INTERVIEW: Model And Philanthropist, Jordan Emanuel, Talks About The Importance Of Finding Balance In Your Work And Fighting For Your Dreams

In today’s world, we’re fortunate enough to pursue all sorts of passions in any kind of field. The traditional 9-5 job is increasingly more uncommon – and model, entrepreneur, and humanitarian Jordan Emanuel truly lives and breathes that lifestyle. This powerhouse woman has done a lot in her twenty-nine years, which include her Playboy’s 2019 Playmate of the Year and Miss Black America New York titles, as well as modeling campaigns with top brands like Cover Girl, Rimmel London, and American Express. Apart from her modeling achievements, Jordan has channeled her philanthropic spirit to co-found Women With Voices, a women’s non-profit organization.

Women With Voices’ two primary initiatives include mental health awareness and sexual education and liberation. Jordan has had first-hand experience with depression and anxiety and hoped that this organization would bring light to those issues as well as help women get the help they need. Jordan is also an advocate for the multi-dimensional woman who wants to be a successful business woman, but also feel comfortable in her sexuality.

Jordan is as well-rounded as they come and I am delighted to have had the chance to hear more of her story:

Your career is a beautiful representation of both creativity and business. Did you always have a goal to have a foot in each world or did that develop over time?

JE: Thank you! I think it was a combination of both. I was always a creative person and I think as I got older being able to monetize those creations became more of a priority, so that’s when the business elements started.

You are Co-Founder of Women With Voices. Can you speak to your charitable efforts and why this concentration is important?

JE: Philanthropy has been a part of my life since I was a child, in grade school we were go to nearby hospitals and senior retirement homes each week and from then on I’ve always been interactive with my charitable endeavors, so it was really important for me to elevate it to co-founding a nonprofit to emulate some of those experiences in a new way for other women to thrive from as well.

You strive to encourage women to be comfortable in their sexuality while simultaneously being a business woman. Was it always easy for you to be this confident?

JE: It wasn’t and it’s funny I don’t necessarily feel confident about it, it just naturally feels a part of who I am that it doesn’t even cross my mind. It wasn’t until other people were making negative comments about women who are comfortable in their bodies and sexuality that I felt the need to speak up and remind everyone that women have and will always be capable of being sexual human beings and business oriented human beings and everything in between.

The new year brings more opportunities for change and growth. What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year that you haven’t in the past?

JE: For all my astrology buffs out there, I just entered my Saturn’s return, which basically is a period of intense growing pains and maturing. With that in mind my biggest goal is to be my biggest cheerleader instead of my biggest critic. I am my own worst enemy and can really beat myself up with negative self-talk, so my goal this year is really to be kind to myself, really parent and befriend myself with self-love and positivity.

You were named Playboy’s 2019 Playmate of the Year and Miss Black America New York. What do these accolades mean to you?

JE: It was an insane six months because they pretty much happened at the same time. They both mean so much to me because they represent a big part of who I am and who I want to represent to other women. I am a proud black woman who appreciates and loves where I come from so being able to represent that for my state continues to be a major highlight. Being the last Playmate of the Year is an historical event in itself, but the way I have been able to utilize my voice on the Playboy platform and start amazing relationships with like-minded women has been the ultimate prize.

What is your message to young women?

JE: You are enough. It does not matter if someone is prettier than you, taller than you, has more followers than you, it doesn’t matter – because no one is YOU and that is more than enough! Fight for your dreams and don’t let comparison stop that.

To learn more about Women With Voices, visit www.womenwithvoices.info. Jordan Emanuel can be found on Instagram at instagram.com/jordy_jor.