012 - Deserving with Angelica Gonzalez

19/04/2024 35 min Temporada 1 Episodio 12

Listen "012 - Deserving with Angelica Gonzalez"

Episode Synopsis

Angelica “Angie” Gonzalez, a 2016 Nyah Fellow pursuing her master’s degree at John Hopkins University, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss prioritizing personal needs over familial expectations and obligations, imposter syndrome as the gifted scholarship student at her high school, and how her Nyah Project Fellowship to Ghana sparked her passion for environmental justice. Also find out why she emphasizes open-mindedness and conversation to develop solutions, how she’s getting over being intimidated by meeting new people, plus more!
“I thought open-mindedness meant more fear for me because it meant change, but I've become a more adaptable person with time. [C]hange can happen, but there's such a thing as positive change, which is good for not only me, but for other people.” - Angelica “Angie” Gonzalez

They discuss:

Being a paralegal in Washington, D.C. area

How people coming together during the pandemic helped restore her faith in humanity 

Moving from Miami to Syracuse, NY, for independence, seasons, and better alignment with her future goals

How exposure and opportunities through organizations like Nyah Project played a big part in shaping who she is today and her college access journey

Evaluating self-worth based on achievements or busyness 

Her transformative Nyah Project experience, from meeting the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, to visiting waterfalls and exploring the local market 

Why leaders should always be willing to learn 

The power of mentorship from Lanessa Owens-Chaplin and others to help develop her career roadmap

The affordable housing crisis and climate gentrification

The need for more equitable representation in policy, and more!