In this episode of the Peak Performance Perspectives Podcast, host Mark Talukdar engages in an insightful conversation with Hawa, a multifaceted individual whose life journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of living across cultures. Growing up in Ghana and later relocating to the United States, Hawa navigated her way through cultural shifts and personal development, ultimately finding her voice as a creative, a mental health advocate, and a cybersecurity professional. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of someone living between two worlds, seeking a balance between her Ghanaian roots and the new perspectives gained in America.
Hawa begins by describing her early years in Ghana, where family values, community, and the spirit of entrepreneurship were central to her life. Unlike the more individualistic culture in the U.S., Hawa’s childhood was steeped in a strong sense of unity; neighbors were like family, and extended relatives formed a supportive network. When she relocated to the United States as a teenager, Hawa faced the reality of living in an entirely different environment. Her immediate family, especially her parents, continued to hold onto traditional expectations about career and lifestyle, which she found challenging to reconcile with her evolving identity. She explains how this clash between her parents’ expectations and her own dreams created a duality in her life — at home, she felt pressure to conform to traditional values, while outside, she explored her individuality and creativity.
Throughout the conversation, Hawa and Mark explore the concept of duality, particularly the internal conflict of navigating one identity at home and another in public. Hawa details how her parents initially struggled to accept her unique path, especially her desire to pursue a creative and unconventional career. She recalls her ambition to become a professional soccer player and how this dream was met with resistance from her family. However, she did not abandon her passion and found solace in her creative side, ultimately writing her debut book, Petals of My Heart. This poetry collection explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery. Hawa reveals that the book is an honest reflection of her experiences, touching on her family dynamics, cultural identity, and the process of healing through difficult times. For her, writing became an outlet, a way to process her emotions and make sense of her life experiences.
Hawa’s journey into cybersecurity also unfolds as a fascinating aspect of her story. Though she was encouraged to pursue a career in healthcare, she found that her true interest lay in technology. She balanced her artistic ambitions with a technical career, a dual path that brings both stability and fulfillment. Working as a cybersecurity analyst, she thrives in a high-pressure environment, but she never lets go of her creative pursuits. This balance between technical and creative fields allows her to harness both her analytical and imaginative skills, showing that it is possible to succeed in more than one area. Her career in cybersecurity became a source of independence, allowing her to honor her family's wishes for a stable career while still nurturing her artistic aspirations.
Mental health emerges as a central theme in Hawa’s life. Growing up in a culture where discussing mental health was not the norm, she initially lacked the tools to process her emotions. As she navigated the pressures of her new environment and the expectations of her family, she learned to prioritize her mental wellness. Recognizing the importance of mental health, Hawa co-founded a nonprofit organization, Keep Calm.org, dedicated to providing mental health resources and support, particularly to creative communities. She views this work as a way to give back to others who may be struggling, particularly immigrants or children of immigrants who experience the pressures of balancing cultural expectations with their own identities.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Hawa has developed personal strategies to protect her mental health. She discusses the importance of taking mental breaks, moments of stillness that allow her to recharge and stay grounded. Whether it’s enjoying a peaceful rooftop view, treating herself to her favorite ice cream, or simply spending time with positive, mentally healthy people, Hawa prioritizes self-care as a vital part of her daily life. She emphasizes that mental breaks are essential, even for entrepreneurs and creatives, to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.
Mark and Hawa also discuss the role of relationships in her life, particularly the bond with her family. Although her relationship with her parents has been challenging, she continues to honor their values while finding her own path. Her father, for instance, envisions success through traditional careers, such as healthcare or engineering, while Hawa has pursued a career in cybersecurity and creative arts. Over time, she found ways to assert her independence and gently shift her parents’ perspectives. With her mother, the journey has been one of patience and gradual understanding. Hawa shares how, at one point, she had to assert boundaries with her mother to preserve her own mental health, a decision that strengthened their relationship in the long run. She believes in setting boundaries as a form of self-care and an essential part of healthy family dynamics.
Yes! Podcast listeners can use the code "PERSPECTIVE10" for a 10% discount on all merch available at hawawho.com. Additionally, I invite everyone to explore the resources available on KeepCalm.org to support their mental health journey.
Hawa Who is a multifaceted creative based in Pittsburgh, blending her roles as a poet, author, model, and cybersecurity analyst. Born in Ghana and raised in the U.S., Hawa's diverse heritage deeply influences her work. Her debut book, Petals of My Heart, delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery, resonating with readers on a journey of personal growth. Beyond writing, Hawa embraces her entrepreneurial spirit through her brand, Petals and Pages, where heartfelt stories and inspirational merch come to life. She is also the founder of KeepCalm.org, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing resources for emotional well-being. As an advocate for mental health, Hawa uses her platform to promote self-reflection, emotional healing, and the importance of nurturing one’s inner self. When not creating, she stays active through soccer, modeling, and engaging with her vibrant community.
