RAA Talks

By Raihana Ali-AggarwalSociety & Culture Health & Fitness

RAA Talks episodes

May 04, 2025Episode - 10: Working Smarter: Adaptability, Work-Life Balance, and Impact as a Tech Mom
Are you a woman navigating career transitions, challenges, and seeking professional growth? Then this episode of the RAA Talks podcast is for you!
Join host Raihana as she engages in a compelling conversation with Esmeralda Flores, a bilingual product operations and engineering manager who shares her inspiring journey and valuable insights.
What can you expect from this episode?
An exploration of how communication skills honed in non-tech fields can be powerful assets in the technology space.
A candid discussion on facing and overcoming imposter syndrome and internal self-doubt when entering new professional territory.
Insights into the vital role of networking, finding allies, and building a supportive community, especially for women in male-dominated industries.
Relatable experiences and strategies for balancing career ambitions with personal life and family commitments, particularly as a working mom.
Practical tips for fostering an inclusive culture within teams and leveraging personal identity, such as being bilingual, as a strength.
What can you gain from the episode?
Inspiration to embrace change, take calculated risks, and pursue career paths that align with your interests, even if they seem outside your initial expertise.
Actionable advice on how to continuously learn, grow, and position yourself as an expert in your chosen field.
A refreshed perspective on navigating challenges, viewing them as fuel for growth rather than roadblocks.
Techniques for working smarter, prioritizing effectively, and achieving impact in your role while maintaining work-life balance.
Encouragement to define your own identity and value, independent of external labels or expectations.
This episode of RAA Talks offers a powerful blend of personal journey, practical advice, and inspiring insights for professional women looking to thrive and grow in their careers and lives.
Tune in to hear Esmeralda's remarkable journey, her strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating work-life balance as a working mom, fostering inclusivity, and how being bilingual has been a significant asset in her career.

Follow host, Raihana on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: https://www.raacoaching.com/raihana
About Esmeralda:
Bilingual Product, Operations, and Engineering Manager, fueled by coffee and an unwavering commitment to help others. Experienced in creating an inclusive culture, empowering teams, and supporting dreams within the technology space.
Connect with Esmeralda: http://linkedin.com/in/esmeraldaalmanzaflores
#RAATalks #ProfessionalGrowth #PodcastEpisode #CareerTransition #WomenInTech #WorkingMom #WorkLifeBalance #ImposterSyndrome #SelfDoubt #Networking #CareerAllies #Inclusivity #DiversityInTech #Bilingual #LatinaInTech #Leadership #ProductManagement #Adaptability #PersonalBranding #FindingHappiness #Mentorship #GrowthMindset #CareerDevelopment
1 hr 2 min
April 23, 2025Episode - 9: Beyond Perfection: Navigating Motherhood, Miscarriage and Healing from Within
Join host Raihana as she engages in a raw conversation with Holly Bantique, a wife, mom, corporate leader turned founder, and recovering perfectionist.
Together, they dive into the journey of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and finding fulfillment while striving to do it all. Holly shares her insights on balancing business and family, navigating mom guilt, and managing energy with her unique "100% cup" analogy.
She also opens up about her deeply personal and challenging experience with miscarriage, highlighting the importance of breaking the silence on this often-unspoken struggle.
What can you expect from this episode?
Holly's perspective on parenthood as modeling behavior for her son and embracing him as a "little human".
Discussion on managing energy and multiple responsibilities using the 100% cup concept, acknowledging that percentages shift daily.
Insights into overcoming perfectionism, embracing the non-linear journey of life and healing, and doing your best each day, even when "best" looks different.
A raw and honest account of Holly's miscarriage experience, its physical and emotional toll, and the importance of talking about it and feeling supported.
What can you gain from the episode?
Strategies for balancing motherhood and business by structuring your day and prioritizing values.
Tips on managing mom guilt and overcoming the inner critic by reframing thoughts and talking back to negative self-talk.
A new perspective on reframing challenges, giving yourself grace, and understanding that kids are adaptable learners.
Understanding of the non-linear nature of personal growth, parenting, and healing, accepting that progress isn't always upward.
Support and a sense of not being alone, especially regarding silent struggles like miscarriage, and encouragement to share your own story or seek help.
This episode of RAA Talks offers a candid and supportive look at the complexities of modern motherhood, entrepreneurial life, and navigating significant personal challenges.
Tune in to hear how one woman is redefining balance, prioritizing her values, and finding strength in sharing her authentic journey.

Follow host, Raihana on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: https://www.raacoaching.com/raihana
About Holly:
Holly Bantique is a wife, mom, corporate leader turned founder, lover of yoga and quality family time, and striving for a life full of fulfillment and happiness. As a recovering perfectionist and over thinker, she tries to enjoy life while figuring out parenting and running her new business.
Connect with Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-bantique
#RAATalks #PodcastEpisode #Motherhood #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #MomLife #WorkingMom #Perfectionism #SelfCare #MentalWellness #HealingJourney #MiscarriageAwareness #GriefSupport #ParentingTips #FamilyLife #PersonalDevelopment #LifeBalance #MomGuilt #SilentStruggle #WomensHealth #AuthenticLiving #RawConversations #SupportForMoms #FemaleFounder #NavigatingLife #EmpoweredWomen #ParentingJourney #BeyondPerfection
1 hr 3 min
April 09, 2025Episode - 8: Failure Fuels You Forward: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
Are you a woman navigating career changes, facing self-doubt, or searching for deeper purpose? Then this episode of the RAA Talks podcast is for you!
Join host Raihana as she engages in an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Myla Razel Sarmiento, a successful attorney who shares her inspiring journey from hospitality to law.
What can you expect from this episode?
Hear Myla's candid story about the intimidation she felt early in her career aspirations and how she overcame those feelings.
Discover the pivotal moment that led Myla to shift from a prospering career in hotel sales to pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Understand how past experiences, including moments of perceived failure, can actually fuel future success and build character.
Learn about Myla's practical steps in testing the waters of the legal field through paralegal school before committing to law school.
Gain insights into the importance of self-belief and how Myla's perspective shifted when she finally pursued her legal ambitions.
What can you gain from the episode?
Find inspiration and encouragement to pursue your own dreams, regardless of current circumstances or past doubts.
Learn valuable lessons about overcoming fear and self-imposed limitations in your career and personal life.
Gain a fresh perspective on the role of failure as a catalyst for growth and a motivator for future endeavors.
Understand the significance of listening to your intuition and aligning your career with your passions and values.
Be reminded of the importance of mentorship and giving back to the community, as highlighted by Myla's involvement with alumni associations and her passion for service.
This episode of RAA Talks offers a deeply personal and relatable narrative of a woman who dared to change course and pursue her true calling.
Tune in to hear Myla's inspiring story and discover how you too can trust yourself and create a fulfilling life.

Follow host, Raihana on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: https://www.raacoaching.com/raihana
About Myla:
Myla Razel P. Sarmiento is currently the Co-Founder and First President of the University of La Verne’s College of Law and Public Service Alumni Advisory Board (“CLPS AAB”) and CLPS Alumni Association (“CLPSAA”), an affinity entity within ULV’s Alumni Association. Myla currently serves as an attorney at Tyler Law LLP and specializes in business litigation, employment litigation, real estate litigation, and general civil litigation. She also has experience in various transactional areas of law, including but not limited to: trademark applications with the USPTO, and drafting, and negotiating, contracts.
Myla earned a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from ULV’s College of Law and Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Myla has worked in the hospitality industry for over ten years working in various leadership roles for international brands, such as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Since her youth, Myla has also served in a variety of non-profit organizations, which have supported the elderly, child welfare, unsheltered, and marginalized communities.
Myla is a native of Southern California and has a passion for joy and compassion for people. In her spare time, Myla enjoys agriculture, especially single-origin coffee, the seven classical forms of art, theoretical physics, Formula E Racing, and spending time with her friends and family.

Connect with Myla:
www.linkedin.com/in/mylarazelpsarmiento

#RAATalks #ProfessionalGrowth #PodcastEpisode #WomenInLaw #CareerChange #SelfBelief #OvercomingChallenges #FindingYourPurpose #Inspiration #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #believeinyourdreams #selfdoubt #selfdiscovery #passionunleashed #doers #DreamChasers #Resilience #Empowerment #Womensupportingwomen #Confidence #ListenToYourIntuition #FollowYourDreams #MakingADifference #CommunityInvolvement #MentorshipMatters
44 min
March 26, 2025Episode - 7: No Limits: A Woman's Journey in Leadership, Sports, and Self-Discovery
Are you a woman navigating the complexities of career and life, seeking empowerment and practical strategies for growth, or aiming to excel in leadership? Then this episode of the RAA Talks podcast is for you!
Join host Raihana as she engages in an inspiring and insightful conversation with Derika Legg, a seasoned people leader with over 20 years of experience in business and as an athletic rugby coach, exploring her journey of building high-performance teams, navigating change, and fostering personal development.
What can you expect from this episode?
Discover how Derika's early experiences instilled a lifelong curiosity and comfort with the unknown, shaping her approach to leadership and new challenges.
Gain valuable insights into recognizing and navigating imposter syndrome at various career stages, learning from Derika's personal experiences in corporate roles.
Understand the concept of work-life integration, inspired by Indra Nooyi, and learn how to thoughtfully manage the give and take between your professional and personal life.
Explore key factors in building and sustaining high-performance teams, emphasizing the importance of individual well-being, trust, and recognizing each member's unique contributions.
Hear Derika's candid reflections on the challenges she faced as a woman of color in male-dominated industries and her strategies for ensuring her voice was heard.
What can you gain from the episode?
Find motivation to embrace new opportunities and step outside your comfort zone by adopting a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning.
Develop practical strategies for building confidence and resilience when facing feelings of self-doubt in your professional journey.
Learn effective approaches to fostering a positive and productive team environment by prioritizing the needs and well-being of your team members.
Gain a fresh perspective on integrating your work and personal life in a way that supports your overall well-being and allows you to show up as your best self.
Feel empowered by Derika's experiences and insights on navigating potential biases in the workplace and learn the importance of making your voice heard constructively.
This episode of RAA Talks offers a powerful and authentic exploration of leadership, personal growth, and navigating professional challenges, providing you with actionable takeaways and relatable experiences from a dynamic female leader.
Tune in to hear Derika Legg's inspiring story and her wisdom on turning unfamiliar situations into profound learning experiences and the power of self-awareness in achieving contentment.
Follow host, Raihana on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: https://www.raacoaching.com/raihana
About Derika Legg:
Derika spent over 20 years building and developing high performance teams as a people leader in business and as an athletic coach in rugby. She’s taken this along with many hours of training as a certified coach to help teams and individuals navigate change. She works with Coaches, Athletes and Business Professionals to focus on personal development to maximize potential.
Please reach Derika at:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-next-playbook
https://www.instagram.com/thenextplaybook/
https://www.facebook.com/thenextplaybook/

#RAATalks #ProfessionalGrowth #PodcastEpisode #WomenInLeadership #CareerDevelopment #ImposterSyndrome #WorkLifeIntegration #HighPerformanceTeams #DiversityAndInclusion #FemaleLeaders #PersonalDevelopment #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #Motivation #Inspiration #SuccessMindset #GrowthMindset #Empowerment #SelfDiscovery #ChangeManagement #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipCoaching #WomenSupportingWomen
55 min
March 19, 2025Episode - 6: Beyond Bounce Back: Motherhood, Identity, and the Realities of Postpartum
Are you a woman navigating the complexities of motherhood and considering a return to your professional life? Or perhaps you're seeking inspiration from someone who has embraced both family and career with resilience? Then this episode of the RAA Talks podcast is for you!
Join host Raihana as she engages in a deeply personal and insightful conversation with Anna Turnbull, an experienced professional eager to re-enter the workforce after a four-year caregiving sabbatical. Discover her unique perspective on motherhood, career transitions, and personal growth.
What can you expect from this episode?
Career break for caregiving and her aspirations for returning to the nonprofit sector.
Experiences in early motherhood, including her son's health scares and her postpartum anxiety.
Embrace of a rural, outdoor lifestyle in central New York with her family.
Discussion about the significance of knowing where your food comes from.
Address the challenges Anna is encountering while trying to re-enter the workforce after her caregiving sabbatical, including facing bias.
What can you gain from the episode?
Gain inspiration and validation if you are a parent considering a return to the workforce after a caregiving sabbatical, realizing you are not alone in the challenges and biases you might face.
Understand the importance of trusting your instincts, particularly as a parent navigating your child's health, and feel empowered to advocate for your and your family's needs, even when facing dismissal from professionals.
Challenge the toxic "bounce back" culture after significant life changes like motherhood and recognize the value of personal transformation and growth over trying to revert to a previous version of yourself.
Discover the untapped value of skills gained through motherhood, such as cooperation, collaboration, empathy, and resilience, and learn how these can be powerful assets when re-entering or navigating the professional world.
Be encouraged by Anna's journey of self-discovery and rediscovering personal passions after focusing on early motherhood, offering insights into how to reintegrate hobbies and interests into a fulfilling life as your children grow.
This episode of RAA Talks offers a candid and empowering look into the life of a mother navigating different phases of life with strength and self-awareness.
Tune in to hear Anna's inspiring story and gain valuable perspectives on motherhood, career, and the importance of trusting your own journey.
🚨 Are you a mom looking to bounce back on your own terms? Join me in my "Bounce Back" course, where will dive into how to care for yourself, while caring for baby, GUILT-FREE 😊
👉🏽 Sign up here: http://services.raacoaching.com/birth
Follow host, Raihana on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: https://www.raacoaching.com/raihana
About Anna Turnbull:
Anna Turnbull is an experienced professional driven by her passion for community engagement and project management. Her professional journey reflects her leadership in program development, education, and customer support, demonstrating her ability to inspire others. Anna has successfully developed and expanded volunteer programs, enhanced community outreach, and implemented inclusive, technology-driven curricula that nurture academic and personal growth. Her skill in managing multiple responsibilities with precision and empathy has flourished during her caregiving experience.
Based in Central New York, Anna finds joy and balance in the outdoors. She thrives in nature with her husband, two children, and their beloved dog, embracing the adventure of remote camping, hiking, snowshoeing, and boating. Her dedication to fostering connections, curiosity, and inclusivity extends beyond her professional life, making her a true community builder and an inspiring mother.
Dedicating the last four years to a caregiving sabbatical, Anna is ready to reenter the workforce. She is eager to find roles in project management or executive assistance, particularly in the nonprofit sector, where her commitment to meaningful work can create a lasting impact.
Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaturnbull15/
55 min
March 12, 2025Episode - 5: From Social Work to Cyber Security: A Woman of Color's Journey
Are you a woman of color from a non-traditional background looking to break into the field of cybersecurity? This episode of RAA Talks podcast is a must-listen for you.
Join host Raihana (pronounced: rye-hannah) as she speaks with Elizabeth Johnson, a cybersecurity professional with a background in social work, who shares her unique journey and how she leverages her understanding of human behavior to strengthen security practices.
Elizabeth provides invaluable insights into career transitions, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of mentorship and representation in the tech world.
What can you expect from this episode?
Strategies for dealing with the terror and fear of the unknown when making a significant career change.
Guidance on how to navigate feelings of imposter syndrome when entering the tech world from a non-traditional background.
The importance of leaning on your network and seeking mentorship, particularly from women of color in tech, to find support and guidance.
How to embrace continuous learning and maintain confidence in your abilities in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Understanding the significance of representation and creating spaces where individuals from non-traditional backgrounds can thrive.
Guidance on trusting yourself in the face of conflicting advice.
How to rely on life experience to guide career decisions.
What can you gain from this episode?
Inspiration to pursue a career in cybersecurity, regardless of your background or previous experience.
A shift in mindset towards embracing challenges and viewing failures as learning opportunities.
Practical tips for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence in your abilities.
A new perspective on the value of mentorship and the importance of paying it forward by supporting the next generation of professionals.
Insights into how to navigate the unique challenges faced by women of color in the tech industry.
You can also gain insight into how Elizabeth transformed her initial fears and feelings of inadequacy into a powerful sense of confidence and a passion for helping others succeed in the field of cybersecurity.

Follow host, Raihana on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit at: www.raacoaching.com

Featured Guest: Elizabeth Johnson
Elizabeth Johnson is a cybersecurity professional with a background in social work, bringing a unique perspective to the tech world. After transitioning from social work to IT, she found her passion in cybersecurity, where she combines her understanding of human behavior with technical expertise to strengthen security practices. As a woman of color in tech, Elizabeth is passionate about mentorship, representation, and creating spaces where others from nontraditional backgrounds can thrive.

Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth--johnson/
1 hr 6 min
February 25, 2025Episode - 4: Introvert Advantage: How to Communicate Your Value and Attract Growth Opportunities
Are you an introvert who has a hard time showcasing your value and developing your brand? This episode of RAA Talks podcast is a must-listen for you.
Join host Raihana (pronounced: rye-hannah) as she speaks with Alejandro Sanoja, founder of Latinpresarios, a personal branding firm, who shares how to leverage your unique strengths and communicate your value to attract the right opportunities.

Alejandro provides invaluable insights into personal branding, entrepreneurship, and the immigrant experience in the U.S.

What can you expect from this episode?
Strategies for introverts to leverage their strengths in thinking, organizing, and writing to create content that attracts growth opportunities.
The importance of building "extrovert muscles" through activities like Toastmasters and improv comedy to overcome cultural barriers.
How immigrants can change their mindset to understand and play by the rules of the game in the U.S.
Dispelling myths around personal branding and understanding that it's about being memorable and leaving a strong impression.
What can you gain from this episode?
Insights from Alejandro’s experience that you can apply to your own lives:
Inspiration to pursue entrepreneurship and build your own assets, regardless of your background or initial circumstances.
A shift in mindset towards understanding the rules of the game in the U.S. and how to succeed as an immigrant professional.
Practical tips for overcoming the feast and famine cycle in business by creating valuable content that works for you 24/7.
A new perspective on personal branding as a tool for being memorable and attracting the right opportunities.
You can also gain insight into how Alejandro transformed his introversion into a superpower by focusing on his strengths in thinking, organizing, and writing

Alejandro's journey is an inspiration for anyone feeling undervalued or overlooked. His story demonstrates the power of personal branding in creating opportunities and building a successful career, especially for introverts and immigrants

Follow host, Raihana on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: www.raacoaching.com

Featured Guest: Alejandro Sanoja

About Alejandro: Alejandro Sanoja helps accomplished professionals communicate their value and expertise with confidence to elevate their professional profile and attract growth opportunities.
He’s an award-winning MBA, has been named 1 of the 6 personal branding experts to follow, and is a guest lecturer at the Cougar Investment Fund, where he coaches stock analysts and portfolio managers on their presentation skills.

Connect with Alejandro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrosanoja/
Get personal branding statement here: https://latinpresarios.com/personal-branding-statement-examples/
47 min
February 12, 2025Episode - 3: Overcoming Mom Guilt: A Path to Career and Family Fulfillment
Are you a woman navigating the challenges of motherhood and career? Then this episode of RAA Talks podcast is a must-listen for you as Raihana talks to Brianna Deboever.
Brianna provides invaluable insights and practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of being a working mom, emphasizing that you don't have to settle for "fine" and that you should push for what you truly want and need.

What can you expect from this episode?
The importance of giving yourself grace and allowing yourself to feel all emotions.
The power of asking for what you need, whether it's flexibility at work or support from your loved ones.
How to prioritize your values, especially when making choices about career and family.
The importance of community support and building relationships, especially as a new parent.
How to be proactive in choosing happiness

What can you gain from this episode?
Insights from Brianna's experience that you can apply to your own lives:
How motherhood is a transformative experience that significantly shifts priorities and perspectives
How returning to work after maternity leave can be an emotionally challenging experience, requiring self-advocacy and community support.
How prioritizing personal values and making choices that align with them is essential for happiness.
Insight into building strong relationships with colleagues and supervisors that can lead to a more supportive work environment.

You can also gain insight into how Brianna navigated a leadership transition with a close friend while they were both new mothers, emphasizing the importance of shared values and strong character.

Follow host, Raihana on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: www.raacoaching.com

Featured Guest: Brianna Deboever

About Brianna: Brianna Deboever combines analytical precision with creative strategy to drive impactful results for her clients at Optidge. She is passionate about helping businesses grow through data-driven digital strategies and is known for her commitment to delivering measurable results in paid search campaigns.. She is also a mother and an advocate for women who are balancing motherhood and their careers.

Connect with Brianna: [email protected]
56 min
January 28, 2025Episode - 2: More Than a Job: Finding Fulfillment and Prioritizing Mental Health in Your Career
Are you feeling lost in a career transition, struggling to prioritize self-care, or trapped in a toxic work environment and unsure how to move forward?

Then this episode of RAA Talks with host Raihana, featuring Kimberly Weiderhold is a must-listen! Kim's powerful story demonstrates how to navigate these challenges, prioritize your well-being, and create a fulfilling life, even when things feel overwhelming.

What can you expect from this episode?
You'll hear how Kim followed her curiosity to a career in science, earning a PhD in cell and molecular biology, and how she navigated a shift in her career when she realized that traditional research was not her passion.
You'll learn how Kim navigated the challenge of realizing that a traditional research role wasn't the right fit for her, and how she pivoted to a new career direction.
Kim will share her experience navigating a toxic work environment and the difficult decisions she made to prioritize her mental and physical health. She will describe how she left a job, even when it meant taking a step down in her career, because it was the best decision for her.
You'll discover how her decision to pursue an MBA helped her grow both personally and professionally, leading her to a leadership role she loves.
You'll gain practical advice on how to find mentors, build genuine relationships, and create a supportive network to help you on your path.
Kim will share her strategies for prioritizing mental health including creating slow mornings, setting clear boundaries, and making time for hobbies and social activities.
What can you gain from this episode?
Validation that you are not alone: Kim's story will reassure you that many women experience career transitions, struggle with self-care and navigate toxic work environments. You'll hear that it's okay to change paths and prioritize your well-being.
Empowerment to prioritize your well-being: You'll learn from Kim’s experience the importance of recognizing when a work environment is detrimental to your health and how to make the difficult decision to leave.
Inspiration to take control: You'll be inspired to take control of your career, make your own rules and find the best path for you by focusing on what you want, rather than what is expected.
Strategies for self-care: Kim shares practical strategies for prioritizing mental health and well-being, so you can make time for joy and self-care which is essential for living a fulfilling life.
A reminder to embrace change: Kim's journey demonstrates that life is not a vertical climb and that it's okay to take detours, steps sideways, or even downwards to reach your destination.
The confidence to create your own path: You'll gain the confidence to pursue your goals, build a life you love, and to take action to create positive change in your own life, and for others.
This episode is about self-discovery, finding your own path, and the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being.

Kim's journey will remind you that you are the creator of your own life and you can navigate challenges with resilience, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic.

Follow me on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching | @raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: www.raacoaching.com
Featured Guest: Kimberly Weiderhold, Ph.D., MBA
About Kimberly (Kim):
Kim graduated from St.Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas with a bachelors of science in Biochemistry. She moved to Houston in 2005 to pursue a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology.
Kim decided that she wanted to find a place to support science but not do science, which lead her to research administration where she worked in helping faculty obtain various materials, industry funding, data, and collaborate with other scientists around the world via research contracts. She has spent the majority of her career at Baylor College of Medicine, with some time spent at other Texas Medical Center (TMC) institutions.
In 2021, Kim earned her MBA to help with vertical growth in her industry and is now the director of our academic research contracts group within our office of research at Baylor College of Medicine.
Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyweiderhold/LinkedIn
1 hr 3 min
January 28, 2025Episode - 1: Beyond the System: How One Woman is Redefining Success
Get ready for an inspiring episode of RAA Talks with host Raihana, featuring the remarkable Anita Johnson, a Coast Guard veteran turned data activist.
Anita shares her incredible journey, beginning with her desire to escape her small town, which led her to the Coast Guard, where she broke barriers as a boatswain's mate, a non-traditional role for women at the time.
What can you expect from this episode?
You'll hear how Anita's passion for justice was ignited when her daughters were denied math classes in school, sparking her to advocate for change in her community.
You'll learn how she turned that moment into a catalyst for her own growth, inspiring her to return to school to pursue a math degree, with a goal of becoming a data activist.
Anita is now on a mission to empower others to understand data and challenge misinformation.
What can you gain from this episode?
Inspiration to take action: Anita's story demonstrates that one person can make a difference, and that it is possible to create positive change in your own community when you see an injustice.
Empowerment to break barriers: You'll learn about the power of challenging the status quo and finding ways to navigate systems that may seem insurmountable.
Understanding of the importance of community: Hear about how connections with others can be transformative and how building your own "village" can be a key to success.
Motivation to pursue your goals: No matter your age or background, Anita's journey serves as a reminder that it is never too late to learn, grow and pursue your passions.
A reminder to question data: Anita will inspire you to question the information you see and hear, and to seek out the real meanings behind the data.
This is a story about taking control, breaking barriers, and the power of community. You will gain insights on how to be your own advocate and how to help others and empower yourself.
Anita's journey proves that you can create change, one step at a time, in your own life, and for others.
Follow me on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching | @raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching
Visit me at: www.raacoaching.com
Featured Guest: Anita Johnson
About Anita: Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Anita served as a boatswain's mate, a non-traditional role for women at the time. Driven by her commitment to education and equity, Anita is now pursuing a second bachelor's degree in mathematics and plans to become a data activist.
Anita is passionate about empowering individuals to understand data, challenge misinformation, and overcome systemic barriers. Her experiences as a military veteran and advocate for her children have fueled her determination to create positive change in her community and beyond.
Connect with Anita:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonconsultinggroup/
34 min

About RAA Talks

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RAA Talks is a podcast that provides an open space for women and allies from all walks of life to share their stories of struggle and triumph in achieving their goals. This podcast is designed to…

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