As our second feature this week; we have Dana Colon (@deezycolon). I met Dana at the Philadelphia premiere of her very own series; Warrior Women. I chose Dana as one of the five women to write about for Women’s History Month due to her aura and hustling attitude. Salute to us ‘get it done’ women. Don’t forget to check out the first episode of the Warrior Women series on Youtube!
A Native New Yorker from Brooklyn; Dana is the Consumer & Digital Marketing EA for EPIX Network’s Chief Marketing Officer at MGM. Thus far, throughout her career she has worked for many top rating networks, such as CBS Sports, VH1, Bravo/Oxygen, and NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In her spare time, she is a Writer and Filmmaker. Her passion to create was ignited at a young age and gradually grew by noticing the lack of diversity of Black and Latinx people behind the scenes and in front! She is the founder of her company Semi-Colón; Pictures a company that develops creative content in media for and by POC. The Warrior Women Series is the first web-series under the brand.
Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge of being a woman?
A: The biggest of challenge of being a woman is really being a woman of color. PERIOD! We go through so many dense layers of obstacles just to reach the surface of what other demographics can effortlessly do. Black and Latinx women are trying to break glass ceilings every day! From finding proper academic resources, environmental challenges, careers–we have to master is all and master it WELL.
Q: Who is a woman that you currently look up to and why?
A: Professionally, Ava DuVernay. Compelling storyteller, risk taker and provides opportunities within her communities. She’s a whole vibe!
On a life note, Cardi B–straight like that. She reminds me of where I come from (literally), culturally (Caribbean) and personality wise. She inspires me to always remain authentic to myself before narrowing myself down for others. Not too many females where we come from in NY know how to bridge together who they are to meet monetary compensation.
Q: Do you value womanism as much as feminism?
A: If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.” ― Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde changed my life. Although we have many physical differences, I connected with her mentally from the woes of being a minority. Reading her literature, amongst other great womanists, helped me verbalize my own struggles. When I get asked about Feminism, I usually agree and nod because on a literal sense I stand for all women. Now, whenever I get asked about womanism, that’s how you really get me to open up. I consider myself a Womanist before a feminist. There is an unspoken bond that us womanist have. We know how to look at each other empathically and protect each other.
Q: Where do you envision yourself being 10 years from now?
A: I consider myself a student of life, I am constantly evolving from one dream to the next. In 10 years from now, who knows where I’ll be! Just know somewhere great.
Q: What is something that you would tell to a younger version of yourself?
A: I would tell myself, “Speak up more, people are waiting to hear you”.
Q: What is a favorite quote of yours?
A: “Every problem is an opportunity in disguise, this alertness to opportunities allow me to take this moment and transform it into a greater benefit.”
—Deepak Chopra

This young lady knows what she wants. By keeping God first in her life, she is able to accomplish everything that her heart desires. I loved reading about this young lady and who she gets inspiration from. Thank you for continuing to inspire Women of Color.