We recently connected with Anagha Kolanu and have shared our conversation below.
Anagha , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
“What am I doing when I feel the most alive?” is the first question I asked myself when I had to figure out my purpose in this life. There are a lot of things that make me feel alive in this world, like sunsets, flowers, and the earth in general, but what really gives me the ability to feel alive and make the world a better place is through advocacy work. As someone who is very passionate about the planet and how much beauty is found in the world, it haunts me to know that the health of the planet we live in is getting worse day by day. I’m scared that the once healthy environment I grew up in won’t be the same for my children or future generations. The excessive carbon emissions are choking our atmosphere, wildfires rage across lands we once called home, and wars continue to tear countries apart. Nowhere is this devastation more apparent than in Palestine, where innocent lives are being lost every day in a relentless genocide fueled by greed, power, and control. Entire families are being wiped out, homes reduced to rubble, and generations traumatized. What’s even more horrifying is knowing that our own tax dollars fund this violence, enabling destruction and mass death. The cries of those in Gaza and the occupied territories echo a global failure to uphold humanity. This isn’t just a political issue; it’s a human one. Advocacy is how I channel my grief, anger, and hope into action—because silence only allows injustice to persist.
The same passion that drives my concern for Palestine and the planet extends to other communities facing injustice and exclusion. Transgender individuals, along with many others in the LGBTQ+ community and children with special needs, face some incredibly tough challenges in a world that isn’t always accepting. Trans people often deal with stigma, violence, and rejection, which makes their journey toward self-acceptance and equality so much harder. Many are denied basic rights like access to healthcare or even recognition of their gender identity, and the emotional toll of this discrimination can lead to mental health struggles. The LGBTQ+ community as a whole faces similar issues, whether it’s discrimination at work, in schools, or in everyday life, where love and identity are too often judged instead of accepted. Children with special needs face their own battles, from isolation and bullying to not getting the support they need in education and healthcare. These groups often have to fight for their rights and dignity in a world that doesn’t always understand them. It’s up to all of us to create more inclusive spaces, advocate for their rights, and show up with love and support so they can be seen, heard, and treated with the respect they deserve.
Advocating for what you believe in can be intimidating, especially when you’re labeled as “too much”, “controversial,” or my personal favorite, “crazy.” I’ve lost numerous people for standing up for what I believe in and for speaking my truth, but every loss has only made me stronger. I’ve learned that real change often comes with sacrifice, and sometimes that means challenging the status quo. Not everyone is ready to hear the truth, and I’ve accepted that. But I’m not afraid to stand alone or be misunderstood, because I know that living authentically is the only way forward. By embracing my truth, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Every setback only fuels my determination to help people find their voice and step into their own power. I truly believe that there is immense power in speaking up and driving change. Many of history’s greatest leaders were once ridiculed for their activism, only to be remembered as heroes because they dared to create the change they wished to see. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. faced intense opposition, ridicule, and violence throughout the Civil Rights Movement for his peaceful protests and calls for equality. At the time, many labeled him as radical or dangerous, but he is now remembered as one of the most influential leaders in American history for his role in advancing civil rights. Harriett Tubman was ridiculed for her efforts to lead enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She risked her life repeatedly and was seen as an outlaw. Today, she is hailed as a courageous hero who helped hundreds escape slavery. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and vilified by the South African government and many around the world. His efforts to end apartheid were often met with fierce resistance, but he is now revered globally as a symbol of peace, justice, and resilience.
As someone who is neurodivergent and deeply committed to justice, I aspire to follow in their footsteps by leading protests, uniting communities, and building a world where inclusivity and equity thrive. As a future physician, I aim to transform human policy by advocating for equitable healthcare access, addressing disparities in underserved communities, and championing women’s rights through reproductive health, gender equity in medical care, and policies that empower individuals to reclaim their well-being. As an influencer, I recognize the power of my platform and am dedicated to inspiring others—both influencers and followers alike—to engage with and speak out on human rights issues. I believe that true change begins with education and collective action, and I am committed to using my voice to spark those conversations. It is in the fight for justice, for the earth, and for humanity that I find my greatest purpose. With unwavering passion, I will continue to advocate, educate, and lead, knowing that every step I take brings us closer to a more compassionate and just world.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Right now, I focus on creating content about mental health and personal growth because I know how hard it can be to struggle in silence. Living with both ADHD and depression has taught me just how real those challenges are and how isolating the stigma can feel. I’ve made it my mission to break that stigma and build a space where people feel seen and supported. I love sharing tips for managing ADHD and creating posts that empower anyone dealing with mental health struggles. What means the most to me is hearing how a story I’ve shared or a mindset shift I’ve suggested has genuinely helped someone. I want people to know that they’re not alone and that they have the power to rewrite their story. I’ve been there myself—feeling unheard, stuck, and like things might never get better—but I also know how transformative it is to find connection and self-healing. That’s why I want to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves, work through their limiting beliefs, and create a life they’re proud of. Mental health isn’t just a personal journey—it’s something we all share, and together, we can make it easier to talk about and prioritize.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience is the key to personal growth and building something meaningful. It’s about believing in yourself when no one else does. It’s about showing up for yourself every single day, even when life feels like it’s constantly knocking you down. And most importantly, it’s about holding onto the belief that you can create positive change in the world. We live in a society where so many people are afraid to be themselves because they don’t want to be judged. There’s this “status quo” that holds people back from reaching their full potential. But when you’re resilient, you stop needing validation from others. You know what you’re capable of, and you learn to tune out the noise from people who don’t understand your vision. For me, building resilience has been the biggest part of my journey. There were so many moments when I wanted to give up—more times than I can count. But I had a dream, and deep down, I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t keep trying. When things felt overwhelming, I learned to take breaks. You can’t chase your goals if your mental health isn’t in a good place. I started breaking big tasks into smaller ones that I could handle throughout the day or week, which helped me stay on track without feeling completely drained. Resilience doesn’t mean you never feel like giving up—it just means you find a way to keep going anyway. That’s how you turn setbacks into stepping stones and dreams into reality.
Individuality is everything when it comes to creating a personal brand. When I first started my journey, I struggled to show my true self. Thoughts like, “Who would even listen to me? Why would anyone care what I have to say?” ran through my mind constantly. These fears followed me as I began posting, and, like many new influencers, I made the mistake of copying what others were doing. I mimicked the style of influencers I admired, posting like them and trying to match their vibe. But even as my follower count grew, something felt off. I was constantly drained, disconnected, and unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I stopped caring about what others thought and started embracing my authenticity that things began to change. I shifted my focus to creating content that made me happy, not what I thought others wanted to see. That’s when I felt my energy return, and for the first time, I felt truly aligned with my purpose. The most empowering gift individuality gives you is the realization that no one else is like you. Your unique personality, interests, and talents are your superpower. Trying to fit into someone else’s mold will only hold you back—it’s been done before. Why not create something entirely your own? Why not lean into your individuality and build a brand that’s unapologetically you? I believe that everything you need to succeed already lies within you. There’s no need to look outside yourself—your power is inside, waiting to be unlocked.
Lastly, my hyper-empathy is a quality that fuels my ability to advocate for others. Growing up, I often saw it as a burden. I would feel the emotions of others more vividly than my own, leaving me to question: Why do I absorb the energy around me so deeply? Why must I feel every emotion with such intensity—even for people I don’t know? But as I’ve matured, I’ve come to see this sensitivity as one of my greatest superpowers. The ability to feel deeply is a profound gift. To carry the weight of pain caused by wars and genocide in my chest is a gift—it reminds me of my humanity. To shed tears for the suffering of others and feel paralyzed by their struggles is a gift—it compels me to act. To feel a wave of sorrow when a patient shares their story of a condition they cannot recover from is a gift—it allows me to connect with them on a level that words alone cannot. This hyper-empathy enables me to step into the shoes of others and experience life through their perspective. It gives me the courage to speak up for those whose voices often go unheard and the determination to ensure that their pain is acknowledged. What I once saw as a curse is now the driving force behind my passion to create change and stand as an advocate for others.
Lastly, my hyper-empathy is a quality that fuels my ability to advocate for others. Growing up, I often saw it as a burden. I would feel the emotions of others more vividly than my own, leaving me to question: Why do I absorb the energy around me so deeply? Why must I feel every emotion with such intensity—even for people I don’t know? But as I’ve matured, I’ve come to see this sensitivity as one of my greatest superpowers. The ability to feel deeply is a profound gift. To carry the weight of pain caused by wars and genocide in my chest is a gift—it reminds me of my humanity. To shed tears for the suffering of others and feel paralyzed by their struggles is a gift—it compels me to act. To feel a wave of sorrow when a patient shares their story of a condition they cannot recover from is a gift—it allows me to connect with them on a level that words alone cannot. This hyper-empathy enables me to step into the shoes of others and experience life through their perspective. It gives me the courage to speak up for those whose voices often go unheard and the determination to ensure that their pain is acknowledged. What I once saw as a curse is now the driving force behind my passion to create change and stand as an advocate for others.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has been learning how to use my voice to stand up for myself. At the start of 2023, I found myself relying on others to defend me and validate my feelings. I would plead with people to understand my perspective and often felt crushed if they didn’t. This constant need for external validation left me feeling powerless and exhausted. As 2024 began, I reached a breaking point. I was tired of allowing others to walk all over me and dictate my worth. I woke up one day and decided: enough is enough. I realized that by setting boundaries and using my voice, I could reshape the way people treated me and, more importantly, how I treated myself. One thought stuck with me during this transformation: “How can I advocate for others if I can’t even advocate for myself?” I had no problem speaking out about global issues or standing up for causes I believed in on platforms like Instagram. Yet, when it came to my own needs, I was silent. This disconnect made me question whether I truly valued or respected myself. How could I expect others to honor my boundaries if I wasn’t willing to enforce them myself? This realization was a turning point. I knew that if I wanted to lead others or inspire change, I had to first build strength and confidence within myself. Learning to advocate for my own needs wasn’t just about self-respect—it was about aligning my values with my actions and showing up authentically in every aspect of my life.
This personal growth has profoundly deepened my passion for advocacy and speaking up for others who cannot speak for themselves. Learning to stand up for my own needs has shown me the power of using my voice and the impact it can have. I know how it feels to be unheard, and I don’t want anyone else to experience that same helplessness. This realization has driven me to become the person who speaks up, not just for myself, but for those who feel silenced or overlooked. I want to inspire change by showing others that their voices matter and that someone is willing to fight for them until they find the strength to fight for themselves. Advocacy, to me, is about creating a ripple effect—using my voice to spark courage in others, so together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.
We are living in an age where technology is at our fingertips, and social media is easily accessible to people of all ages. This incredible reach provides an unprecedented opportunity to amplify voices and spark conversations that matter. By using my voice and inspiring others to do the same, I hope to create a ripple effect—a trend where speaking up becomes second nature for everyone. Whether it’s advocating for themselves or standing in solidarity with other groups, this collective action has the power to drive meaningful change. Social media has the potential to connect and empower, and I want to be a part of a movement that encourages people to use these tools to make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaghha.kolll/?hl=en
- Other: Linktree for human rights resources:
https://linktr.ee/annaghha.kolll?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabUw-WEyzqIySJm1NqPLbiMUzB91yE-JeKmf-_LnFTigyYvJqC-46H2HnU_aem_wYR2dDOzzPE7DcHN5GS38A
Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@anaghakolanuuuuu?_t=ZT-8rhlWKIcOSM&_r=1
Image Credits
The photographer’s instagram is @munchierishi
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
