2012 Honoree

Susan M. de França

President & CEO, Douglas Elliman Development Marketing

“I think the biggest change for women in the past decade is the aggressiveness with which politicians need to court their vote and the way women’s issues, such as gender equality and pro-life vs. pro-choice, have come openly to the center of the debate.”

What do you think of the media’s portrayal of women?

I think it depends on which media; media is completely specialized and partisan. I do believe that it may be difficult for society not to be influenced by the overwhelming message to objectify women. The media’s portrayal of women affects the self-image of girls dramatically. I believe that it is our responsibility to raise awareness and break the negative stereotypes of women in the media in the right direction to change the future for women in this country.

Have you seen any changes in the political landscape for women over the past few years?

I think the biggest change for women in the past decade is the aggressiveness with which politicians need to court their vote and the way women’s issues such as gender equality and pro-life vs. pro-choice have come openly to the center of the debate.

Do you feel the extreme left and right wings of US politics are destroying the United States or is it just healthy debate?

I believe that the extreme left and right wings of US politics are jeopardizing the united in the U.S. as both parties make the U.S. political system and it risks our standing as a global leader on the international stage and prevents healthy and necessary bipartisan cooperation.

Do you feel the decline of religion in the rest of the Western world will have an effect on US society? If so, will it be good or bad?

Yes, I do believe the decline of religion in the rest of the Western world will have an effect on US society in both positive and negative ways. While religion can bring an enormous amount of family values and present a positive moral compass for some; it can also generate organized groups of people who lack ethical conduct. With the rise of globalization and access of information via the media, occurrences throughout the world (not just limited to the western portion) may have great effects on the U.S. I believe that through strong governments, productive economies and positive family values our world will flourish and function effectively.

Can you tell us about one of the biggest challenges in your life that you think helped you become the person you are today?

As a single mother for many years, raising my daughter has been my greatest challenge yet by far my greatest joy. My daughter is a bright, responsible young woman who I am very proud of. It’s been extremely important for me to maintain my relationship with her as mother and friend, and understand not to blur those lines which at times is challenging. The most important thing for me is that she knows that she has always been my priority in life above anything else. As a working mother, I believe that I have been an exemplary role model for her and a great support system. As she matures over the years, we learn a lot from each other and still continue to do so. It’s a relationship that I cherish and will forever.

Do today’s young people face a bigger challenge than you did?

It depends on what aspect. Economically speaking, times are tough right now and finding employment is difficult. Yet the economy is cyclical and always has been. I have great hopes for the future of our younger generation and for those to come.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

To always assess situations with the facts and react calmly before acting upon something. Also, don’t take life for granted. It comes and goes so fast; appreciate every moment and all that comes with it. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

A person that I would be interested in having dinner with is Barbara Walters. As an icon in American broadcast journalism and a television news anchor, I believe it would be fascinating to speak with the woman who has interviewed so many legendary celebrities, politicians and controversial individuals.

What is your favorite book?

I have many favorite books. One of which is Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point. It demonstrates how human beings are social beings influenced by other human beings no matter how much technology is introduced into our daily lives.