Working in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is deeply meaningful to me—not just professionally, but personally. As a member of multiple equity-deserving groups, this work is not abstract. It’s lived. It’s felt. And sometimes, it’s heavy.
There have been moments when the emotional toll of striving for systemic changes while navigating my own lived experiences has felt overwhelming.
The expectation to be strong, to educate, to hold space for others—while managing my own healing—has created a tension that I didn’t always know how to resolve.
Therapy has been a lifeline. It’s given me tools to understand the emotional weight I carry and helped me build boundaries that protect my well-being. I’ve learned that I can be committed to this work without sacrificing myself. That I can lead with empathy and conviction, while also honoring my own needs.
Creating space for rest, reflection, and emotional safety has made me a better leader. It’s allowed me to show up with clarity, compassion, and sustainability.
My mental health journey is ongoing, but it’s also a source of strength – a reminder that healing and leadership can indeed coexist.
