We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diana Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diana below.
Diana , 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.
I recently stumbled upon this quote by Mark Twain: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Discovering my ‘why’ hasn’t been the easiest of journeys. It’s been arduous and lengthy, filled with pain and challenges that often tempted me to give up. In the past, I avoided dwelling on my past, overwhelmed by feelings of shame and guilt. However, when I set out on a journey of healing, I’ve come to realize the necessity of my past experiences. I’ve learned to embrace them, understanding that they were essential steps on the path to self-discovery.
One of the greatest challenges in finding one’s purpose is recognizing that every trial we face serves as a lesson, laying the groundwork for our eventual fulfillment, provided we refuse to succumb to negative head talk. I’ve experienced countless moments where I felt stuck, sometimes for years, before beginning to heal. Now, I’m filled with excitement as I share that amidst my struggles, one of the most rewarding outcomes has been the birth of The Medusa Project, Inc. It stands as a testament to the resilience born from adversity and the transformative power of self-love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
The Medusa Project is an innovative non-profit whose main focus is to aid in stopping human trafficking through empowerment and education, as well as advocating for justice and healing of victims/survivors. A significant aspect of our nonprofit’s mission involves assembling a team of advocates proficient in handling trauma, specifically catering to children, adolescents, and adults who have endured violence.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in several podcasts, including “Let’s Chat About It!” and “Embodied Divinity,” where I shared my personal journey through trauma and its impact on my mental and physical well-being. This journey ultimately inspired me to establish a non-profit focused on empowerment and fostering connections rooted in trauma competency.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-love and granting myself grace. Acquiring these skills, which I consider a true gift, has enabled me to become a reliable source of support and provide a safe environment for those affected by violent crimes. Being able to sit with individuals during moments of extreme vulnerability and establish a genuine connection. not only fosters trust, but also plays a crucial role in facilitating their journey towards healing.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I wish I had made different choices. Through all the challenges, what remains with me is realizing my true strength. There were times when I didn’t feel powerful, often making decisions out of fear—fear of the unknown, fear of judgment, fear of not overcoming difficulties. However, I’ve learned that dwelling on fear only drains energy. Even in the face of fear, choosing myself always landed me in a position to thrive.
I found that the most impactful lesson I learned in my healing journey was being able to be kinder to myself and finding ways to self-love. This has been especially key when forming a nonprofit aimed at empowering and advocating for those affected by violence.
Experiencing and overcoming personal trauma has helped me recognize how it manifests in others. Though our experiences are unique, the overall journey of healing is universal.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
You know when I get this question it reminds me of when Snoop Doggsaid “I want to thank me for believing in me, I want to thank me for doing all this hard work. I wanna thank me for having no days off. I wanna thank me for never quitting. . . .” While his speech does resonate with me, I acknowledge that I couldn’t have achieved this alone. My journey has been supported by healers, who have become my soul tribe and the incredible female warriors who continue to stand beside me while I make my dreams into reality. Whether they’re the women who have helped develop my vision, or serve on The Medusa Project’s board of directors, the healthcare professionals, professors, and social justice warriors I’ve connected with through groups like “Mujeres Caminando,” or my unwavering circle of sisterhood, their belief in me and never-ending support has been invaluable. Bonds like these can only come when you finally choose yourself and embark down a path of healing and self-discovery.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themedusaproject.net
- Instagram: the_medusa_project_2022
- Facebook: the_medusa_project_2022
- Youtube: the_medusa_project_2022
- Other: Let’s Chat About It! Podcast – https://youtu.be/SpvfSYoBZ_k?si=aAMe3BIjr3RcliZy
Embodied Divinity Podcast: “Illuminating the Shadows – The Medusa Project and Collective Healing” https://youtu.be/xfvbiDXtG7s?si=wajg8R96wQazk696
