Meet Dorina Lazo Gilmore-young

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dorina Lazo Gilmore-young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dorina, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Through the years, I’ve learned to take a posture of collaboration over competition. I can always learn from others and listening to their stories. I work to get to know others, their strengths, and think of ways that we can strengthen each other through collaboration.

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?

I am a multiracial author for kids and adults, a speaker, writing teacher, and host of the Global Glory Chasers podcast.

My family and I started the Global Glory Chasers membership to help people learn about cultures of the world even if they do not have the time or means to travel. www.DorinaGilmore.com/ggc

My two most recent kids books include, Kailani’s Gift and Chasing God’s Glory, published by Waterbrook Multnomah Kids/Penguin Random House.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Creative Communication – We live in a time with many opportunities to create and communicate with immediate publishing online. Maintain a posture of learning. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember your story and perspective matters.
2. Leadership – Leadership is being intentional with our influence. Think about your circles of influence and how you can serve and encourage the people in those spheres.
3. Activator – I like to strategize, but I don’t waste time thinking about all the worst-case scenarios. When I feel called to do something, I step out in faith.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents taught me that being mixed-race was not something to be ashamed of, but more of a superpower. I can celebrate my heritage and stay curious about others and their cultural stories too. This allows me to be a bridge and a catalyst when I am in a group. This impacts my writing, teaching, and even the way I’m raising my daughters.

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Image Credits

Allison Vasquez

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