Meet Gina Anayana

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gina Anayana. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gina , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
It takes a lot of courage and self-awareness to truly embrace one’s own uniqueness and celebrate the differences that make us who we are. The first crucial lesson is to know our worth, understanding the value we bring to the table and refusing to let others’ perceptions define our worth. This is closely followed by the need for self-confidence, believing in ourselves and our abilities even when we find ourselves as the only one in the room who looks like us. Advocating for ourselves becomes imperative, speaking up for our ideas, opinions, and needs, even if we stand alone in representing our perspective. Resilience is key in overcoming the challenges and setbacks we may face, knowing that our unique perspective has the power to make a difference. Building a support network of mentors, peers, and allies who uplift and support us is essential, as is staying informed about industry trends and continuously developing our skills. Seeking opportunities for growth allows us to continually improve and expand our capabilities, ensuring we thrive despite being the only one in the room who looks like us.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m deeply passionate about energy healing and empowering individuals to tap into their inner wisdom and healing potential. As the owner of Inner Sensory Healing, my focus is on providing holistic healing modalities that address the mind, body, and spirit. Through practices such as Reiki, Meditation, Breathwork, Sound Healing and other healing modalities, I help my clients to release energetic blockages, change their limiting beliefs, help them to find their life purpose to live their lives to the fullest.

What I find most exciting and special about my work is witnessing the transformation and growth that clients experience on their healing journey. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see individuals reconnect with their inner selves, gain clarity, and step into their power.

Additionally, as the host of the “Unity Through Diversity” podcast, I’m committed to fostering conversations that promote inclusivity, understanding, and unity among diverse communities. Through thought-provoking interviews and discussions, we explore topics related to cultural diversity, social justice, and personal growth.
One of the most exciting developments in my professional journey is the expansion of my nonprofit organization, United We Go. Based in Bay City, Michigan, our organization is dedicated to promoting unity, equality, and community empowerment. We’re launching new initiatives focused on education, health and wellness, advocacy, and support for marginalized communities, and I’m thrilled to be at the forefront of this meaningful work.

In summary, whether through energy healing, podcasting, or community activism, my focus is on creating positive change and uplifting others. I’m excited to continue growing personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.

Upcoming events: 2024 City of Mural Community Festival in August, Happy Child program launching in local schools, Health and Wellness workshop in the community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful: * Self-awareness: Understanding myself, my strengths, weaknesses, and values has been crucial in navigating my path. This self-awareness has allowed me to make aligned decisions, stay true to my purpose, and effectively communicate my needs and boundaries. For those early in their journey, I recommend taking time for self-reflection, journaling, and seeking feedback from mentors or trusted peers. Engaging in practices like meditation or mindfulness can also deepen self-awareness and cultivate a greater sense of clarity and purpose.
* Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, challenges, and failures has been essential in my journey. Resilience has enabled me to persevere in the face of obstacles, learn from mistakes, and grow stronger through adversity. To develop resilience, I encourage individuals to cultivate a growth mindset, focusing on learning and improvement rather than perfection. Building a support network of friends, family, mentors, and peers can also provide encouragement and perspective during difficult times.
* Continuous learning: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and growth has been instrumental in my journey. Staying curious, open-minded, and proactive about seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences has allowed me to adapt to changing circumstances and seize opportunities for personal and professional development. For those starting their journey, I recommend exploring a diverse range of interests, pursuing formal education or training programs, and seeking out mentors or role models who inspire them to expand their horizons.
In summary, cultivating self-awareness, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning can empower individuals to navigate their journey with confidence, adaptability, and purpose. By investing in these qualities and skills, individuals can position themselves for success and fulfillment in their personal and professional pursuits.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of the primary challenges I’m currently facing is expanding the reach and impact of my nonprofit organization, United We Go. While we’re passionate about promoting unity, equality, and community empowerment, we’re encountering obstacles in terms of resource allocation, outreach strategies, and collaboration opportunities. To address this challenge, we’re taking a multi-faceted approach:
* Strategic partnerships: We’re actively seeking partnerships with like-minded organizations, businesses, and community leaders who share our vision and can amplify our efforts. By collaborating with others, we can leverage collective resources, expertise, and networks to reach a broader audience and create more significant impact.
* Fundraising initiatives: We’re exploring creative fundraising initiatives, such as events, crowdfunding campaigns, and grant applications, to secure the financial resources needed to sustain and expand our programs and initiatives. By diversifying our funding sources and engaging supporters, we can increase our capacity to effect positive change in our community.
* Community engagement: We’re prioritizing community engagement and involvement, soliciting feedback, ideas, and support from community members to ensure our initiatives are relevant, inclusive, and impactful. By fostering a sense of ownership and investment among community stakeholders, we can build momentum and collective action towards our shared goals.
* Strategic planning: We’re conducting a comprehensive review of our organizational goals, priorities, and strategies to identify areas for refinement and improvement. By developing a clear and actionable strategic plan, we can optimize our resources and efforts to maximize our impact and sustainability over the long term.

Overall, we’re committed to overcoming the challenges we face by remaining agile, innovative, and collaborative in our approach. By staying true to our mission and values, and leveraging the collective power of our community, we’re confident that we can overcome obstacles and continue advancing our vision of unity, equality, and empowerment for all.

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