We were lucky to catch up with Aja Nikiya Estro recently and have shared our conversation below.
Aja Nikiya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
If there is one thing I have been sure of my entire life, it has been my purpose. Since I was a young child I have always had a love and appreciation for nature and animals. From there my love grew to disadvantaged, marginalized communities. Suffering has always affected me immensely and I will do what I can to put an end to it. No being should suffer, especially at the hands of humans. I know my purpose is to bring as much compassion as I can into the world and end the suffering of as many beings as possible.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Compassion Kind is my main focus. We are a 501c3 working to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. We are dedicated to promoting a more conscious culture through compassionate actions to end the suffering of all beings. We want to create a paradigm shift that elevates human consciousness and strengthens the human-animal bond. People helping animals and animals helping people. We do this through animal rescue, global advocacy, disaster relief and vulnerable community projects. We believe compassion is a catalyst for change and the way forward.
I am also completing my doctorate currently with a focus on Relational Cultural Theory and Ecology. I want to bring people back to nature. Reconnect us with our roots. Help us understand how intertwined we are, how complex and delicate our ecosystems are and how these environmental changes affect us all. I am working on my first book which I hope will inspire hope and a way forward.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of the greatest skills I have ever learned is to listen. It may seem like an easy thing to do but in fact it is one of the hardest. To truly listen, understand, reflect and sit in silence before responding is something that has helped me tremendously in my work. I believe dignity is one of the greatest qualities to give and receive. No matter how high up you are in your organization, you should always grant dignity to those around you. Without dignity, no one can excel. Feeling seen, heard and respected is one of the greatest gifts. Lastly, finding your passion and doing whatever you need to fulfill it. Working an 8-5 until retirement doing something you dislike is soul crushing. Don’t be afraid to take the leap. Your heart knows what will fill your cup, you just need to figure out a way to make it happen! I’m not saying it will be easy but a life without a passion is no life at all.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for collaborations, especially when it comes to our work at Compassion Kind. If anyone is interested in disaster relief, animal welfare or capacity building programs in developing countries, please reach out. We are always looking to expand our program reach both in the states and internationally.
Contact Info:
- Website: compassionkind.org, ajanikiya.com
- Instagram: @compassionkind, @compassioncurator
- Facebook:Facebook.com/compassionkindfoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassionkind/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionkind1235
Image Credits
Compassion Kind Miranda Cornel
