We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Rosado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the sole individual in a room who looks like me has posed its challenges, yet it has equally presented avenues for personal growth and perseverance, especially as someone who identifies with two distinct cultures. As a Latina and the pioneer in my family to achieve a college degree and establish a brick-and-mortar business, I frequently encounter settings where my presence is distinctive. Nevertheless, I’ve learned to embrace this distinctiveness and leverage it to my advantage. One of the primary methods through which I’ve learned to navigate such circumstances effectively is by remaining authentic to my values and persona. I approach every interaction with sincerity, refusing to conform to preconceived notions or stereotypes. This authenticity not only facilitates genuine connections but also fosters a climate of trust and mutual respect.
Furthermore, my bicultural upbringing has bestowed upon me a unique outlook and adaptability. Growing up immersed in two distinct cultures has endowed me with flexibility and an open-minded disposition, enabling me to bridge divides and establish common ground even in unfamiliar territory. This resilience equips me to confront the challenges of being the lone individual in a room with poise and assurance.
I actively seek opportunities to educate others about diverse cultures and perspectives. Recognizing that ignorance can breed prejudice and discrimination, I am committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion. Whether by sharing personal experiences or championing the causes of marginalized communities, my aim is to engender understanding and empathy among my peers.
I’ve cultivated a support system comprised of mentors, allies, and fellow minorities who comprehend the hurdles I face. Surrounding myself with individuals who share similar values and empower me has been instrumental to my accomplishments. Together, we navigate the complexities of being the sole individual in a room and strive towards establishing more inclusive environments for all.
In essence, the experience of being the only one in the room who looks like has imparted lessons in resilience, authenticity, and the significance of community. By remaining true to myself, having faith in my abilities, advocating for diversity, and drawing strength from my support network, I’ve learned to thrive in any setting, irrespective of the demographics of those present.
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?
As a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of a diverse mental health group practice located in the vibrant heart of Tampa, Florida, I find my work incredibly fulfilling on multiple levels. What excites me most about my role is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals within my community while fostering a supportive environment for my team.
Operating within such a dynamic field allows me to witness the transformative power of mental health care firsthand. Being able to provide a space where individuals from all walks of life can access high-quality mental health services is truly special to me. It’s not just about offering therapy; it’s about creating a safe haven where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Beyond my practice, I am deeply passionate about supporting and empowering other women on their professional journeys. Through my involvement in local and national organizations dedicated to women’s empowerment, I am able to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity in various industries.
Recently, I took my commitment to empowering women a step further by launching a nonprofit organization with a mission to support women in our local community as they pursue leadership and entrepreneurship. By providing comprehensive resources and building a supportive network, we aim to help women overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with confidence and resilience.
In addition to my clinical work and nonprofit endeavors, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our mental health merch line. This initiative not only serves as a creative outlet but also allows us to spread awareness about mental health and destigmatize conversations surrounding mental illness.
Overall, what sets my brand apart is its unwavering dedication to creating positive change, both within the realm of mental health care and in the broader community. Whether it’s through providing therapeutic services, empowering women, or advocating for mental health awareness, I am committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge:
* Empathy and Clinical Expertise: As a licensed mental health counselor, having a deep understanding of human emotions, behavior, and mental health disorders is crucial. Empathy allows the counselor to connect with clients on a personal level, fostering trust and creating a safe space for healing and growth.
* Entrepreneurial Spirit and Leadership: Owning and managing a diverse mental health group practice and launching a nonprofit organization require strong entrepreneurial skills and leadership abilities. This includes strategic planning, decision-making, resource management, and the ability to inspire and empower others towards a common goal.
* Community Engagement and Advocacy: Involvement in local and national organizations supporting women’s empowerment demonstrates a commitment to community engagement and advocacy. This involves networking, collaboration, and the ability to identify and address systemic barriers to gender equality and mental health access.
Advice:
The one piece of advice I would offer would be to “advocate for causes you believe in.” Using one’s voice and platform to advocate for causes one is passionate about, can contribute to finding personal fulfillment while also contributing to a more compassionate society.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am actively seeking collaboration opportunities with other women entrepreneurs who share a passion for creativity, empowerment, and making a positive impact. I’m particularly interested in partnering with individuals who are open to sharing their experiences, exchanging tips and insights, and potentially collaborating on creative projects that align with our shared values and goals.
If you’re a fellow woman entrepreneur who is enthusiastic about collaboration and looking to connect with like-minded individuals, I would love to hear from you! Whether you’re in a similar industry or pursuing a different path, I believe that there is immense value in coming together to support and uplift one another on our entrepreneurial journeys.
If you’re interested in exploring collaboration opportunities or simply want to connect, please feel free to reach out to me through email: [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can collaborate to create something meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.counselingwithnatalie.com | www.tampacounselingplace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithnatalie/ | https://www.instagram.com/tampacounselingplace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/counselingwithnatalierosado | https://www.facebook.com/tampacounselingplace/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselingwithnatalie/
