Meet Zuleyka Ayala

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zuleyka Ayala. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zuleyka below.

Hi Zuleyka, 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?

Being BOLD, cliche I know. I’ve learned to stay true to who I am and to show up even when my fear creeps up on me. Over the years, I have learned to be in front of the camera. For so long, I would be behind the scene and praise those in front of the lens not realizing that I was dimming my own light. Not until I realize that I am the brand entering the workplace. That the employer is in need of my expertise and what I bring to the table. Cause’ if they didn’t, they wouldn’t have reached out. I’ve also learned to make space for others after me. Remembering the honor and privilege in empowering like-minded individuals. Coming from a hard-working family, I discovered ways to embellish that value to fit my current lifestyle. As a child, I would see my mother travel from the South Bronx to a factory in Queens, NY for the late shift (3-11pm) and every time she left I noticed the BOLDNESS in HER look; red lipstick, jewelry, Red Door perfume, business casual attire, and some bombass heels. Clearly, my mother would change into factory work attire in a male dominant workplace BUT made it her business to walk out of the factory the same way she walked in. It wasn’t to catch attention but to showcase her ability to be a proud woman who has proven herself in the workplace. She’s my why(?) My reason to be authentically me in any work environment.

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 a proud first-generation Latina Social Worker from the South Bronx, committed to serving individuals and families across NYC, with a focus on the South Bronx and East Harlem. I am currently a School Social Worker for a non-profit – Charter school that serves K-12 and a Bilingual Mental Health Therapist, who draws on my own lived experiences to provide culturally responsive support and advocacy.

I am the founder of AtréveteNow (Blog & Podcast), an initiative dedicated to empowering the community, a place where you can be your authentic self and connect with me. I believe in the power of storytelling through writing and speaking as a form of representation within the community and culture. AtrévetNow aim is to inspire and uplift all who come across the platform and create a space for open and honest dialogue.

I am pleased to announce that I am a contributing author of two upcoming books: Today’s Inspired Young Latina Vol 5 (launching September 12th, 2024) and Latinx/e in Social Work Volume III (launching December 5th, 2024).

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

Motherhood. Ambition. Joy.

Parenting is never going to be easy. There is no handbook to teach us how to be parents. As long as we are open to learning from our child(ren) and teaching them we will develop the skills that will support us in our daily lives. As a single mother I have learned the importance of patience, learning, joy, and being consistent. These subskills have heightened my qualities in the social work field.

Ambition is the go-getter mentality. I refuse to wait and see my success unfold through the lens of another. I want to create the table, add to the table, and be the one to remind the generations to come the value in ambition. I am always trying to develop my professional skills, increase my endurance while being determined in being responsive to productive feedback.

Joy, the simplest form of happiness. I am a true believer that smiling is contagious and your energy can command a space without words. I enjoy bringing the Latina vibes with that bold behavior in the mix of things. It’s a reminder, that I can be joyful, find peace in the work that I do, and remember, to match the energy I want to attract.

My advice for folks who are early in their journey is to remember your why!? The reason behind your decision in being in the space you’ve chosen. Understanding that not everyone will like your why but if you do, than make peace with the opportunities that can come from it.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

*Chuckles* my son, Eli. At 21 yrs old I became pregnant with him not realizing how difficult things would turn out to be. Not because I was his mother but because I was young and unaware of what my next path would be. He taught me the value of love, patience, kindness, dedication, commitment, and to never give up. He may not know it but he has helped me through some tough heartbreaks, traumatic experiences, and overall, a reminder to let my inner child FREE!

Why would I choose my son? Well, for awhile I had resentment towards the opposite gender due to my own lived experiences with sexual assault and abuse. I couldn’t imagine raising a baby birthed biologically male. During my early stages of motherhood, I developed the skills to heal from my inner child wounds and to face my past experiences. I’ve learned to believe in the good of all human beings, the potential in making change agents, and the ability to increase my awareness. Unknowingly, Eli was the driving force I needed to be the Social Worker that I am today. Thank you papi; mommy loves you today and always.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Jellyb_unspoken | @atrevetenow
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ayalaz08

Image Credits

self
son (Eli)
Viv