Meet Frances Colón | Social Entrepreneur, Performing Artist, Clarity Coach.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frances Colón and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frances, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
The book A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle has impacted me with profound writings about consciousness, which is the way that one acts in the world and interacts with others. I have always believed that love is our essence as human beings and live from a loving place to the best of my ability. The book has shown me a new dimension on love, the ego, and our responsibility as human beings to learn how to live consciously to awaken to our life’s purpose and make this world a better place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My entire life has been dedicated to music. It is with great excitement that I share details about my life and career that I am proud of! I am from Puerto Rico, a beautiful island in the Caribbean. I am the only musician from Puerto Rico that has been selected as Presidential Leadership Scholar; I have been recognized as a distinguished figure in Puerto Rican music and recognized with the most prestigious award on the island for Excellence in Service to Others–Sister Isolina Ferré for my service to the community. I have been the first of many: the first oboist in Puerto Rico to achieve a Doctorate in oboe; the first Puerto Rican to be named principal oboe of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra; the first oboist to commission and premiere works by Puerto Rican composers, and the first oboist to establish a nonprofit organization to further the teaching of oboe on the island. In addition to these achievements, I have established meaningful alliances with supporters throughout the world to benefit the organization. For over a decade, I was the oboe professor at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. Due to my teaching and my work with the nonprofit I founded and direct, Oboe Mobile Foundation, a new generation of Puerto Rican oboists has emerged. With my innovative project, Oboe Mobile in the Community, I have created teaching resources in areas of the island that do not have an oboe teacher; and through my creation of an Oboe Bank, we have been able to provide instruments to economically marginalized students for them to pursue their oboe studies. I have also been a judge on panels for oboe competitions made up of distinguished international oboists. The National Endowment for the Arts has invited me to serve on a panel on several occasions to evaluate grant applications from the entire nation for their artistic excellence and merits.

I believe that I have been able to accomplish so much due to discipline and hard work. I also believe that the fact that I live a life of service to others has influenced tremendously to the success that I have had. My parents divorced when I was young, and mom raised four amazing human beings with limited resources and a huge heart. Things were extremely challenging at times, I must confess. However, I have been able to overcome challenges because of the way I perceive them. I believe that every challenge or problem is always an opportunity for growth, and I have always had an angel in my life to offer help when needed.
I am very grateful for all the lessons learned along the way! I believe and understand now that life is a journey, (really!), not a destination. I have learned that every step, every situation was important and relevant in my life. Everything has a learning experience. In painful situations, the bigger the pain, the larger the learning experience. I have learned that we are really all connected spiritually and that we cannot really believe that we are our roles (like an oboist, a professor…), because at some point that role will end. At this point, the only way to happiness will be the work that one has done spiritually to find quiet, stillness from within. It is in that silence that contentment and peace lives. This is what matters in life.

What I want the world to know about me is that I am a loving person who delights herself in being present for others as a human being, not a human doing. I serve others with love with the hope that people will awaken to the fact that we are all connected and that with our thoughts and actions we can make this world a better place. My life as a musician, professor, and leader of a non-profit might change throughout my life, but my real purpose: to be a present, loving human being, will remain constant. That is the best gift I can give this world and that is what I want the world to know about me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends visit Puerto Rico, they arrive in San Juan, the capital. Walking through Old San Juan is an amazing experience as one can appreciate the colorful century-old buildings, nice food, and culture. Old San Juan is the most visited place in Puerto Rico. In Old San Juan, one can also visit the fort El Morro, a fortress built by the Spanish in the Americas to defend the island from enemies. It is now a World Heritage Site and part of the National Park Service. While still in the capital, the second day, I take them to one of 5 beaches accessible from San Juan. My favorite one is Isla Verde, which is also near the airport. I believe this is the most beautiful beach and swimmer-friendly beach in San Juan. Dinner would take place at one of my favorite restaurants, where the locals eat. We could go close by to the area of Miramar, where lots of different restaurants are or Condado. The following day I would take them to our National Rainforest, El Yunque. This is an amazing experience where hiking, rivers and nature appreciation takes place. We could also stop at another beautiful beach in Luquillo. On the way back we could eat at a nearby restaurant, in Rio Grande, which provides a different appreciation for life in Puerto Rico. On day 4, I would take them to Ponce, south of the island, visit the plaza and from there go to the beach in Guánica. Day 5 will take place in la Parguera, at the beach and at night to the bioluminescent bay, which is a treat. Dinner will be in town at one of the local restaurants featuring local food. Next day, still at la Parguera, a wonderful trip offshore to islet Mata La Gata, where one can enjoy beautiful beach waters that will bring peace and relaxation. Next day we could go to Cabo Rojo to see a lighthouse at Puerto Rico’s southernmost corner, El Faro de Cabo Rojo. It is located on the coast, with beautiful views. On the way back to San Juan, if time allows, we can find local kiosks to eat more of our traditional foods. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island! There is so much to do that one week would not be enough and will only leave my friends with plans for future visits!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. I dedicate my shoutout to my family! As one grows and develops as professional, individuals and organizations are part of that process, as it is part of the learning and development. Individuals and organizations come and go, naturally. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this process. However, my family has been there from the very beginning and are still there no matter what. For this reason, I am most grateful to them and dedicate my shoutout to them in love and appreciation.

Website: www.oboemobile.org

Instagram: @oboemobile

Linkedin: Frances Colón

Facebook: Oboe Mobile Foundation

Youtube: @oboemobilefoundation2917

Image Credits
Photos by Giován Cordero, courtesy of Oboe Mobile Foundation Inc.