Emily, thank you so much for your kind words and congratulations for the release of your new book, My Body, congratulations. It's really amazing. What an honor to be on this stage
with all of you tonight.My love affair with fashion and media started in the coastal city of Barranquilla, Colombia in my mother's closet. Her closet was her sacred space. It only belonged to her, and she wouldn’t let us inside very often. My mother was a size 16 in a world of a size 4. But, every time she emerged from that closet, it was a bold declaration that fashion belonged to her too. That was a big lesson for me. She taught me that fashion can be transformative.
Throughout my career, the connection to my roots has been very powerful and a source of my strength. Looking back, I see myself as a ten-year-old in my hometown, scissors in hand, cutting up and creating my very own fashion magazines as my mother looked on. I was so lucky to know back then that this was my passion, and I never thought in my wildest dreams, that the little girl from Barranquilla would be on this stage, accepting this award.
As I started out in this industry, I was one of the very few Latinas. Today, I am one of the editors-in-chief, and I am proud to see so many faces like mine in this room today. To see more diverse voices reflected in fashion media. And to see more talented individuals being given the space to tell their stories.
My mission is so clear. Now, more than ever, it is important to use our platform to tell stories that uplift other women and to have conversations that might not be so comfortable. We must be bold; we must be courageous; and we certainly must herald in a new age of fashion, one that is transparent, responsible, and representative.
I want to thank the CFDA, Tom Ford, Steven Kolb, my family, my wonderful husband, Hearst which has given me this incredible platform, and certainly my incredible team at ELLE. I would not be here today without each and every one of you in this room. This recognition travels straight to my heart. I am so honored. Thank you so much.