VMP Covergirl - Cynthia Laguardia

This week’s VMP Renaissance Covergirl is……Cindy LaGuardia!🎉

Cindy is pure strength, heart, and wisdom wrapped into one incredible woman. She’s faced life’s hardest moments and come out the other side with a renewed love for family, friends, and the beauty of everyday life. Now, she’s all about creating peace, keeping her circle full of good vibes, and living every moment to the fullest, because tomorrow isn’t promised.

With dreams of starting a foundation in her son’s honor and more time with her granddaughter, Cindy’s story is proof that life after 50 is packed with meaning, joy, and possibility. She’s here to remind us to embrace it all, lead with kindness, and never stop celebrating yourself.

(Sidenote to local Pittsburghers… you might see Cindy at various events with her bomb dog Spike (pictured) working to keep us all safe.)

Here’s what she had to say about this time in her life…

💎 Did you have any older female role models when you were younger?

Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by strong, inspiring women who have shaped the person I am today.

First and foremost, my mother was my greatest role model. She was kind, selfless, and truly special. Her ability to love unconditionally and touch the hearts of everyone she met left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She taught me the true meaning of love and the importance of family. From her, I learned that strong family values and a deep sense of connection are the foundation of a meaningful life.

My mother-in-law also had a profound impact on me. Her strength inspired my own, and she helped me grow into a stronger woman. I’m also deeply grateful for my sisters and sisters-in-law, who have been a constant source of support. They’ve stood by me, especially during my most difficult moments, serving as my anchors.

In addition, I cherish a few dear friends who have walked alongside me through life’s journey. Their presence reminds me that I never have to face anything alone.

And finally, Barbara Walters. As a child, I was fascinated by her presence on television. I used to tell my mother, every time we saw her on screen, that I wanted to be a working woman just like her. At a time when most mothers stayed at home, Barbara Walters represented possibility and ambition. She was a trailblazer and a symbol of what women could achieve.

These women, each in their own way, have left a lasting mark on my heart and spirit. I am grateful for the lessons, strength, and inspiration they’ve given me.

💎 How did you mark turning 50? How did that feel to you?

We celebrated my 50th birthday with a surprise party, and I embraced the milestone with ease…I didn’t feel 50, and I certainly didn’t think I looked it. But turning 60 was different. It came with a weight I hadn’t anticipated. A personal tragedy became a part of my life, one that changed me profoundly and, in many ways, aged me far beyond the years themselves.

That experience shifted my perspective on the world. I no longer move through life with the same carefree spirit I once had. There's a part of me that longs to return to that place of lightness and joy. But these days, I no longer take anything for granted. I’m learning to move forward, even with a hole in my heart and an emptiness that will never fully go away. Healing is a process, and while the journey isn’t easy, the love and support of family and friends help me take it one step at a time.

💎 What advice would you give your younger self?

Live Life with Purpose and Heart. Throughout my life, I’ve come to embrace one guiding principle: live your best life, fully and without regret. I believe in leading with your heart and choosing happiness, even when life presents challenges. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, which is why I try to make the most of each day.

I’ve learned to look for the good in people. Trust is important, and while it’s essential to believe in others, it’s just as important to protect yourself from being taken advantage of. Striking that balance has taught me strength and discernment.

One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is the power of kindness. Helping others, especially those in need, not only uplifts them, but can be incredibly healing and fulfilling. Sometimes, the smallest act of compassion can change someone’s life, and your own.

Never stopped dreaming. I’ve pursued my goals with determination and refused to let doubt or negativity hold me back. If you have a dream, chase it with everything you’ve got. No one else can live it for you.

Above all, I strive to be the best version of myself, every single day. And I never lose sight of the most important truth: life is a gift, a precious blessing from God. It deserves to be cherished, celebrated, and lived with intention.

💎 Do you feel like you've changed since you've turned 50? 

Yes, I do feel that I’ve changed, but not simply because of age. The truth is, life has a way of shaping us in unexpected ways. We face challenges, heartbreaks, and moments we never saw coming that are beyond our control. And somehow, we find the strength to keep going, even when we don’t know how.

I’ve learned that growth often comes not from comfort, but from hardship. Life has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of grace, both for others and for myself. These experiences have deeply changed the way I see the world, and more importantly, the way I see myself.

I no longer take things for granted. I value peace over perfection, purpose over approval. And I’ve come to understand that evolving is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

This is my journey, still unfolding, but one that has given me a new perspective on life, grounded in gratitude, humility, and hope.

💎 What positives have come from being over 50?

Embracing growth, clarity, and what truly matter. With time and experience, comes wisdom. I've grown to feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin, embracing who I am with pride and gratitude. I no longer feel the need to chase after things that don't align with my heart. I know what I want from life, and more importantly, I understand what truly matters.

I've found that many people, myself included, begin to appreciate life on a deeper level as the years go by. The noise fades, and in its place, there's a desire for peace, meaning, and genuine connection. These days, I seek out calm over chaos, truth over pretense, and joy over drama.

Surrounding myself with positivity has become a priority, nurturing relationships that are uplifting, honest, and rooted in love. Sharing that energy with my family and close friends is one of the things I cherish most. That sense of closeness, support, and shared purpose, those are the moments and connections that make life truly beautiful.

💎 Do you have any goals or projects you're working on? What dreams do you have for the future?

My dreams and goals have been shaped by love, loss, healing, and a deep desire to create something meaningful from pain. One of the most personal and significant chapters of my life began with the founding of The Corey Michael LaGuardia Foundation, created in honor of my son, Corey, whom we tragically lost. We launched the foundation on June 25, 2025,  the sixth anniversary of his passing, as a way to keep his memory alive and to give back in his name. This cause is incredibly close to my heart, and I plan to devote much of my time and energy to seeing it grow and make a lasting impact. I invite everyone to visit the website: thecmlfoundation.org, and I truly appreciate those who like, share, and follow our journey.

Beyond the foundation, I have many passions that bring me joy and fulfillment. I’ve always had a creative spirit and a love for working with my hands. Whether it’s crafting, refurbishing furniture, or landscaping, I find peace and pride in creating beauty from the ground up. If life had taken a different turn, I truly believe I would have pursued a career in interior design, carpentry, or even home building. There’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing a vision to life, whether it’s a room, a garden, or a piece of furniture.

Professionally, I’m fortunate to have a career I enjoy. I currently work with my bomb dog, and the work is both rewarding and meaningful. However, as I look to the future, I also look forward to the day I can retire. When that time comes, I plan to spend more time with my granddaughter, and hopefully, by then, more grandchildren as well. That next chapter is one I eagerly anticipate, filled with family, love, and the freedom to pour even more into the foundation and my personal passions.

Through all of life’s turns, both joyful and difficult, I’ve learned to lead with heart, live with purpose, and embrace the things that truly matter. This is my story, and it's still unfolding, one meaningful step at a time.

💎 What is your best advice for other women who are coming up on turning 50? What do you 'know' now?

Age is just a number…whether you're 50, 60, or beyond. What truly matters is how you choose to live. Each stage of life holds the potential for growth, joy, and purpose. You are not defined by your age, but by your attitude, your choices, and your willingness to keep dreaming.

Life in your 50s and 60s can be just as fulfilling, if not more so, than your 20s. With time comes wisdom, clarity, and a better understanding of what really matters. You're more in tune with who you are, and hopefully, more confident in the direction you want your life to take.

You are the author of your own story. You create your path. Whether it’s pursuing a passion you’ve put off, building stronger relationships, exploring new experiences, or simply finding peace in the present, this chapter is yours to write.

So embrace it. Celebrate who you are at every age. Life doesn’t stop, it evolves. And some of the best years can still be ahead, if you're open to them.

💎 What do you most want people to remember about you?

If you asked the people who know me best to describe me, I hope they would say I’m someone who leads with heart. That I’m loyal, dependable, and always there when it matters most. Someone who shows up, not just in the easy times, but when it truly counts.

I’ve always believed that relationships are the most important part of life. I value deep, meaningful connections with family and friends. I do my best to be a good listener, a steady presence, and a trusted friend. It means the world to me when people know they can rely on me, for honesty, support, and sincerity. I don’t just want to be remembered for what I did, but for how I made others feel.

I’ve often been described as having a kind and generous spirit, genuine, trustworthy, and full of warmth. Those are qualities I hold close and try to live by every day. I believe in doing the right thing, in treating people with respect, and in giving more than I take. I’ve always tried to lift others up, to make them feel seen and valued. And if that’s what people remember about me, then I’ll know I lived well.

Family has always been at the heart of who I am. I treasure the bond I share with my loved ones—it’s where I find strength, purpose, and joy. I believe in creating a home filled with love, laughter, and strong values. I hope to pass that on to the next generation, through my children, and now through my granddaughter, who brings me so much light.

I’m proud of the talents and passions I’ve nurtured along the way, but what matters most to me is the legacy I leave behind. I hope people will say, “She was kind. She was loyal. She loved deeply. She gave freely. She stood by her family and her friends with unwavering devotion. And she made the world a little brighter just by being in it.”

That’s the kind of life I strive to live, one of purpose, love, and grace.

💎 Why are beautiful photos important to you right now?

Everyone wants to feel beautiful, and that desire doesn’t fade with time. The older you get, the less you feel attractive. As we grow older, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty we carry, especially in a world that often associates it only with youth. But true beauty runs much deeper. It’s found in the way we love, the strength we show, and the life we’ve lived.

Aging isn’t the loss of beauty, it’s the evolution of it. It’s the quiet confidence, the earned wisdom, and the grace we carry with pride and dignity. Every smile line tells a story. Every photograph becomes more than just an image, it becomes a keepsake of love, a celebration of a moment, a memory preserved.

These photos are not just about looking beautiful, they’re about feeling beautiful, loved, and seen. They capture the essence of who we are, the lives we’ve touched, and the love we’ve shared. That’s the kind of beauty that lasts.

So love deeply. Celebrate yourself at every stage. And never forget: beauty is not defined by age, it’s defined by the heart behind the smile.

Congratulations Cindy! It’s an honor to help you celebrate YOU, your strength and your journey! 🎉

If you’re ready to be elevated and celebrated in your own 50over50 experience, let’s make it happen. This is your time to be seen, valued, and celebrated - beautifully and unapologetically. You can see more information here: 50over50 Project. Join us!