We recently connected with Raisa Carmen Andeme Ela and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Raisa Carmen, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
It is imperative to always keep present the reality that we were once helpless newborns, we grew, we are developing into the highest expression of our existence, and we will one day die. Evolving into the greatest vibration of my spirit, soul and body is what motivates me every morning. Various generations have existed before this present one, yet specific names remain relevant and will continue resonating. I want to be one of those; I want my name to be known and remembered for good. I aspire to serve my generation, a responsibility that requires a level of selflessness, but I welcome it wholeheartedly because to live without impacting your generation is a waste of life.
Knowing very well what my goal in life is, which is to impact my generation, my daily thoughts, actions and words revolve around my goal. To the Glory of GOD I have achieved really admirable things in this life. What those achievements and the processes to attain them taught me, is that you always need people in your life. People that will help you get to a specific destination. These people can come in the form of parents, siblings, relatives, partner, children, professors, mentors, friends, colleagues, and sometimes complete strangers you need to learn to treat. With these diverse pool of helpers, inevitably you must relate to people that do not look like you on a physical level, but often you share a deep emotional or intellectual connection. That’s exactly how I felt when I made the decision to migrate to the United States of America, and I still feel the same way. It was a “strange land” that offered me everything I was longing for in order to evolve into the greatest expression of my being; peace, tranquility, freedom, and a fertile atmosphere where I can express my gifts and talents openly and perfectly and I am sure to yield fruits.
My first advice on how to be successful in USA as an immigrant, African woman, as a matter of fact, in any room where everyone looks physically different from you, is to have a good character; that is be authentic, be positive, be accommodating, be honest, be open to exploring a new culture, keep your eyes focused on the goal, and be resilient. Nobody is immune to love. Once you are determined to get to know these people, you will discover you share great affinities with a few of them, intellectually, socially and emotionally. These people constitute your tribe; love them, protect them and let them know you are grateful and value their presence in your life. Once you have these people that constitute your ‘safe environment’, you can stretch your wings and soar. Importantly, looking physically different from everyone else, means you will command unnecessary attention, and for that you should always strive to excel.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a dynamic woman, and I believe every woman should strive to be one. I wear many hats, including being a chemical engineer and a scientist. In this sphere, I am passionate about renewable energy and green chemicals. In a nutshell, deriving everything we are currently producing from fossil fuels from plants. That is my research. Investigating the most effective and economical ways of transforming second-generation (lignicellulosic / non-edible) plants into fuels, chemicals and materials. I am very hopeful about bringing many of my ideas to fruition to the benefit of humanity. I encourage all the readers to keep an eye on scientific journals for what is to come.
On the other hand, I am also an educator and a motivational speaker. I said earlier in the interview that aspiring to become a global icon requires some level of selflessness, and that selflessness is born from love. Whether it is as an instructor to my students or to my audience on my social media platforms, I always fill everything I do with love. Nobody interacts with me and remains the same. I always make sure to give them something authentic, a piece of me filled with so much love and dedication. That is one way in which I impact my world, one person at a time.
Lastly, I am an entrepreneur at a very incipient stage. I am excited to see how far I will go with my company, RAI STARALLA™️, combing the two things I am most passionate about, science and humanity.
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?
The first one is to develop, at every stage, to the fullest your inherent abilities, and talents. I am all about impact, and excellence, so I advice everyone on the same path, to be prepared to work smart but also very hard. Secondly, it is important to get mentors, people ahead of you who have succeeded at what you are attempting. Your mentors will guide you, correct you, and lead you to success. Of course you have to be determined, obedient, respectful and many times take the initiative. Lastly, I feel this area is not considered much when taking about key requirements for success, but experience has thought me that it is crucial; this is, emotional intelligence. I would like anyone reading this that their emotions are valid, at every single point. Therapy is healthy, seek help when you need it. Do all you can to always be emotionally stable.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My father, Pedro Ela Nguema Buna, whom I love with my whole being is, after my child, and her father, the most important person in my life. I am who I am today because of him. He raised me with love, dedication, and devotion. He always led by example, advised me and my siblings with love, vision and wisdom. He always supported me academically and made huge sacrifices to finance my education and my expenses with and without the help of scholarships and fellowships.
My mother, Juana Magdalena Obono Sima Oyana, my step-mother, Esther Fumilayo Badamasi Meacope, and my godmother, Guadalupe Andeme Sima Oyana, did for me what mothers should do for their daughters. I owe them my life, the woman I am today, my confidence, how smart I am at life, and also my character. Many people have said to admire my integrity, honesty and politeness; I believe GOD put these women in my life to help me develop these values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raisaelaphd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raistaralla/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raisa-carmen-andeme-ela-ph-d-1bb6851b8?trk=organization_guest_main-feed-card_feed-actor-image
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/raisa_ela
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCTJ01DflueZ_dm7LJpYZ3eQ
