New York City powerhouse Cleopatra Fitzgerald is a philanthropist, experienced researcher, politician, writer, activist of causes, and celebrity/influencer. Fitzgerald is also an interfaith minister who can officiate weddings, funerals, and baptisms from all types of religions – she is able to work with the various ideas and beliefs of each religion.
Many will recognize the politician/influencer as an NYC Mayoral Candidate. She was awarded the Martin Luther King’s award for her leadership and fight against discrimination of all types. At first, she was a longtime Democrat; then for several years she became independent as a Republican, and then she eventually returned back to the Democratic Party in early 2021. Throughout the years, she’s been an active voice who has worked towards fixing broken systems. She has met with many of the city’s politicians, including the Manhattan Borough President, a U.S. representative, as well as a Senate candidate. She’s been featured on Twiplomacy’s Twitter accounts most followed by world leaders and has been invited to attend high-profile events such as George W. Bush’s Official President’s Dinner Invitation, Barack Obama’s World Leaders Forum/gathering at the Hilton Hotel, and President Trump’s inaugural celebration, opening of the campaign office for an Independence Party presidential candidate to name a few. If Fitzgerald ever decides to run for political office again, she will be doing so for the awareness campaign causes of global issues that matter to the populace.
Fitzgerald was born on February 16th, 1984 in Manhattan, New York City. As a teen, she took several theatre classes and spent time acting and playwriting while in college. She also graduated with a degree in political science. At one point Fitzgerald attended a music college and was invited to perform with her violin various times at the Lincoln Center. She wants to rescue preoccupied minds from doubts with compassion. Her passions are varied and dynamic. Fitzgerald has participated in art drawing, and her work has been featured in museums – in fact, at the age of 12, she drew and sculpted nude life models from both genders at the academy.
GEQ magazine recently caught up with Fitzgerald to discuss her journey in the industry and here’s what she said:
How did you get into the fashion industry?
Our families in general come from a variety of performing arts, arts, and diverse industries that value fashion in view of their hereditary traditions, aesthetics, social status, global ethnicity, and other components. Primarily, my participation in fashion was when I began studying a hobby “art and sculpture” at the academy and I started to design fashion sketches as a mode of art – my instructor was a fashion designer. I have studied the history of fashion and was accepted into a fashion institute but did not attend because I was already enrolled at another school with differing subjects. In high school, they offered designing classes and I took art classes. As a global celebrity and fashion model, I believe that fashion can be educational and anyone with devotion and inspiration can become a designer. In my fashion modeling, I have used fashion in diverse settings and for various front cover stories.
What do you like most about being a designer?
Designing is about mixing themes, historical eras, concepts, etc. The part I appreciate about fashion is that it is about the human senses to raise awareness, to resolve situations of the present and the future. Fashion gives shape and meaning to a design that can heal, and transform our globe with betterment and not as a world upside down with deficiencies and broken systems. We can see trending for instance: Fashion for the environment, political issues, charity, prevention of diseases and so much more.
Downside to being a designer?
The time can be somewhat of a downside for designers. Considering the time spent in putting together all elements of the design which are visual geometry, symbols, textures, and so forth that should be meticulously, and properly placed in order. Whatever the focus of the theme to be depicted it takes concentration and organization to produce a marketable product.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?
I was in a Halloween pageantry and my topic was titled “The Masked Senorita Costume” -I did not have the sole thought that I was going to be selected. When the judges without even knowing who I was, rewarded me – that is how I increased my motivation by portraying with my fashion the multitude of cultures in the world.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I have met many distinguished people in my life including those dearly departed and those I had the pleasure of meeting during different events. In the fashion industry, while I was part of the art house the previous principal and art-house director Ms.Needler introduced me to fashion designer Norma Kamali. Additionally, on the street, Steven Kolb happened to be passing by and we spoke for a while. Among these are countless others I had the pleasure of meeting.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry? This can be about the industry or about yourself.
The important lesson is that women, men, and children models in the fashion industry should not be exploited. Sadly, many models are subjected to unfair wages, rape, sexual trafficking, child abuse, health problems like anorexia, and further types of abuse. Hopefully, human rights groups, organizations, law enforcement, and investigative journalists have made the planet alert and laws are being passed.
Is your family supportive of you being a designer?
Yes, they are supportive because my mission is not for my own benefit it is for the public wellbeing.
If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?
I am satisfied with my past – however, I believe that throughout my educational years up till now, we are still in need of school reform. When something was wrong in the schools, I contacted the principal, sergeant, and the educational authorities. Nonetheless, more should be done to prevent bias, discrimination, harassment, stereotyping, bullying, and crimes. The surveillance cameras, metal detectors, guards, and policies might solve a portion of the issue but there is an abundance of defects that keep on persisting.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
I do not forget the plenty of honest people whose words of advice were truly uplifting. I even give credit to and thank critics as everyone is entitled to their own opinions. One of the most important pieces of advice I received was from my math teacher Mr. Greco who said, “never change the way you are.” Optimistic affirmations really make a difference.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it?
Plans are continuous as long as there are causes to advocate for and learning from others is a lifelong process. “Cosmic Worlds” and “Causes” signifies that I am advocating for the world and cosmic issues which present new concerns as times keep on advancing. Thus, finding resolutions to recurring dilemmas.
