Meet Gabriela Avila

We recently connected with Gabriela Avila and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriela, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

When I was young, I definitely felt it when I was the “only one in the room.” I could sense the gap, whether it was in how I looked or from where I came.  Looking different, or even having different experiences than others in the room, has been with me since I was young. I was always aware. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood but coming from a Mexican family, as well as not having the same opportunities as friends did at the time, really challenged me to be creative with how I connect to others. This might be in how I connect with my audience now, even if they do not share in the same struggles or stories.
My family history is rich with unique experiences due to our culture. Hearing those stories from my father about coming from Mexico and then working as a child in the fields of California always inspired me to appreciate the work and dedication our family held. Those differences to others can connect us. I have a lot of trust in myself and want to listen to what my audience needs or seeks. Whether it’s a topic they feel needs more address in the world of mental health or if they’re feeling a gap between my visual stories and pages of art, I seek to bridge that for them and with them.

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?
I am currently working to add trauma-informed licensing to my therapist license. I have been fortunate to be a part of a group of passionate clinicians who engage in mental health research. I enjoy participating in science-based research as we work towards making mental health more accessible.

As for my art, I recently launched my lifestyle brand, Mad Prophet. It’s a little bit nerdy and a little bit edgy. Two parts of me I tap into for creative work. You can find my designs in prints, posters, and streetwear.

Both lines of work are important to me, and I hope I’m creating something that others can feel connected by.

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?
Early on, I realized I valued grit in people. I saw it in my dad growing up and I came to appreciate people who not only knew how to be disciplined and motivated for the things they wanted to accomplish but knew how to bounce back when things didn’t quite go as planned. Other skills include being strategic with your moves and knowing when to change gears. It’s important to have a sense of awareness for yourself and what you’re putting out there. A way to develop that early on is by being willing to be vulnerable when sharing your work and keeping an eye out for alternative options on how to handle things when you don’t hit your goals. If you can learn to navigate disappointments gracefully, you will be able to build a path that leads you to your success.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I try to pay attention to the “alert” I might get before I’m fully overwhelmed. If I sense that, I give myself permission to decompress and rest. This might look different to each person. For me, it requires good food, a cozy space, music, and maybe a video game or book. Getting my mind onto something else for a while can help it from going into overdrive.

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Image Credits
Carolina Hooks

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