The Empowered in Color Podcast: Helping People of Color Thrive in Business and in Life

Today's episode is short, but we're expanding! While this episode is basically an update episode, I've learned so many things about myself and changed as both a person and entrepreneur that I hope you can learn and take note from in your own business or your own team! If you're interested in DEI consulting services for your company or organization, please send an email to hello@empoweredincolor.co  for rates and ways we can work together. If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Happy Latinx Heritage Month! Today we're covering an extremely personal topic on the podcast: spirituality. We're talking to Yvette, The Bratty Brujita, about how she fell into becoming a spiritual practitioner & being paid for it, how it has helped her heal from previous traumas, and why we ALL need to be more in tune with spirituality. It was a radically honest conversation that would, at the very least, give you a lot to think about and consider in regards to your own personal life and journey. Mentioned on this week's episode: Yvette on HipLatina Brief background on Santería Emilia Ortiz Build with Joy (when she was on the podcast) Yvette on PopSugar The Bratty Brujita website Book a limpia Book a reading If you're interested in DEI consulting services for your company or organization, please send an email to hello@empoweredincolor.co  for rates and ways we can work together. If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

We are BACK and coming back strong! Today we have our first-ever venture capital-funded entrepreneur! Surbhi is a co-founder of Symbl AI and is an immigrant. Today she shares her story getting into tech, becoming a startup founder, and even a little bit about being an entrepreneur on a visa and what that process has been like.  Mentioned on this week's episode: Sage Quiamno, who we featured last year on EIC 030 Symbl AI website, Facebook page, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube Channel Gong.io - revenue intelligence software American visas: O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement), EB-1 (Employment-based, first preference) Techstars  Surbhi's personal Linkedin, Twitter  If you're interested in DEI consulting services for your company or organization, please send an email to hello@empoweredincolor.co  for rates and ways we can work together. If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

I've spent the last few months at a career crossroads, torn between what my head says to logically do and what my heart wants me to do to be fulfilled.  Today's episode will detail all of that and the break Empowered in Color will be going on until September. I'll talk about what I've been dealing with, what I've learned about myself in the process, and what that means for you/EIC in the future! Mentioned on this week's episode: Subscribe to our newsletter EIC 041: 2020 Reflections and Looking Forward Kriselle's Personal Instagram, Twitter Lunchclub AI (referral link, not sponsored) Empowered in Color Website (stay tuned for updates!) Crowdfunding Starter Kit If you're interested in sponsoring the podcast and/or newsletter, email us hello@empoweredincolor.co EIC's Instagram Support our work, Buy us a Chai Latte! If you're interested in DEI consulting services for your company or organization, please send an email to hello@ggcreatives.com for rates and ways we can work together. If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

We want to close out Pride Month talking about something that impacts how we approach everything we do at Empowered in Color: Intersectionality. If you've been following us for a while you're likely familiar with the term already, but we think it's always good to have a refresher and relate it back to Pride because even many people of color still aren't fully on board with supporting the LGBTQ+ community, many of whom are poc and in our communities themselves. Mentioned on this week's episode: Intersectionality definition and Kimberlé Crenshaw Love, Victor tv show Euphoria tv show Support our work, Buy us a Chai Latte! If you're interested in DEI consulting services for your company or organization, please send an email to hello@ggcreatives.com for rates and ways we can work together. If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

One year after the murder of George Floyd, support for the Black Lives Matter movement and police reform has gone down especially from white folks, and many companies haven't done much change internally to make significant strides towards true Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI).  Today's episode was taken from our first-ever workshop/webinar back in April where we had HR professional Patricia Figueroa talk about how people can navigate discussions and concerns over DEI in the workplace, as well as offer some insight from a human resources perspective. Mentioned on this week's episode: Keep up with Patricia of Your Human Resource: Instagram, Linkedin Subscribe to the EIC Newsletter NPR Codeswitch Podcast episode: The Racial Reckoning that Wasn't Pew Research Study BLM Support Leaderology If you're interested in DEI consulting services for your company or organization, please send an email to hello@ggcreatives.com for rates and ways we can work together. If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

While the month of May is meant to celebrate both the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, Pacific Islander (also known as Pasifika) folks are often tokenized or completely left out of the conversation and celebration. Today I'm sitting down with Lilian Dirrebes, a Palauan American from Portland, Oregon to talk about her identity as a Pasifika person, how she's managed to stay true to her identity in a place so white like PDX, and how people need to be more intentional and considerate of the Pasifika community when we have these conversations around the "AAPI" umbrella.  Mentioned on this week's episode: Empowered in Color Instagram - Follow us to see when we share "who to follow" lists during heritage/history months Kriselle's Twitter, Lilian's Twitter Lilian's Instagram Lilian's Art Website, IG The "Pasifika Connection" Twitter List 33 Pasifika Creatives to Follow on IG: @guma_gela @byclayjosh @hafaroldy @rockin_roquin @gilli.art @diechee @jerryfish103 @shaycolorway @despicerorak @kathyjkijiner @infinitedakota @ngaiire @kaiit_isshe @melanesianmarks @teptok @sunameke @lumailabel @_sketchydreamer_ @the_art_serge @ropate_kama @jeffry_feeger_art @jahra.wasa @ahuacollective @fafswag @patityrell @tuloucollective @sloaneleong @_lehuauakea_ @vkukua @GystForKickz @reina_the_poet @numanaturesgentleman @jamie_berry_artist If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

After a monthlong break, we are back to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) as well as Mental Health Awareness Month! Today's episode is a short reminder of how we all need to be better in celebrating this month for the AAPI community by being intentional about inclusion and not just tokenizing us. It's also quite fitting that Mental Health Awareness Month is during the month of May as well.  Mentioned on this week's episode: EIC 046: Anti-Asian Violence and How Podcasting Has Shaped My Voice If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

This episode was originally going to be a reflection of the last 3 years of Empowered in Color, but with the recent Anti-Asian events, I decided to focus on that with a little bit of reflection on how podcasting with EIC has helped me be able to speak the way I am speaking about these events today. Mentioned on this week's episode: Instagram Live Videos about Anti-Asian Violence If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

March is Women's History Month, and earlier this week we celebrated International Women's Day! In honor of that, I'm sharing with you my story on how I have become more confident in myself and who I am as a woman and woman of color. I'll even share some practical, actionable tips for you whether you are a woman working on yourself or a man listening but want to support the women in your life. Tips for Women to be more Unapologetic about who They Are: Practice with the little things, like saying no if you don't want to do something or don't have the bandwidth to do it.  Surround yourself with encouragers. I'm not saying yes-people who will never tell you if you've messed up, but encouragers will be there to remind you of your worth and capabilities when imposter syndrome takes over. Shift your mindset to "just do it." This is something that will happen over time as you begin to do the first 2 tips, but they will also need to be paired with you continuously reminding yourself to shoot your shot. Think of it as constantly giving yourself mini pep talks. Even if something doesn't work out, reframe it to a lesson learned for next time rather than a failure. For Men to Support the Women in Your Life: When a woman asks you for something or tells you a story about something that's happened to them, pause before you respond. Don't be reactive. If you find yourself getting defensive when they ask for something like a raise or you don't immediately believe an incident of harm to them, ask yourself why you are reacting like that. I can almost guarantee you that there is a deeper, possibly subconscious reason as to why. After the conversation, I encourage you to think about that and examine it. Learn about women's history. It sounds obvious but you'd be surprised how much men don't know about the things women have done for society or how laws have treated them in the past. Read books by women, listen to women, use Google to jump start your research. Google is free. Mentioned on this week's episode: EIC 030: Creating a Future for Us with Sage Quiamno Amend Series on Netflix If you're interested in crowdfunding, check out our Crowdfunding Starter Kit! A Podcast Starter Kit coming soon! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

We're releasing an online course! After years of putting it off out of fear, we are releasing Network and Get Work, the ultimate guide to connecting with people online and offline, no matter the situation so that you can further your career. The course will be released by April 2021 at the latest, but here's what you can expect in today's episode: Why we're putting it off until further notice instead of launching this month like originally intended The story behind the course The fear that prevented its release for 4 years What to expect to learn in the course If you're interested in learning more about the course and would like to be the first to know when it's officially released (special deals will be available ONLY for email subscribers), head over to the course page: Network & Get Work I'm speaking at Podfest! If you're interested in attending for FREE, use code AAPODCASTERS at this Eventbrite link. Mentioned on this week's episode: Network & Get Work Course (NWGW) Twitter thread explaining why the release is being pushed back further Regina Anaejionu EIC 012: Brand Partnerships and Blogging for Business Book: Branding Pays by Karen Kang (not an affiliate link) Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Last month, we hosted our 2nd Annual Empowered Summit! It was a success, though not in the ways that I expected, and this week I'm sharing lessons learned as a result. Whether you are interested in hosting virtual events or just like attending them, you are bound to learn something new in today's episode! You'll learn about:  What it takes to host a virtual event Tools to use for virtual events What worked for this year's event What didn't work for the event My honest failures and struggles in the process What to expect for next year's summit and future virtual events we host How you can catch this year's summit even if you missed it Mentioned on this week's episode: EIC 025: IRL & Online Event Debrief - Lessons Learned 2021 Empowered Summit Replays Crowdcast (affiliate link, this doesn't affect you but subscribing through this link will support me :)) Crowdcast Equality Program for community organizers EIC 035: Building Empires with Joy Valerie Carrera Steady Studio in Santa Ana, CA Candy's Kloset Network and Get Work, our newest online course! Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when Network and Get Work goes live! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Six months ago, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) by a psychiatrist for the first time as an adult. It's been six months since my diagnosis and being placed on meds and on this episode I talk about what my experience has been like so far and how you can either get help yourself or at least have a better understanding of people like me. Mentioned on this week's episode: EIC 032: Destigmatizing Mental Health - ADHD, Therapy, Meds, and More EIC 035: Building Empires with Joy Valerie Carrera Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when Network, Get Work and the Empowered Summit replays go live! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Monday and Tuesday, January 11-12, 2021 we will be hosting our 2nd Annual Empowered Summit! Especially with recent events in the U.S. Capitol, we believe now more than ever that people of color NEED to do something to create the lives that they want to have the freedom and joy we deserve no matter what happens. That no matter what happens in the U.S, we have OPTIONS for what we can do next. Expect to see sessions on: Maximizing social media for networking Getting smart with our emotions to improve our relationships with others Building wealth for retirement TODAY Getting involved with environmental justice in small, actionable, everyday ways Speaking up on racism regardless of your industry Profiting first even with a larger business purpose Grab your tickets for the summit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-empowered-summit-bouncing-back-from-the-hell-of-2020-tickets-135221899341 If you are listening to this after the summit has ended, you can still purchase summit replays at the link above until January 31st! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

2020 was a hellish year for everyone, but if you're reading this, you can say we made the most of it. Let's reflect on EIC from the past year, how we lived out our word of the year (thrive) and how we will frame 2021: Envision.  Mentioned on this week's episode: On January 11-12, 2021, we are hosting the 2nd annual Empowered Summit! Join us and other speakers of color as we talk money, mental health, racism, and more to help YOU make 2021 a hell of a lot better than 2020, no matter what happens! Join us the live event for free with code THRIVELIVE or have immediate lifetime access by purchasing a presale ticket at $10. We would love to see you there. Click here for more info and to save your spot! EIC 033: How to Move in the Middle of a Pandemic EIC 032: Destigmatizing Mental Health - ADHD, Therapy, Meds, and More Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Subscribe to our newsletter Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

When we hear about vegan or vegetarianism, we tend to think of hippie white people who are overcharging for bland vegetables. Toni of Plant Based on a Budget has made it her mission to change that preconceived notion. Toni also has two vegan cookbooks out: The Friendly Vegan Cookbook and Plant Based on a Budget. On January 11-12, 2021, we are hosting the 2nd annual Empowered Summit! Join us and other speakers of color as we talk money, mental health, racism, and more to help YOU make 2021 a hell of a lot better than 2020, no matter what happens! Join us the live event for free with code THRIVELIVE or have immediate lifetime access by purchasing a presale ticket at $10. We would love to see you there. Click here for more info and to save your spot! Mentioned on this week's episode: Youtube video: Vegan Dollar Tree Haul Toni's website: Plant Based on a Budget Toni's cookbooks: Plant Based on a Budget and The Friendly Vegan Cookbook Toni's Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter Subscribe to our newsletter for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card! *ENDS AT 12:00PM PST DECEMBER 22, 2020* Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

It's the last month of 2020, finally! For so many reasons, this year may tire you out more than usual. Today's episode, we are talking about the balancing act of being gracious to yourself and not overworking yourself this holiday season, but also taking some of our extra time at home to prepare for the new year. To help you prepare for the new year, we are hosting a coworking, planning session for the first 90 days of 2021 on Wednesday, December 9th! You can join us at 9am or 5pm PST, whatever works best for your schedule and timezone. To make this accessible to anyone, regardless of their personal situation, it's a pay what you can model, ranging from free to $5 to $10. Any money we receive from event tickets will go back towards paying for Zoom and other fees for EIC. We are also offering founders' discounts for anyone who joins the EIC patreon-style community via this event, starting as low as $20 for a whole year! For specific info on what the membership tiers include, click here. Subscribe to our newsletter for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card! Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

November is Native American Heritage Month, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, I wanted to highlight a dear friend and native creator trying to showcase the real lives and issues of modern-day Natives in America. Megan is your average Native woman who has grown up on the reservation who wants to tell authentic stories about how Natives are, not the stereotypes we were raised to think of.  Mentioned on this episode:  IFundWomen campaign: One Tribal Nation Megan's Twitter Megan's Instagram EIC's Newsletter Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Hi friends, today's episode is a short one due to the craziness of the U.S. election! Here's how we can stay active and maintain momentum even as the news of the election comes and goes:  1. Learn who your representatives are at every level! At the city, county, state, and national levels there are representatives who are meant to speak on your behalf as a constituent directly (city council person, county commissioner, state senator, state assemblyperson, congressperson, U.S. senator). Learn who they are so you can hold them accountable to speak on your behalf for issues that affect you & your community.  2. Keep in touch with the news, at least know what is going on. While doing so, try not to watch news that skew so much to one side as you want to be able to not only trust what you're being told, but you still want to be able to research and verify the information yourself. Even as a progressive, I won't really pay attention to super progressive leaning news sites. This also helps me in being able to present facts when talking to someone who may be sharing propaganda. 3. Get involved locally! There are so many organizations (both political and issue-based) that are working to fix some of the injustices and inequities in our communities, so pick one and do what you can to be involved. Sure, you can always donate, but many of us may not be in a place to do so, so let's try and volunteer however we can.  Mentioned on this week's episode:  EIC 029: APAHM and Young People in Politics with Shaniyat Chowdhury EIC's Newsletter Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! My birthday is this week (October 15, to be exact) and I wanted to celebrate my birthday with... failure? It sounds weird at first, but if you think about it, failures make us who we are. Even though the last few months I've been on a roll with everything I'm doing, I wanted to reflect on some big failures in my life in the last few years as I look forward for what's to come for both me and Empowered in Color. On this episode I talk about 3 major "failures" in my life and how I learned from them both for my career and my personal life. In honor of Libra season (and my birthday), if you would like to support our work as we continue to serve communities of color, join our EIC Membership! It starts as low as $3 a month, less than a coffee at a coffee shop! Join us as we build our community and talk more about the intersection of race in our careers and lives. If you'd prefer to make a one-time donation to us, you can donate via Paypal or Venmo (@KriselleGabriel). All donations will go directly to the production of EIC and all other programs/resources we create. Mentioned on the episode: Megan Wilson's Native Human Rights Documentary (Support Indigenous Creators!) FLDWRK Leader Accelerator Groups EIC 2020 Summit: New Year, New Decade EIC 012: Brand Partnerships and Blogging for Business EIC 035: Building Empires with Joy Valerie Carrera EIC Membership Paypal and Venmo (@KriselleGabriel) Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

After months of talking about her on the podcast, I'm so glad that I finally got to sit down and actually *record* one of my conversations with Joy, the mastermind behind Basic Brown Nerds, Carrera Digital, and her personal brand, Build with Joy. We talk about her story being one of the few women of color in her STEM programs throughout high school and college, ADHD life, making profit ethically, and our dreams for our platforms and how we can transform our communities.  Mentioned on this episode:  EIC 032: Destigmatizing Mental Health Build with Joy workshops - use code EMPOWERED for 10% off! I'm an affiliate with her but would not recommend this if I didn't fully believe in it, much less put her on my podcast haha. Here's her workshop for helping creators MONETIZE their content on Saturday, Sept 26th! Basic Brown Nerds Basic Brown Nerds Crowdfunding Campaign  Follow Joy on Instagram, Twitter Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

We're kicking off Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month early with Steven Hernandez, a corporate philanthropist based in Detroit, Michigan! Today, Steven shares his story of how he got into his current career, which perfectly encapsulates the reason behind Empowered in Color: exploring career paths you may have never considered before because of seeing someone like you in these industries.  Mentioned on this episode:  Joy Valerie @joyvaleriee Gentefied on Netflix  Hispanics in Philanthropy, Asians/Pi's in Philanthropy, Jews in Philanthropy, Black Philanthropic Network Steven's Youtube Channel, Twitter, Instagram Take our audience survey! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc Kriselle's personal socials: Instagram, Twitter When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

If you didn't know already, we moved! We moved from the greater Los Angeles area to Vegas in the middle of a pandemic, and I wanted to share my audio diary of the experience. Some tips for moving cities in a pandemic:  Have a criteria for must-haves in a city and a home and don't settle or compromise on it.  Research the cities you are considering Look at the demographics, weather, etc.  Highly recommend considering the demographics of where you'd like to live because depending on your racial/ethnic background, moving to certain cities could be dangerous for you despite being an affordable city. Especially if you grew up in a community of color, it would be a big culture shock to go to some of these more rural, predominantly white towns.   Get an idea of the pricing of homes/apartments both for rent and buying (if you'd like to buy there one day) Take into consideration location of city in the broader context of the region of the country you are in if you would like to travel nearby or be a certain distance from home Figure out the main “cons” of a city as well and make sure they are not dealbreakers for you.  Examine your finances and make sure you have a significant cushion or job/clients lined up for when you move. Minimum of 6 months of living expenses  Once you decide on a city to move to, set a timeline that you would like to have before moving. Keep in mind that if you would like to secure a place to live at least 1 month in advance, if you are renting you may need to live in an apartment.   Our criteria: Must be a reasonable distance from home by plane (aka Western US) Must be a major metropolitan area Must have a significant population of people of color Must be more affordable than LA   Mentioned on this episode: The Racist Sandwich Podcast Host leaves PDX partially due to racism EIC 009: Personal Finance with Addy of Creaction Co. EIC Newsletter   To donate & support:  Venmo  Paypal   Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Mental Health Check: We just want to make sure you're all taking care of yourselves the best that you can during the pandemic. I also wanted to talk a little bit about my recent ADHD diagnosis and why it's important now more than ever to make sure you are taking care of your mental health and that we are all destigmatizing what that looks like as well. We will always affirm you in that the things you're feeling are valid and that you're not crazy. Having a mental illness is normal and we urge you to take care of it, the same with your physical body.  Mentioned on this week's episode: EIC 020: Where I've Been and My Mental Health Journey National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-800-273-8255 Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Today's episode was recorded back in January prior to the pandemic, but I believe that its message is evergreen and is even more important and relevant now!  Ryann Richardson is Miss Black America, a tech founder, a keynote speaker, and so much more. Today we are talking about the concept of "taking up space," especially for women of color.  Mentioned on this week's episode:  Wonder Women Tech Conference Take Up Space MVMT Ryann Richardson Website Ryann's Instagram Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

This episode is not part of our regularly scheduled programming, but we cannot be a podcast that addresses race & not talk about this.  Today's episode is for all nonblack people to have ways to take ACTION.  Ways you can take action:  PROTEST! Get out there & stand in solidarity & protect Black people from the police! Pass out water and snacks to protestors Be a volunteer medic to care for protestors when they are wounded Sit with yourself and reflect on everything happening. If you have Black friends, imagine if these tragedies happened to them. Personalize these issues to yourself. Correct people when they say problematic and harmful things. Have these conversations. Not having these conversations lead to Black people dying.  Register to vote! Elect people to go into office to make these changes. Better yet, run for office! (see episode 029 if you're more interested in running for office) Do a personal audit of your friendships, the media you consume, the people you follow. How many of those people are of a different race than you? How many people are Black? Confront your antiblack biases within yourself, then have these conversations with the people around you. Reflect on antiblack things you've witnessed or experienced or said yourself, and it will take time to unlearn these mindsets.  Mentioned on this week's episode:  Video analysis of outsiders trying to instigate looting Protesting tips Can I Get a Sat Nam?! Podcast by Sacha Simmons Our True Colors Podcast by Shawna Gann If you have any questions about race/DEI or want someone to talk to/vent to: hello@empoweredincolor.co Bailout funds for protestors throughout the U.S.  Black people to follow/work with/hire:  Alicia Tenise - Lifestyle Blogger/Influencer (featured on episode 027!) Maya Elious - Personal Branding Strategist and Speaker Brittany Bright - Influencer Marketing Strategist, also founder of The Influencer League Abu Fofanah - Growth Strategist, Ad Strategist Diverse City LLC - (Black-owned) Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Consulting Firm by Dr. Cheryl Ingram Danielle Desir - Travel Finance Strategist and Writer Eugenie George - Financial Wellness Researcher Wonder Women Tech - (Black-owned) non-profit and conference that promotes DEI in tech for women and women of color by Lisa Mae Brunson Podcasts to listen to:  Real Talk with Dumas Podcast  The Culture Talk Collective The Inkfully Podcast Yo, Is This Racist? Code Switch  Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Womxn of Color are still dealing with issues in the workplace such as pay equity, microaggressions, being overlooked for promotions, just to name a few. Sage Quiamno co-founded Future for Us to empower womxn of color to advocate for themselves and push forward in their careers.  Mentioned on this week's episode:  Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance Arlan Hamilton - It's About Damn Time Natalie Torres Haddad - Financially Savvy in 20 Minutes Future for Us website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter This episode is also brought to you in part by my work at @krisellecreative. Follow me there if you are interested in getting a commissioned piece. Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM)! We are kicking off this month by featuring Bangladeshi-American NY-5 Congressional Candidate, Shaniyat Chowdhury (or Shan for short). This conversation dramatically changed my views on politics and young peoples/poc's involvement in it so I hope that whether you want to run for public office one day or would like to be more informed at how politics at every level effects you, I highly recommend listening to this episode! Mentioned on this week's episode:  Brand New Congress Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Shaniyat's Twitter and Instagram Shaniyat's website and page to contribute to his campaign This episode is also brought to you in part by my work at @krisellecreative. Follow me there if you are interested in getting a commissioned piece. Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!  

We have admittedly been going through waves of productivity and relaxation during this COVID pandemic. We don't want the pandemic to dictate every single piece of content we put out for the next few months, so we wanted to have an episode dedicated to talking about the main chunks of the coronavirus pandemic that we felt was important to cover.  Mentioned on this week's episode: Typical Black Family's IG photo about medical racism APM Research Lab's Statistics of COVID deaths by race All American on Netflix Basic Brown Nerds by Joy Valerie Carrera Procreate app - not an affiliate, just a genuine fan My personal Instagram My art account (open for commissions at time of episode release) - @krisellecreative Edx - free online courses from top universities around the world Book a free, no strings attached call with me to bounce off any ideas, ask any questions, anything - Link here Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

When people think of "influencers," people think of beautifully curated Instagram profiles, traveling all the time, and tons of free stuff. While being an influencer or full-time content creator includes all of those things, there are many more things that happen behind the scenes compared to what we see, including dealing with a lack of representation for content creators of color and being a spokesperson for that. Today's episode is with Alicia Chew of AliciaTenise.com, a blogger for 8 years and a friend of mine from my blogging days as well. Resources mentioned on this week's episode: InfluenceHer network EIC 012: Brand Partnerships and Blogging for Business Alicia's Twitter Business Insider Article about Lack of Diversity on Press Trips Wonder Women Tech Conference aliciatenise.com Mattie James Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Tweet at us on Twitter: @empoweredpoc When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

The death of Kobe Bryant was unexpected and tragic for many people, especially those of us in LA. It happened just before Black History Month, so I felt that it was fitting to kick off Black History Month talking about him, his legacy, and the topic of grief. Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!  

In the last couple of months, Empowered in Color has hosted our very first Connection Night and virtual summit! Our intention for this organization has always been to create a community for you to connect with like-minded people both online and on the internet. Today's episode goes through what went well and what we can improve on from both events.  The biggest takeaway from both events: MARKETING. While both events were successful in many ways, the best way that they could've improved is if we were able to market it better and spend more time doing it as well. Listen to the episode for more lessons learned! Mentioned on this week's episode:  #beautyandhustle WingBra USA Basic Brown Nerds Journey Gurl Magic LiveLumi.co Crowdcast (partner link) New Year, New Decade Summit REPLAYS + Speaker Bonuses Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor When you post about your successes and stories, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Happy New Year! Let's start off the year with clarity towards our goals with some goal setting tips and my word of the year: THRIVE.  When you are on social media this year posting about a win, a happy thought, or any kind of accomplishment, use the hashtag #WhenPOCThrive because we want to see people of color striving and thriving in their lives. Goal Setting Tips:  Write down your goals. Write it somewhere, preferably where you will see it often. Use the SMART Goals method so that it is easy to track your progress on your goals.  Tell people about it. You don't have to broadcast it to the world, but telling at least one person you trust about your goals will not only give you accountability, but it will make the achievement of your goals much sweeter to enjoy for not only you, but the person you told. They will be able to see where you started and really revel in how far you had come in accomplishing what you said you would do. Mentioned on this week's episode:  Episode 001: Why We Are Empowered in Color Episode 020 (I mistakenly said episode 019): Where I've Been & My Mental Health Journey Passion Planner Being Boss Chalkboard Method Podcast Movement: Evolutions (I'm speaking there!)  New Year, New Decade Summit (FREE virtual summit!) on January 13, 2020 Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Use the hashtag #EmpoweredinColor Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Today's episode features our very first husband/wife team and our first brick-and-mortar business. Meet Thomas and Jasmine, otherwise known as the Boba Duo! Their story talks about how they opened up their first brick-and-mortar store in Long Beach, CA, working together as a couple and as business partners, and doing all of this while being parents as well.  Where to find Loose Leaf Boba:  Instagram Website Mentioned on this week's episode:  University of the West Drill'd Ice Cream Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Use the hashtag #EmpoweredinColor Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

We have our first business partners on the show today, featuring Mai and Jen and how they became the North American distributors for international brand WingBra.  Their story talks about how self care in their personal lives intersected in self care in how the WingBra works as well. This episode isn't just for the ladies as I learned a lot about tips in finding a good business partner as well! Wingbra USA: http://wingbrausa.com Use code "KRISELLE15" for 15% off your purchase! Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Use the hashtag #EmpoweredinColor Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

I originally had a completely different idea for this episode, but decided that this would take precedence.  This podcast has become somewhat of an audio diary for me, and I think part of that include vulnerability and sharing where I am at in the here and now. Most people don't do this, but I think there is a big value in being honest about your current state in life.  My career as it stands today is in a phase of transition, and this episodes talks in depth about what led to that, what my plan is next, and how you can handle yourself if you find yourself in my situation.    Mentioned:  Girl Boss Community  Episode 020: My Mental Health Journey Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Use the hashtag #EmpoweredinColor Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

  I released the last episode back in January letting out all of my goals for the year... then I went on an unexpected hiatus.  I was dealing with the most difficult parts of my life so far, leading to depression, among other things. This episode, I share a bit about my mental health journey for most of this year.  *Trigger warning: there is mention of depression and suicidal ideation in this episode. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 Listen to the the first episode of the year: EIC 019: New Year, Better Me--2019 Goals Thanks for listening! Keep in touch: Share the show and tag us on Instagram: @empoweredincolor Use the hashtag #EmpoweredinColor Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Spotify. Leave a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people!

Happy New Year! Here's to bettering ourselves in 2019. The best way to do so is setting down some goals, which is what I'm talking about today. I share a few personal as well as professional goals for this brand/podcast, and I hope you start to think about your own goals for the year if you haven't already.    Also, my 2019 word of the year: TRUST. Listen for more info on why I chose this word for this year.    Episodes mentioned:  Episode 18: Thank u, Next--8 Lessons From 2018   Stay connected @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor

It's the last episode of the year! Of course, we're taking this week to talk through some lessons learned this year both in running this podcast and in my own personal life.   Content warning: there is brief mention of suicidal thoughts in this episode. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.   Mentioned:  EIC 002: Getting Funded on Kickstarter - Do's and Don'ts   Stay connected @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Have a safe and great holiday season, see you in 2019! Thank u 2018, next

With America's recent mid-term elections, it's one of the most prominent examples in the moment of how important diversity and inclusion are in raising equity for people of color.    This week's episode, I talk in-depth about how mentally and emotionally exhausting this work can be but also how rewarding it feels to be doing something so necessary and important for all of us.    Mentioned in this week's episode:  Episode 10 - Where Do White People Fit into Empowered in Color?   Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #empoweredincolor Join the Movement!

This week's episode features 2 firsts: our first non-profit and first in-person interview! In honor of (the late) Filipino American History Month, we have Christine, a city planner and the founder of the nonprofit, We Are Lightwork, on the podcast today.    We talk about her work as a city planner and how it correlates to her work in helping give back to those less fortunate in the greater Los Angeles area. If you are interested in helping out and getting involved, check out the website: https://wearelightwork.org/   Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Join the Movement!

As Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to a close, this week's episode features Santos of New Coach Launchpad, a business coach who helps other coaches start up their businesses while keeping her day job as the principal of an elementary school.    As part of her journey into entrepreneurship, Santos has had to deal with certain mentalities she grew up with and learned from her immigrant parents. Most of that dealt with money and the mindset her parents modeled growing up.    Mentioned on this week's episode:  New Coach Launchpad New Coach FB Group Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Join the Movement!

This week's episode is in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month! I'm sitting down with Pam of the podcast Cafe Con Pam, and we're talking about everything--from her business story to branding to mindfulness.  Pam does a little bit of everything. She runs a podcast that sits down with Latinx as well as people of color to talk about how they're changing the world, she's a documentary photographer, she's a brand strategist, and she also sells physical products that focus on mindfulness! She is the epitome of the word entrepreneur.  Mentioned in this week's episode:  Cafe Con Pam Podcast Snoozet Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Join the Movement!

Many people don't like talking about their struggles until after they've overcome them... and for good reason. However, I think there is still some value in sharing your struggles while going through them, as it provides some accountability for you to get out of it, and it also provides comfort to those who may need to hear that someone is dealing with similar issues, and they can follow along to see you break past that.   This week's episode, I share about some updates to Empowered in Color and Why You Should Start a Side Hustle.    Benefits of Side Hustles:  Provides extra financial security. It's empowering to have some control over your income and lifestyle. Teaches you time management and discipline. Can also teach you about networking or getting out of your shell if you are more reserved. Episodes Mentioned: Episode 1: Why EIC Exists Episode 3: Knowing Your Value with Mikli Episode 7: Checking In and Reflecting on APAHM Episode 12: Brand Partnerships and Blogging for Business Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Join the Movement!

In a past life, I was a blogger. I wasn't a big blogger, but I've received my fair share of brand partnerships, both free products/services and paid checks for my work.    How to work with brands even as a smaller blogger or influencer is a question that I still see and get asked a lot, so I thought I'd share some tips to help you towards success! It's hard work to be a content creator but if you love what you do, the rewards are worth it.    Mentioned on the episode:  EIC episode 1: Why EIC Exists and My Story EIC episode 3: Mikli's Story and Valuing Your Work InfluenceHer Collective, a Blogger Network   Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Join the Movement!

As people of color, due to the systems currently in place in society, we tend to have access to less resources, and that includes money.    This week's episode, I'm talking about what it takes to bootstrap your business and the classism I have encountered in the process. Yeah, it's really annoying.    Mentioned in the episode:  Libsyn - podcast hosting Smart Passive Income Podcast episode 326 EIC episode 2: Do's and Don'ts of Kickstarter EIC episode 3: Mikli's story EIC episode 10: Where White People Fit into EIC   Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Join the Movement!

In any space that is designated for a specific group, there are always people who ask, "What about me?"    This episode talks about just that, how white people/allies fit into a space that is designated for people of color. I use a lot of analogies to describe recognizing your presence in a space that is not specifically meant for you, equity vs. equality, and how privilege works and isn't necessarily a bad thing.    We are a community that uplifts people of color first, and we welcome allies who want to be part of this movement with open arms too.    Follow us on Instagram @empoweredincolor #EmpoweredinColor Join the movement!

Money makes the world go round... so we're talking about it in today's episode.    Addy is a business consultant and personal finance buff, and today we talk about ways that people with limited spare funds can still take ownership of their finances. She and I have slightly differing views on maximizing our money, so it makes for great conversation.    Follow her:  Creaction Co Maddy Money   Join the Movement and follow @empoweredincolor on Instagram and tell us how you are empowered with the #EmpoweredinColor hashtag!

What's the first step to becoming more productive? Your mindset.    Today we're talking with Kristin of Monetized Mama, a military wife and mother of two who helps busy mothers stay productive so that they can accomplish their goals.  I'll admit, I never used to see the importance in having a good mindset, but Kristin explains it in such an easy to understand way.  Check her out:  Monetized Mama   Join the movement with the #EmpoweredinColor hashtag!

Today's episode is a mixture of things. I reflect on Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, guests featured this month, and I also recommend a bunch more people and businesses that you can follow and support.  Mentioned:  Mo Explores Anjulie Te Pohe - Ruru Reads Mate Burger Heidi Nazarudin - The Ambitionista, Boss Box, Marque Media Pat Flynn - Smart Passive Income Hoda Katebi - Joojoo Azad Passion Planner Teachable Crowdcast Esme Wang Car Friend LA  AC Dumlao - Call Me They When I started the podcast, I said I wanted this to also be an audio diary to document my honest journey in running a podcast/brand/business on top of balancing a day job. Listen to the episode to hear what's up with me behind the scenes.  Join the movement with the #EmpoweredinColor hashtag!

Anjulie is a Māori writer from New Zealand living in Western Australia. She focuses on fantasy and fiction, and writes to include characters similar to herself in her work. Over the years, she's dealt with rejection and has had to fight to be seen when Asians dominate the narrative of "Asian Pacific Islanders."  Learn more about her story and keep in touch.  http://anjulietepohe.com http://rurureads.com Join the movement with the #EmpoweredinColor hashtag!