Meet Sunkin Duarte

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sunkin Duarte a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sunkin, 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.

As a first-generation Latina college graduate, I grew up navigating the complexities of identity, responsibility, and ambition. My journey toward purpose didn’t follow a straight path—it unfolded through resilience, reflection, and radical alignment.

While earning three degrees and interning with global organizations, I pursued achievement as a means of security and pride for my family. I climbed quickly—working in international development and humanitarian assistance and landing what I once thought was my dream job in D.C. But even in prestigious roles, something felt off. Burnout and misalignment led me to a pivotal decision: to leave the path I had worked so hard to build.

In that uncertain space, I chose to heal. Yoga, Ayurveda, journaling, and spiritual study became tools for self-discovery. I joined a Latina coaching program that challenged me to rewrite my inner narrative and own my power.

That clarity led me to pivot into local government and racial equity work, where I could be of service in tangible, community-rooted ways. At the same time, I continued mentoring Latinas, teaching yoga, and speaking on panels—living out my purpose at the intersection of wellness, culture, and leadership.

Today, I show up as a wellness content creator, speaker, and advocate who honors both her heritage and her healing. My photos tell that story—from college campuses to Latina conferences, yoga spaces to professional rooms. Each chapter reflects a woman who chose wholeness over hustle—and found her purpose by coming home to herself.

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’m a content creator, community advocate, and public administration professional focused on equity and opportunity for underserved communities. My work spans across local government, where I support racial equity and community development initiatives, and outside of work, where I mentor first-generation and Latina students navigating academic and professional spaces.

What excites me most about what I do is creating visibility and representation—whether through storytelling, speaking engagements, or sharing content that empowers others to see themselves as leaders. As a first-generation Latina with three degrees and experience in both global and local spheres, I use my voice to bridge the gaps I once faced growing up.

Through my platform, I create content that highlights culture, career journeys, personal growth, and the realities of navigating life as a high-achieving woman of color. I’m currently expanding my presence through panels, coaching programs, and public speaking opportunities that allow me to reach and uplift more first-gen professionals.

Ultimately, my brand is rooted in service, authenticity, and advocacy—because I believe that when we share our stories, we help others find their own path forward.

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

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were: resilience, self-awareness, and communication.

Resilience helped me push through moments when resources, support, or clarity were limited. As a first-gen student and professional, I encountered challenges that required me to advocate for myself, navigate new systems, and stay grounded in my “why.” For those early in their journey, I encourage you to treat setbacks as information, not definitions. Your ability to bounce back and stay committed will carry you far.

Self-awareness became a game-changer once I realized that achievement alone wouldn’t bring fulfillment. Through reflection, mentorship, and even burnout, I learned to tune into what I needed—not just what was expected of me. I recommend building this by journaling, seeking feedback, and learning to pause before saying yes to every opportunity. Alignment matters just as much as ambition.

Lastly, communication—written, verbal, and visual—has allowed me to build bridges, tell my story, and open doors for others. Whether I’m mentoring students, creating content, or leading equity initiatives in local government, the ability to connect and share ideas with clarity has made all the difference. For those just starting out, practice speaking up in small ways. Your voice is powerful, and with practice, it will inspire others.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played a deeply meaningful role in my development is The Bhagavad Gita. Although it’s an ancient spiritual text, its teachings are incredibly relevant to modern life—especially for those navigating purpose, leadership, and inner conflict.

One of the most impactful lessons for me is the emphasis on selfless action—doing your duty without attachment to the outcome. As someone who spent years chasing external validation and achievement, this teaching reminded me that real fulfillment comes from aligning with purpose and showing up with integrity, regardless of recognition.

Another profound takeaway is the idea that inner peace is found through detachment, discipline, and devotion to something greater than yourself. That grounded me during transitions when I stepped away from prestigious roles and began redefining success on my own terms. It taught me that clarity doesn’t always come from the outside world—it comes from within.

The Bhagavad Gita continues to serve as a compass—helping me lead with intention, act from a place of balance, and trust that I am where I need to be, even in moments of uncertainty.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sunkinyoga
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunkin-duarte-mpa-aa9797a6/