My Story
As an introvert who migrated to the US in my teens, I often felt small, invisible, and silenced. For years, I learned to work hard and keep my head down. I waited for permission and never heard my own voice. I was a high-achieving student and high-performing employee but never felt seen and didn’t belong.
It took a long journey to realize how humility - a cultural and familial virtue - that I held closely growing up devolved into internalized inferiority that held me back. Through self-work with some coaches and an encouraging community, I slowly began to listen to my own voice and understand the root of my inner critics in relation to social constructs and the dominant culture. I cultivated ways to reframe their arguments, but more importantly, I discovered my inner wisdom, an anchor that I come back to again and again.
That is why I coach
I am driven by a true desire to discover potential and feel the joy of that discovery. To celebrate progress made, and experience all the emotions that come along with it with you.
My Qualifications
Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI)
Associate Clinical Social Worker, California Board of Behavioral Science
Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner in training with Dr. Gabor Maté
EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 (emotional intelligence) Certification
Master of Social Work through the University of Chicago
BA in Psychology and Biomedical Engineering through Northwestern University
At the start of my coaching journey in 2015, I shaved my head as a personal challenge and social experiment. Taking myself down to one of the barest forms gave me a new perspective and became a doorway to finding, hearing, and using my own voice.
As my hair grew, so did my courage and self-compassion. My shaving-versary every year becomes a reflection ritual for me to be intentional about being courageous
Where Am I Today?
I still stumble and sink back into my invisible cloak from time to time. The work of self-compassion and empowerment is a daily practice.
I am a firm believer in the process of uncovering and constantly strengthening my spiritual muscle to keep me on a path to fulfillment, without ever really having it all figured out.
Through practice, I have been able to make meaningful connections with myself and others. It has informed my coaching philosophy to remain curious and gentle as I walk alongside people and let them uncover the path to their own clarity.
I bring my whole self and all that I’ve experienced into my work, while also knowing I myself am still learning and growing. I deeply respect the learning and growing process for everyone and believe that empowerment can be discovered by us all.
My Values
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I believe that compassion is the foundation for leading humanity towards liberation. When we search within and extend self-compassion to ourselves, we gain the power to dismantle oppressive systems.
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I believe that the courage to fail fast leads to confidence and growth, and every setback is an opportunity for personal development.
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I am curious and inquisitive about discovering the threads that connect us to the world, to one another, and to our history, lineage, and culture. I recognize the context and interdependence of all things.
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In moments of stillness, I believe we can tap into our inner wisdom by listening to our bodies and sitting with our emotions. By cultivating equanimity, we can embrace spontaneity and flow creatively through life's ups and downs.
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Living with purpose and intentionality leads to a positive impact on ourselves and those around us through our presence and actions.
