In the December issue of Hispanic Image Magazine, we proudly spotlight a woman whose life and leadership embody purpose, resilience, and joy: Evelyn Betancourt.
More than a media figure, producer, and creator of global platforms for women, Evelyn Betancourt is a woman who has chosen—intentionally and courageously—to live happy, even in the face of loss, displacement, and reinvention. Her story is not only inspiring; it is deeply human.
A Curious Girl from Havana
Evelyn describes herself first as a curious child growing up in a small alleyway in Havana, Cuba—a girl who preferred books and magazines over dolls, who staged imaginary news broadcasts instead of playing traditional games.
Even then, she carried a quiet certainty that her life would stretch far beyond her surroundings.
“I always knew I would do big things,” she recalls. “I was fascinated by stories of people who broke molds, who lived the lives they dreamed of.”
Raised by a mother who nurtured imagination, discipline, and belief in possibility, Evelyn learned early that
limits are often self-imposed. Her mother—an untrained but gifted writer—became her first mentor, shaping her
worldview with one powerful message: everything is possible if you work for it.
Loss, Migration, and the Birth of Purpose
At just 18 years old, Evelyn experienced the most defining moment of her life: the loss of her mother. Shortly after, she
emigrated from Cuba to the Dominican Republic, grieving not only a parent but also her homeland, her friends, and her
sense of familiarity.
“It was a double mourning,” she shares. “Losing my mother and losing my country at the same time.”
Yet from that heartbreak emerged her life philosophy. Faced with unimaginable pain, Evelyn made a conscious choice—
one that would shape everything that followed.
“I had two options: stay in sadness or choose happiness. I chose happiness.”
That decision was not naïve optimism. It was an act of courage, discipline, and deep inner work. Over time, Evelyn
came to understand that happiness is not a personality trait—it is a skill, a habit, and above all, a decision.
Happiness as a Discipline
For Evelyn, joy is not fleeting pleasure but sustained well-being. She believes happiness can be learned, practiced,
and strengthened.
“Happiness is built in simple things,” she says. “Helping others. Spending time with people you love. Creating meaningful memories. Those are the foundations.”
This belief is at the heart of her platform Day to Shine, a transformational event series that began in the Dominican
Republic and expanded to Miami, with future plans for cities like New York, Orlando, and Boston. Through these
experiences, Evelyn brings together women from all walks of life to reconnect with purpose, confidence, and inner joy.
Empowerment Through Balance
In a world where empowerment is often framed as isolation or competition, Evelyn offers a grounded and
refreshing perspective.
“I don’t believe empowerment means competing with men,” she explains. “I believe in complementarity. Women
already have power—we don’t need permission to be empowered.”
Married for over 22 years, Evelyn speaks openly about the role of partnership in her life. Her husband, she says, has
walked beside her—not ahead, not behind—supporting her dreams without diminishing her voice.
“That kind of support matters,” she emphasizes. “It allows women to flourish fully.”
Wellness, Wisdom, and Daily Rituals
Evelyn’s glow is not accidental. Her daily life is rooted in intentional selfcare—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Meditation, exercise, reading, nourishing foods, natural supplements, and laughter all play a role.
“I take care of my mind as much as my body,” she says. “Information is power—especially for women navigating
transitions like perimenopause.”
Her approach is not perfection, but awareness. Not restriction, but respect for the body and mind she inhabits.
A Message to Women Everywhere When asked what message she hopes women carry after reading her story,
Evelyn is clear and unwavering:
“You already have everything you need. No one gets to make you feel small. Your shine belongs to you.”
She urges women to stop fearing one another, to understand that another woman’s success does not diminish
their own.
“When one woman shines, we all shine.”
Legacy: Living Proof That Everything Is Possible
Evelyn hopes to be remembered simply—as a woman who did the best she could with what she had, who chose
resilience, who pursued joy, and who helped others believe again.
Her legacy is not perfection, but possibility.
“Your origin does not define you. What happens to you does not define you. You can always rewrite your story.”
And perhaps that is why RESILIENT is the word she chose to define herself on this cover—because resilience, for
Evelyn Betancourt, is not just survival. It is transformation.
