips on my website at joycefuerza.com.
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