012 - Deserving with Angelica Gonzalez
Accelerate Access Episode 012 - Deserving with Angelica Gonzalez, 2016 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’s guest is Angelica “Angie” Gonzalez, a 2016 Nyah Fellow pursuing her master’s degree at John Hopkins University. Angie 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!
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Amazon Music
