These women share how their passions have fueled their lives and careers with meaning.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Those of us who are lucky enough to build careers that are aligned with our interests aren’t just going to work — we’re honoring our purpose. Today, we’re sharing four stories of women doing just that. From uplifting others to moving through their everyday lives, these women are at the height of their careers and personal visions. Go ahead, take a scroll for some much-needed inspo.
1. Megan Duggan, Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner
“I’m going on my 12th year at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx. My cousin was diagnosed with leukemia when I was 12 [years-old], and I grew up not understanding how a child who hadn’t done anything wrong could deserve to get so sick. Pretty much from then on, I knew what I wanted to do.
More than even the science — which is incredible and has come so far in even one generation — I knew I wanted to be able to sit at a family’s side, hold their hands, and help them make some of their worst days even just a little better by listening, answering questions, and being a touchstone in a time of turmoil. Here I am, 25 years later, actually getting to do that.”
What’s your vision for what the world might be?
“I’d like to see a world where helping each other and not being afraid to ask for help, is the default, not solely protecting one’s own interests. I want my daughters (and all children) to live in a world where we all see that lifting each other lifts us all.”
2. Isabel Thornton, Executive Director of Restoration Housing
“I run a small nonprofit that specializes in restoring blighted, vacant properties into affordable housing. Neighborhoods in my city reflect patterns of disinvestment that are seen throughout the country: deed restrictions, red-lining, and “urban renewal” are all detrimental policies that have shaped inequities for decades. There is so much disparity of quality within living conditions that I’ve seen — and much of that has to do with greed (from landlords), lack of empathy, lack of investment, and a fear of poverty. I have always envisioned a world with more equity. All people deserve to live in dignity, no matter their income.
Once our rehabs are complete, we manage the properties to ensure that they are well-maintained and remain affordable. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a house that was about to fall down transform into a stunning, fully-restored home for a family. That change is much broader than just within that home. It can transform an entire block, an entire neighborhood… a city.
What’s your vision for what the world might be?
“I would love to see a world driven less by fear of the unknown.”
3. Victoria Baluk, Lab Instructor at Wellness In The Schools
“I teach cooking and nutrition to public school children and adults through the nonprofit, Wellness in the Schools. I was an overweight child who experienced bullying and, in looking deeply to embark on a second career, it was important for me to find something that would allow me to be the person I needed when I was younger.
I began by volunteering at Wellness In The Schools, and, for the last 10 years, I have roasted vegetables, sauced apples, preached about protein, and urged all to ‘Eat the Rainbow!’ in schools all around the city. Food is a great connector. Through it, I’ve been introduced to (and enlightened by) the many facets of neighborhoods, cultures, and people.”
What’s your vision for what the world might be?
“All children and their families deserve healthy environments in which to learn and grow. I have seen firsthand, just in the roughly 300 square miles of NYC, the disparity in wellness education and food accessibility. Everyone deserves an opportunity to be supported and armed with the tools necessary to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. Food is a great connector and healer. I believe deeply that we need to work harder than ever to connect with one another and heal in the process.”
4. Jennifer Velasquez, Creator of The Salvaged Sawhorse Affirmation Tools
“I dedicate my days to using my artistic and counseling skills to create beautiful tools that help women embrace their inner power, practice intentional self-care, and love themselves.
For a long time, I was on the front-lines fighting injustice. [I was] a financial coach — working with NYC’s most underserved communities, protesting and organizing — but it drained me. It made me physically ill. I was anxious and had chronic migraines.
I know now I can still show up for my community in a way that works best for me, and that’s by creating tools for all the badass social workers, activists, and artists so they can nourish themselves and do their best work. It feeds my soul to be on the sidelines cheering them on!”
What’s your vision for what the world might be?
“When you’re clear on your values and your self-worth, and prioritize taking care of the human you’re responsible for (that’s YOU), then you show up in the world with more compassion, less ego, and clarity on what truly matters in life. I want to live in that society, with individuals who have done that work. I hope that through my affirmation decks and planners, I can make that work more accessible and enjoyable. That way we can all be living a life that’s not solely driven by productivity and materialistic pursuits, but one that’s aligned with our values.”
What are everyday ways you can show up for the world that you believe in? Share your thoughts — and shout out other women lightworkers you’re loving — in the comments!
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