012 - Deserving with Angelica Gonzalez

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!