Roots of Resilience
I grew up in Groton, CT, where my early years were shaped by challenges that forged my resilience. From experiencing child sexual abuse at a very young age to witnessing my mother endure physical abuse from her husband, along with facing my own encounters of mental and emotional abuse, I learned firsthand about the harsh realities of life. Witnessing my mother’s strength in the face of adversity—she left the toxic marriage and switched careers to become a union carpenter to support my sister and me—taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, self-worth, and determination. Her sacrifice and determination to rebuild our lives, even when faced with such adversity, instilled in me a deep-seated determination to create a life where I could pursue my dreams, despite the challenges.
Witnessing someone I trusted, my step-father, perpetrate harm reinforced my mother’s advice not to let others define my path. Her unwavering compassion towards everyone, never succumbing to bitterness, highlights the importance of thriving in community and embracing interdependence. These experiences underscored for me the value of authenticity—embracing who I am with all my quirks and passions—as a source of strength and resilience.
Unveiling Injustice
After graduating magna cum laude from Johnson & Wales University in Events Management, I pursued a career in Sales and Catering. However, my awakening to societal injustices came not just from educational debt, but also from Netflix documentaries tied with my personal experiences. Joining my first protest against Money in Politics and Voting Rights opened my eyes to the pervasive inequities in our systems. This awareness fuels my commitment to advocating for the most vulnerable and speaking out against injustice, driven by my understanding of systemic inequities and the broader impacts of society, government, and wealth inequality.
Journey to Authenticity
Did I mention my quirks earlier? Well, I’ve always been the “oddball” in my friend group, known for my abundant love, unconventional wisdom, and deep appreciation for intimacy in all its forms. My understanding of love extends beyond traditional boundaries—it’s about cultivating intimacy with oneself, friends, and the world around us. This perspective often led others to label me as “too much,” but I’ve come to embrace and celebrate my capacity for love and connection.
In my twenties, travel became a pivotal part of my life—not as an escape, but as part of my plan to savor life before settling down and starting a family. However, life took unexpected turns, and despite feeling like everything was falling into place in my late twenties—meeting my husband and dreaming of future adventures—the path changed, and we eventually divorced. Now, I’m navigating life with the same determination my mother instilled in me: “I’ll figure it out.”
When I’m not advocating for change or enjoying life’s simple pleasures like camping under the stars or dancing like nobody’s watching, I’m nurturing my love for books, music, and natural remedies like coconut oil (before it was cool!). Until we chat again….
Much Love,
Tania
