Motherhood has rebirthed a more intentional, fierce and present me. I realize I am Olive's model for everything; joy, hardship, work, rest, relationships, knowledge of self and everything in between. Everything I want for her I must strive to do myself. My motto is "What advice would I give Olive? Go do that." Representation matters and it starts with what we see and experience at home.

Activism looks different for everyone and for me it consists of using my privilege and gifts to represent a group of people who are frequently left out of the conversation.  I spent my formative years living in the culturally and ethnically homogenous region of southeastern Connecticut. My activism looks like continuing to harness the power and duality between the superpower and trauma of code switching. A result of growing up in predominantly white places to take up space in places where people of color are under-represented, misrepresented or not represented at all. Racial diversity, equity and inclusion is essential to the sustainability of our planet. When Black and Brown people are not included or represented, opportunities for growth, development and change are greatly missed and our global community and planet suffers. 

For over a decade I’ve practiced yoga in spaces where no one else looks like me. I am passionate about projects that foster equity within the yoga industry by representing individuals and bodies typically underrepresented in western yoga. In my own yoga and meditation classes I value connecting to others through empathy and vulnerability, and I love creating safe spaces for all students to feel seen.

 

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