We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raél Ba a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Raél, 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.
Once I realized your purpose is something you already have in you, it became an obvious discovery. I’ve found that a purpose is when one utilizes the gifts that have always come naturally to them in a way that provides a value and service to the world. And for me, that would be crafting my knowledge of story, entertainment and the ways humans learn into work that educates and inspires others to make a change. The moment I made this discovery, was when I figured out that what I loved doing made others feel good too.
It started at the end of 5th grade, with my mom’s decision of where to send me to middle school. Despite us being homeless at the time, my mom wanted me to go to the best free schools the city had to offer. These were often what was called the magnet schools. However, there was a catch. Not just anyone could attend these kinds of schools. As a 10 years old, you’d have to pass an audition or written test for a specific talent, trade or skill referred to as your “magnet, in order to be accepted. Instead of my mom forcing me like a lot of would, into a foreign language, business or science magnet, you know something practical – she looked at what came naturally to me as a child; performing. Often times what we love doing the most stemmed within our childhood. I went on be accepted into the best magnet school theater arts program in the state. Performing as the lead in 4 school assembly plays, hosting our school community charity gala and MC’ing our 8th grade graduation are just a few of the ways that my art was able to contribute to the joy of these milestone memories for others.
I have been expanding and growing in my passion ever since. But turning this passion for stories into helping other children, businesses and audiences learn and grow on an national scale, reaffirmed my commitment to this purpose. Asking yourself the question of “what do I enjoy doing that can help others?”, no matter how young or old you are, is what I believe is the starting point to how one finds their purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Professionally, my focus is at the intersection of Entertainment and Education. I am a working actress in Los Angeles and a development specialist for businesses and school districts. What makes my work special is that while it’s rooted in storytelling, it’s value supports social advocacy, philanthropy and inspiration.
For my recent work as an actress I had the honor of being the lead actress in the 2022 Hulu film “The Gentle Giant” highlighting the life of George Floyd through his baby sister – Bridgett’s- eyes. I worked both in front of camera and in the production development process of the Oscar winning biopic “King Richard” based on the life of the late father of Venus and Serena Williams. This led me to my next corporate production experience as Executive Guest Relations Coordinator for the renowned Annapolis Film Festival. I can also be seen driving the storytelling in TV commercials for Burger King, Uber Eats and T-Mobile just to name a few. My work as a performer breathes life into the personality of a script or brand, ensuring their story is genuine, down to earth and relatable.
As an educator I focus on reshaping the stories students tell themselves, regardless of the subject. I’ve had the honor of working with children K-12 both inside and out of the classroom. I’ve also worked at the college level with UCLA, University of San Diego and Charles Drew Medical University students developing curriculums and strategies to progress their interpersonal, language and literacy skills.
By fall of 2025, you can catch me reoccurring as Karla in the AMC & ALLBLK thriller original “Wild Rose” starring Omarion.
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?
I’d give the most credit to community, imagination and taking risks for where I am today in my journey. Surrounding myself with a community of likeminded friends and extended family opened doors and provided the support I needed on those days when things felt too hard to bear. Imagining what you want your finished project to look like or the type of career you want to live is crucial to making it happen. And once you do, its all about taking that risk and going for it.
My advice to people entering the entertainment industry would be to follow your gut. Make friends in the spaces you are passionate about. Surround yourself with positive people who lead their life with love. Dream big and never let your environment or circumstances limit you because all of that can change overnight.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My mom was my hero. She gave me the freedom to discover myself through self-expression while also putting a huge demand on education. My mom allowed me at a young age to express myself through my over the top creativity, she validated my innovative ideas even when they were ridiculous, and she put me in extra curricular activities that allowed me to go beyond my comfort zone to try new things. There was a strictness of grades but this constraint taught me an important life lesson about pressure and discipline. I found ways to enjoy learning in school if I had to do it anyway. My learning skills has benefitted me in every area of my life since. So, for this I owe all my success to my mom. My mom has since passed on but her lessons will continue to have a Bold impact on my journey forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raelba.com
- Instagram: @raelba_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raelba/
Image Credits
Photographer: Serin Matous – @sermports
Production Credits: Athens Park Media | RGA By Design / AD Council | RFE Entertainment
Contact Info –
Website: www.raelba.com
Instagram: @raelba_
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