Embracing Your Voice Atima Omara

In this episode, I interview political strategist Maya Rupert as she shares her journey through advocacy and politics, from managing Julian Castro's 2020 presidential campaign to advising Senator Elizabeth Warren.
She discusses the significance of authenticity, particularly for marginalized communities, and her career transition from law to political advocacy. Maya highlights the importance of seeing oneself as a strategist, especially for women of color, and shares lessons on trusting expertise and embracing a visionary role.
We also talk about her upcoming book, 'All That We Are,' and limited series podcast, 'When We Win,' celebrating the successes of women of color in politics.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

Connect with Atima on:
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin

In the premiere of season two, Atima reflects on the challenges and rewards of engaging in political work, particularly for women of color. Drawing from her own personal experiences from her career in politics, including microaggressions and systemic barriers, and discusses the motivations behind starting her own consulting firm, Omara Strategy Group.
The season will focus on the dynamics of electoral politics, with insights from professionals committed to making genuine change while staying true to their values. Topics including managing presidential campaigns, setting strategies, and advocating for marginalized communities will be explored, all against the backdrop of the upcoming 2024 elections.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

Connect with Atima on:
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin

Welcome to the wrap-up of our first season! It's been a journey, hasn't it? Throughout these episodes, we've had some incredible guests sharing insights that can truly impact your life and career. So in this episode I dive into a recap of some key takeaways from this season, and who knows, maybe one of these nuggets will resonate with you and help propel you forward toward your goals.
As we close out this season, I want to express my gratitude to all our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences. And to you, our listeners, thank you for joining us on this journey. Your support means everything.
Please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with others who might benefit from it. Your engagement helps us grow and reach more people.
Stay tuned for season two, where we'll dive into the intersection of authenticity and politics, exploring what it means to embrace your voice in the political arena, especially for women of color. It's going to be an enlightening and empowering journey, so don't miss out!
Thank you for tuning in, and I'll catch you in the next season of the Embracing Your Voice podcast. Until then, take care and keep embracing your voice!
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

Connect with Atima on:
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin

In this week's episode, we're joined by Carissa Begonia, a second-generation Filipina American and business coach for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Carissa is the founder of Conscious Exchange, a coaching and consulting company dedicated to helping BIPOC entrepreneurs achieve freedom in various aspects of their lives through building their own businesses.
Before diving into her entrepreneurial journey, Carissa had a successful career in corporate America, serving as the former head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Zappos. With her background in emotional intelligence coaching and keynote speaking, she brings a unique perspective to the table.
Carissa shares her childhood dreams of becoming a Broadway actress, fueled by her passion for singing and performing. However, cultural expectations and the belief that artistic pursuits weren't viable career paths led her to explore other avenues. Despite her talent and interest in fashion, she initially struggled to find her niche until she discovered the business side of the industry through an internship at Macy's.
Navigating predominantly white corporate spaces posed challenges for Carissa, especially as a woman of color. We discuss the dynamics of being an Asian American woman in business and leadership, DEI work in corporate America, and her determination to find a path and career for herself, even if she had to create it herself.
Ultimately, Carissa's story serves as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of authenticity in navigating professional spaces as a woman of color. Her journey from childhood aspirations to corporate success to entrepreneurial endeavors is a testament to the transformative potential of embracing one's true voice and identity.
Carissa Begonia (she/her) is a second-generation Filipina American daughter of immigrants. She is a business coach for BIPOC entrepreneurs and founder of CONSCIOUSXCHANGE, an equity-focused coaching and consulting company with a mission to help BIPOC entrepreneurs secure time, location, financial, and occupational freedom by building their own businesses. Carissa is also a certified Emotional Intelligence coach, the former head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Zappos, and a keynote speaker specializing in Asian American identity, leadership development, and healing.
To learn more about her/or work with her. Check out: https://www.consciousxchange.com/home
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

Connect with Atima on:
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin

It's interesting to see how Cierra Gross, founder and CEO of Caged Bird HR, embarked on her journey into the world of human resources. She shares her unconventional path, from dreaming of being a singer to backpacking around the world, before finding her calling in HR.
In this episode, Cierra talks about her upbringing, her passion for advocacy, and how her experiences led her to create Caged Bird HR. She discusses the challenges she faced in corporate America as a Black woman and the inspiration behind starting her own company. Sierra also shares insights into the conflict of interest within traditional HR departments, how employees can deal with that, and the importance of providing employees with independent HR support.
With a focus on honesty, transparency, and empowerment, Cierra's mission with Caged Bird HR is to help employees navigate workplace challenges and make informed decisions about their careers. She emphasizes the need for meaningful conversations about the role of HR in today's corporate landscape and the positive impact her company is making in supporting employees nationwide.
More about Cierra Gross: Cierra Gross is the founder and CEO of Caged Bird HR, the first HR services company providing employees access to independent HR support at scale.  She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, graduating early with honors in Political Science with a pre-law concentration. Cierra continued her education, earning a Master’s in Human Resources from the University of South Carolina.  Cierra was a highly recruited HR professional landing at companies like ExxonMobil, Google, and spending time in the tech startup space. Her new company, Caged Bird HR, supports employees nationwide at companies like Google, Amazon. Netflix, Meta, etc
If you are someone you know who needs additional support from a place like CagedBird HR check out Cierra's company: https://cagedbirdhr.com/about
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

Connect with Atima on:
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin

In this episode, we're diving deep into Beyoncé's latest album, "Cowboy Carter," and the powerful message it holds beyond its musical brilliance. Even if you're not a die-hard fan, you've likely heard about the album and the global conversation it sparked. But why are we talking about Beyoncé? Well, her journey with "Cowboy Carter" resonates profoundly with what this podcast stands for—embracing your voice authentically, without succumbing to external expectations or limitations.
Remember when Beyoncé performed at the Country Music Awards (CMAs) alongside The Chicks in 2016? Despite her immense talent and success, the reception she received was less than welcoming. The negative feedback highlighted a familiar struggle many of us face: feeling unwelcome or out of place, even at the pinnacle of our careers. It's a feeling of not belonging, regardless of our achievements or contributions.
Yet, Beyoncé didn't let these limitations define her. She channeled that negativity into "Cowboy Carter," a genre-bending album that defies expectations and celebrates her roots in Louisiana and Texas. By refusing to be confined to others' perceptions of her, Beyoncé sent a powerful message: she wouldn't let anyone dictate who she is or where she belongs.
This struggle to break free from expectations isn't unique to Beyoncé. Many of us face similar challenges in our careers and personal lives. Whether it's navigating spaces that weren't built for us or pursuing paths outside the norm, embracing our voices often means pushing past barriers and societal norms.
Throughout history, and even today with Hollywood celebrities like Issa Rae or Mindy Kaling to recent guests on this podcast like Anushay Hossain, Chrysta Wilson, and Danielle Moodie have defied expectations to create impactful careers on their terms. They didn't settle for the path of least resistance; instead, they embraced their voices and paved the way for others to do the same.
So, as you reflect on your own journey, consider this: What would it mean to embrace your voice fully? What impact could you make by challenging expectations and limitations? It's a journey worth embarking on—one that leads to authenticity, fulfillment, and the opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep embracing your voice and making your mark on the world.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

Connect with Atima on:
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin