✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 21

What does it take to truly embrace your identity and trust the journey, even through the challenges? 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Raisa Sambo, a passionate advocate for inclusion and queer rights, and founder of her own organization. Raisa shared her journey of coming out, finding love, and using her experiences to create more inclusive workspaces through training and VR simulations.

Raisa's story of self-discovery, advocacy, and overcoming personal and family struggles is a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability, unconditional love, and the role of spirituality in shaping our lives.

What we explored:

• The importance of vulnerability: how embracing vulnerability with her fiancée, Lena, and others has been key to Raisa’s personal growth;
• Creating inclusive spaces: Raisa’s work using VR simulations to raise awareness about social exclusion and help people confront their own biases;
• Overcoming the challenge of coming out: Raisa’s experiences with rejection from family and the importance of trusting the process and divine guidance;
• The impact of spiritual guidance: how Raisa’s faith and connection with her ancestors has shaped her journey and belief in the power of trust;
• Strength through unconditional love: the role of her mother’s unwavering support in Raisa’s ability to navigate tough moments.

Nuggets of empowerment:

• Trust the process: Raisa’s belief in trusting God and the divine plan, even when facing uncertainty;
• Unconditional love: “my mom said, I don’t care if you are anything, I’m still your mom and I love you”;
• Empowerment through acceptance: embracing your true self and the transformative power of self-acceptance and spiritual peace.

Connect with Raisa:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raïsa-sambo-zij-haar-/ 

• Raisa's podcast Binnenstebuiten - De Queer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zjeWVqpzilpqYYsuwk5vM?si=69ff4b7a53da4156 

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Stand with those still fighting within Join Robin’s 2,000 KM march for healing:

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What has been your biggest challenge in embracing your true self, and how did you overcome it? 
Share your story in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation on self-acceptance and empowerment 🙏🏾