010 - Behind the Scenes with Rita Vega
Accelerate Access Episode 010 - Behind the Scenes with Rita Vega, 2019 Nyah Project Fellow
Welcome to the next episode of Accelerate Access: The Podcast! We share stories of how access to opportunity changes lives. Hosted by Nyah Project founder, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, the podcast provides an inside look into the transformational journeys of our Nyah Fellows as they navigate college, careers, and personal growth as young leaders in the community.
This week, Rita Vega, 2019 Nyah Fellow and University of Michigan graduate, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss visual storytelling to bridge gaps between diverse communities, her foundation story in Nicaragua, and early career struggles in the Big Apple. Also, find out why Rita focuses on the power of human connection and relationship building, and more!
“Questions lead to intimacy, and I think that if you don't ask, you won't know, you won't understand, and you'll just be oblivious to something that could have changed your life.” - Rita Vega
They discuss:
Building trust, improving BIPOC representation, and sharing stories of inspiration, inclusion, and culture through her photography and creative work
Treasuring the moment and being “in the flow”
Human beings vs doings
Reconciling identity from being raised by her extended family instead of her biological parents
Immigration, language barriers, and the importance of education
Leadership lessons from being class president at @saswhitetigers
Learning to love herself and honor her self-worth, especially when facing constant job rejections
Her transformative Nyah Project Fellowship experience in Bali, Indonesia, and coming back as a peer facilitator in Ghana
The impact that people such as Arturo Nunez, Marianna Lopez, Nicole Washington, and Dr. Marcus Collins, her professor and author of For the Culture, have had on her life
The need for career pathway transparency to help others navigate challenges, and more!
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Amazon Music
