Decolonization is such a big word, most often used in the context of international relations and power dynamic of cultures between countries. But what does it mean to decolonize one’s identity? And why should we do that in relation to the stories we tell about ourselves?

In this episode, Desiree speaks about her journey decolonizing her identity as a second generation Filipina and how spirituality plays a big part in this journey, as well as in her entrepreneur life.

Before her decolonization journey, being a Filipina means identifying with being a Catholic for Desiree. After this journey, she is able to embrace what feels most aligned to her while still belonging in a community.

Desiree’s story resonates with my own, as someone’s coming from Southeast Asian background and from Christianity background. This is not about bashing one religion and its followers; rather, it’s an acknowledgement of one part of the story that defines who we are and who we are not.

We talked about Human Design as well, a tool in which both of us are passionate with and why Desiree chose Human Design to incorporate in her coaching practice.

Desiree Ruiz is an entrepreneur, a business mentor and a spiritual life coach based in Montreal, Canada. She is also a community builder, who co-founded Centre Kapwa (https://www.instagram.com/centrekapwa/), a platform to serve and support the mental health + well being of Filipinx youth + families, and Les Lilas Society (https://www.leslilas.ca/).

Connect with Desiree:
- Website: https://desireeruiz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/des.escalante/

Intro & outro music "Overgrown" by Tenno.
- Provided by Lofi Girl
- Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01AF1veXak8
- Listen: https://open.spotify.com/track/2422sniydbW1AmHoC4smC5?si=abf0bb9f662447bc

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