In her upcoming book, Keni Silva flips the script on divorce, offering women a fresh perspective on turning separation into a powerful catalyst for personal growth, reinvention, and new beginnings.
Photo credit: Chris Martin
Divorce is often viewed as an ending—but for Keni Silva, it became a turning point. In her upcoming book, Divorce As An Opportunity, set for release on Decemeber 12th, Silva redefines separation not as a source of defeat, but as a chance for personal growth, reinvention, and empowerment. Drawing from her own experience, Silva combines memoir and self-help to guide women through the emotional and practical challenges of divorce, helping them emerge stronger and more confident. With a career that spans real estate, philanthropy, and the spotlight, Silva’s message is clear: divorce isn’t the end of the story, it’s the start of a new, more fulfilling chapter.
1. Your upcoming book, Divorce As an Opportunity, is described as both a memoir and a self-help guide. What inspired you to write this book, and why did you feel it was important to share your personal story and insights with others?
Going through my own divorce was an incredibly challenging time. There were moments when I felt completely alone, unsure of who to turn to. So, I began journaling as a way to process my emotions. Writing became a form of therapy, where I could freely express my fears and hopes. Over time, I also began documenting practical advice I received from my attorney, and the action steps I needed to take to rebuild my life. It became clear to me that I wasn’t just healing, I was growing. I realized that many women going through similar experiences were likely facing the same sense of isolation and uncertainty. I wanted to share my story and insights to help others feel less alone, and to show them that with the right mindset and preparation, divorce doesn’t have to be the end of anything—it can be the start of something even better.
2. Divorce is often viewed as a painful and difficult experience, but your book takes a different perspective, focusing on it as an opportunity. Can you elaborate on how you define "opportunity" in the context of divorce?
I believe that every moment in life, no matter how challenging, presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Divorce is not the end of your life; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. It’s an opportunity to rebuild yourself, reimagine your future, and reclaim your happiness. When you shift your perspective, divorce can become a powerful catalyst for change, a chance to become stronger, wiser, and more aligned with who you truly are. It’s a rebirth—a chance to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the woman you are becoming.
3. What do you hope women who read Divorce As an Opportunity will walk away with? What is the main message or takeaway you want to impart to them?
I want women to walk away feeling empowered. Divorce is undeniably difficult, but it doesn’t have to define you or break you. My main message is that you have the power to shape your future. If you focus on healing and growth, and shift your mindset from feeling sorry and sad for yourself to one of strength, you will come through this process stronger than before. You are not alone in this, and you have everything you need within you to create a beautiful, fulfilling life after divorce. It might take time and effort, but you can absolutely emerge from this chapter as a more confident, resilient version of yourself.
4.You’ve taken your own experiences with divorce and transformed them into something empowering. How did writing this book help you heal, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
Writing this book was incredibly healing for me. It forced me to reflect on my journey, to reframe the way I had viewed my own divorce, and to embrace the lessons I had learned along the way. Through the process, I realized how much my perspective had shifted—from a place of fear and sadness to one of hope and possibility. I also learned that by helping others, I could heal myself. It’s amazing how transformative it can be to share your story, to be vulnerable, and to offer support to others who are going through similar struggles. Writing this book helped me see how far I’ve come and how much strength I have.
5. Before becoming an author, you had a successful career as a model, philanthropist, and real estate expert. How have these different aspects of your career influenced your approach to writing this book, and how do you see them connecting?
Each of these careers has given me a unique perspective on life and personal growth. As a model, I learned the importance of confidence, self-expression, and taking ownership of my story. Philanthropy taught me the value of giving back and using my experiences to help others. Real estate has shown me the power of creating something new from scratch, whether that’s a home or a life. All of these elements have influenced my approach to writing the book because they reinforce the idea of transformation and building a future that aligns with your true desires. This book is about empowering women to rebuild their lives after divorce—whether it’s their career, their emotional well-being, or their sense of self.
6. You’re actively involved in the Children’s Oncology Support Fund and other charities. How do you balance your philanthropic efforts with your personal and professional life, and how do these causes inform your work as an author?
I believe deeply in the importance of giving back and supporting causes that are meaningful to us personally. I am on the board of COSF organization , a non-profit that pairs with hospitals across the nation to provide funding for holistic wellness programs, child care services, and alternative therapy medicine for children battling cancer. As an author, I want to encourage women to not only focus on their own healing but also to remember that their strength can make a difference in the world. By sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can all rise together.
7. What do you feel is the role of women’s empowerment in the philanthropic world, and how do you incorporate that message into both your personal life and your book?
Women’s empowerment is crucial in the philanthropic world because women have the power to create lasting change, especially when we come together. I believe that when women support one another, we not only uplift ourselves but also positively impact our communities. In both my personal life and through my book, I try to lead by example, demonstrating that women can overcome adversity, embrace their strength, and use their experiences to help others. Empowerment isn’t just about individual success—it’s about collective success, and I want to inspire women to believe in their ability to make a difference.
8. Writing a book is such a personal endeavor. What was the most surprising or unexpected part of the process for you, and how did it differ from what you anticipated?
The most surprising part of writing this book was how much I had to learn along the way. I didn’t have any formal experience in writing a book, so I had to dive in and figure everything out as I went. The only thing I knew for sure was that I loved writing and had a clear vision of what I wanted to share. Also I never anticipated that during writing this book I would become a certified divorce coach. It’s one thing to share your story, but having the tools and expertise to guide others through similar challenges added an entirely new dimension to the process. Writing this book has turned out to be a deeply personal and transformative experience in ways I didn’t expect.
9. You’ve had such a diverse career across multiple fields. If you had to pick one moment from your journey that truly defined your career, what would it be and why?
The moment that truly defined my career was when I decided to use my voice and platform to help other women who were going through similar challenges. It wasn’t just about professional success anymore—it was about finding a deeper purpose. Writing Divorce As an Opportunity and becoming a certified divorce coach was that turning point. I realized that my personal struggles had equipped me with the tools to guide others, and that was incredibly empowering. It defined my career because it aligned my passions with my purpose—helping others transform their lives.