The woman behind RealTV – Zelisa’s vision, courage, will to rise

Zelisa Boodoosingh Rupani, the founder of ZM Network Ltd and the driving force behind RealTV and the acclaimed talk show ‘Conversations with Zelisa,’ has carved a remarkable path in the media industry. As the sole female media house owner in Trinidad and Tobago and the first woman of Indian descent to achieve this feat, Rupani’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Santa Cruz and raised in a business-oriented family, she credits her parents and grandmother for instilling in her the values of hard work and perseverance. Her educational journey took her to the University of Sydney, where she pursued a degree in import-export management, followed by stints in the US and Canada before returning to Trinidad over two decades ago. A pivotal moment came when a short broadcasting course, encouraged by her sister, set her on an unexpected career trajectory. Starting with a midnight shift at Radio Shakti, Rupani quickly rose through the ranks, working with industry legends and honing her skills as a host and producer. Her career spans notable roles at Radio and TV Jaagriti, Government Information Services Ltd, and Synergy TV, among others. A scholarship to study mass communications in India further enriched her expertise. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband, Rupani emerged stronger, founding ZM Network and launching RealTV, which has grown into a multi-platform media powerhouse. Her show, ‘Conversations with Zelisa,’ is celebrated for its focus on inspiring real-life stories, respect, and empathy. Balancing her roles as a producer, presenter, businesswoman, and single mother, Rupani emphasizes discipline, faith, and time management. With plans to expand her media brand regionally and internationally, she remains committed to empowering others and imparting knowledge. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, is clear: persevere, set high standards, and never compromise on integrity.