Janeisy, Founder
What moment has defined your journey the most? It could be a win, a loss, a wake up call, something you think of often and realize how different your journey would be if not for that moment.
My humble beginning defines my every being. A girl from Allapattah Miami with big dreams. Dreams that my mother did everything in her power to help me achieve . When I think about the long hours she worked , the hours spent in traffic driving to rehearsals, the money spent on dance classes , modeling classes, acting , costumes make up etc. The way she let nothing stand in the way of my dreams no matter the distance. We traveled all over the state of Florida so that I could do what I loved. She submitted countless scholarship applications , sent me to the most amazing magnet schools from 5th grade to 12 grade . Living in Allapattah and attending a magnet school like Coral Reef ! That’s God’s plan! My entire upbringing has propelled me to be where I am, every move, every step . I often reflect on the fact that if I wouldn’t have had that unconditional support to follow my passion I wouldn’t be where I am today . It instilled a mentality in me of anything is possible , any dream, any goal. I don’t necessarily have a defining moment I just think about my childhood in general. I reflect on how lucky I was to be a girl from Allapattah with the world at arms length , right there as long as I keep going, as long as I keep reaching.
What drives you?
Love ! It sounds so corny even saying that . But when you realize love is the driving force of the Universe everything else makes sense, everything else falls into place. It’s the one universal law we can all agree on. I love to see people laughing , smiling , dancing, enjoying life . If I can contribute to that in any way, I whole heartedly want to, that’s what motivates me.
How are you paving the way for people in your community to succeed? Or opening doors that were once closed?
The Aracena Foundation is my families way and my way of giving back to community that laid the foundation for us. I am the president of the foundation bases in Allapattah. Allapattah is where I dreamt my dreams , this neighborhood bred me, gave my grandparents paternal and maternal the opportunity to build a legacy . The Aracena Foundation’s goal is to improve the lives of the residents of the Allapattah community . We partner with Farmshare inc to feed over 500 households , we host events with the Miami Police Department for the seniors of the community to raise awareness regarding elder abuse . We also host celebratory lunches and dinners for the seniors of our community where they participate in dance contest , modeling contest and enjoy live performances. We host events for families as well Halloween at the park, a safe alternative to door to door trick or treating. We’ve recently partnered up with another non profit organization Motivational Edge that’s dedicated to empowering the youth through all art forms. We host monthly free family fun Sunday’s , with music , food, performances, educational components and more. More recently I also joined their team as the dance teacher for the students.
Most meaningful project to date?
Mochilas sin fronteras. Every summer we select a different rural town in Dominican Republic where we donate hundreds of book bags filled with school supplies for under privileged children . It’s another way my foundation pays homage to our predecessors, and to a country that’s part of our origin . Its deeply humbling yet fulfilling to see the kid’s eyes light up for books and pencils, things that we take for granted. Some of those children have no shoes on their feet but are jumping with joy to have a book bag filled with opportunity with no limit. It fills my heart with joy to bear witness to that gratitude.
Advice or a mantra you would like to pass on?
Mantra is a quote I believe from LeBron James that’s says the best of the best is what I’m trying to be, a legacy is what I’m trying to leave . I first heard this in middle school and it has resonated with me ever since. It doesn’t only mean I want leave a legacy for my kids or for future generations. Or that I want to be the best to ever do it . It also means that I want to leave a legacy in peoples lives, an imprint that will encourage to leave that same positive imprint in another’s life.
