Barbara, it’s been quite a long time I wanted to have a little chat so that we can let our audience know more about you. Finally, a long wait ends today! I got lucky to have got your time for this interview.
PLEASE, BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, WHO IS BARBARA SANCHEZ IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I migrated to the United States when I was 15 years old. I did not speak Engish at all; however, I set a goal to learn quickly, and I learned how to speak English within six months of my arrival. I would describe myself as a very caring, compassionate individual. I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit inside of me since I was 5 years old. I am the type of person that takes no for an answer. I am also passionate about advocating against injustice such as domestic violence and civil rights. I have always felt like I did not belong in places or around people I knew at an early age. I somehow knew I was destined for greatness. It is now that I understand what my purpose is in life, and there is nothing more gratifying than that.
WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
This is such an important and valuable question for me. My take in domestic violence is that is a vicious and dangerous cycle. It is definitely a cycle that leaves you with scars and permanent damage for the rest of your life. This is why I advocate for this cause, and I feel it is vital for young women to obtain professional help in order for them to break this pattern. Although this violent and aggressive behavior could leave you with lots of traumas; It is crucial to fully comprehend that it DOES NOT define you as a person. I am a survivor; I am a witness to how this impacts your life in so many levels, psychologically, sexually, economically and physically. I was able to break this abuse with the help of friends and family. I wouldn’t have been able to get out of this toxic relationship if I did not seek the help of close friends and family. My advice to young women and all women out there going through this is that you confide in a close friend or family member. I always advise to keep in mind that you are not the only one going through this, you are not alone, and there is nothing to be ashamed about. I proudly support organizations like The Bella Foundation (www.thebella.org/) Women or Men are able to find help with these types of organizations to break this cycle.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING SITUATION THAT YOU HAVE HANDLED UP TILL NOW?
I believe the most challenging situation for me was to become the person I am today. I say this with an authenticity label attached to this question. My struggle of becoming the person I am today comes from a very young age, as I mentioned above I always felt different. Therefore, my most challenging situation was to love myself and to recognize how valuable I was. In this industry, your reputation is what others think about you and then you become that person. I learned that character is far more important than your reputation. Your character is what defines your mental and moral qualities. Once, I learned the difference between reputation and character; I finally overcame this battle. I was intimidated when I transitioned from leaving my nine-to-five job to start my publicity career full time. The reason why I was so intimidated is because I did not love myself. I always thought all the other publicists around me were extremely brilliant and way more knowledgeable than me. I quickly realized that being a publicist was not an easy task but once I got more comfortable, learned to love myself and my communication skills improved my breakthrough finally happened.
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES & MOTIVATES YOU?
I have to say my children Jacob and Alan are my biggest motivation in my life. They are the reason why I work so hard and I’m so dedicated to what I do. I get inspired by other powerful women such as civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta, human rights activist Rigoberta Menchu, actress, Sandra Bullock, Rosa Parks, writer Juana Inez de la Cruz, American poet Maya Angelou. I also get inspired by men like civil rights activist, Cesar Chavez, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and the late rapper Tupac Shakur.
ARE THERE ANY PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Yes, I am currently working with organizations like The Bella Foundation, as I mentioned above, they help women who are enduring domestic violence. To know more, please visit them at https://thebella.org/. Another great cause I’m working with is 24H COVID-19 Relief Fund, an organization which helps raise funds to support the community of Entertainment Industry professionals at risk and displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit them at www.24hww.com/ for more info on how to get involved.
I am also working with The UFW and Dolores Huerta, both of these foundations help our farmworkers raise funds during this COVID-19 pandemic so that our farmworkers have masks, gloves, fair wages and more importantly basic human rights. Please visit them at www.doloreshuerta.org and www.ufwfoundation.org/.
I also work with Freedoom4Youth, an organzation that focuses on uplifting and empowering youth to build safe and compassionate communities. On top of all these organizations, I also work with my celebrity clients such as Hana Giraldo, daughter of the legendary rock artist Pat Benatar, actor Kevin McNamara, actor Kyle Massey, Bobby Dee, CEO of Bobby Dee Presents (agent for Snoop Dogg), Snoop Dogg, Uncle Snoop’s Army, which is a booking agency created by both Bobby Dee and Snoop Dogg, the agency represents legendary artists like O.T. Genasis, B-Real of Cypress Hill, Keith Sweat, Trae Tha Truth, Warren G, Lisa Lisa,etc., actor Sheldon Bailey, actor Bubba Ganter and the list goes on. I am blessed to do what I love.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE EVENTS/PROJECTS YOU HAVE WORKED ON DURING YOUR CAREER?
I have so many but I will give you my top three. I loved working on the Charity Concert of Sickle Cell Anemia hosted by singer Tionne” T-Boz” Watkins from the legendary group TLC. I love to work or be a part of events with a good cause and this one was one of them. I had the opportunity to work with some of my teenage idols like Faith Evans, T-Boz , Paula De Anda, Kid ‘n Play, Bobby Brown, etc. My second favorite event was The Bella Foundation’s Celebrity Basketball Game to raise funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence. Lastly, my third favorite event was to put on together along with my business partner Patricia Torres (whom I adore and respect) the Press Conference for the anticipated tour for the one and only Snoop Dogg. My business partner Patricia Torres and I were able to surpass a lot of people’s expectations, the results for this Press Conference we provided were beyond extraordinary. I am very proud of all my accomplishments thus far.
To know more about Barbara Sanchez, don’t forget to follow her on Instagram.
