Before any other expression of gratitude, my first is to God, for His guidance, for the doors He has opened, for His protection, and for the many blessings He has poured over Bonavit since the very beginning. I have always believed that this project was placed in my hands for a purpose and that, beyond any title or role I may hold, God is the true owner of Bonavit. He is the One who guides our path, brings the right people into our journey, and gives us the strength to keep moving forward, especially when the road becomes difficult.

Receiving the Notable Brazilians Award in New York is a very special moment in my journey. But when I look at everything that has been built along the way, I cannot see this recognition as an individual achievement. An award may be placed in one person’s hands, but a story like Bonavit Magazine’s is built by many hands.

“An award may be placed in one person’s hands, but a story like Bonavit Magazine’s is built by many hands.”

Among those hands are, in a very special way, those of my husband, Lee Vaughn, my best partner, my greatest support, and my companion through every step of this journey.

Behind so many ideas, decisions, events, photographs, editions, and challenges is someone who has witnessed this journey closely, believed in my dreams, and remained by my side. Having that kind of support has made all the difference.

Bonavit was born from a vision, but it came to life because others chose to believe in it. Some were there when it was still only an idea; others joined us along the way, and many remain part of our story today.

When I look at the covers we have published, I see much more than a collection of magazines. I see people who trusted us with their stories, business owners, professionals, families, and members of our community who shared their journeys, achievements, challenges, and dreams. Above all, every cover represents an act of trust.

My gratitude extends to everyone who has written articles, given interviews, contributed photographs, shared knowledge, made connections, promoted our work, opened doors, or supported Bonavit in countless other ways. Some of those contributions appeared on the pages of the magazine; others happened quietly behind the scenes, but they were just as important.

There is also essential work taking place across borders. In Brazil, a dedicated team transforms our words, photographs, and ideas into the pages that reach our readers here in the United States, while also helping maintain Bonavit’s digital presence, including our social media.

Between imagining an edition and finally holding it in our hands, there is talent, dedication, and countless hours of work from people who believe in this project.

That is why this recognition in New York carries a piece of everyone who has been, and continues, to be part of this story: those who believed from the beginning, those who stayed, those who joined us along the way, those who opened a door, shared a story, offered an opportunity, or simply encouraged us to keep going.

Bonavit was created to tell stories, connect with people, and celebrate our community. But while telling the stories of so many others, something beautiful happened: they became part of our story, too.

Above all, I remain grateful to God, to whom I entrust every new edition, every achievement, and every road still ahead of us. This recognition belongs to all of you, too.

Because Bonavit may have been born from a dream, but its success was never built alone.