Today’s episode is such a great conversation about the power of connection and uplifting our voices. I’m talking with my good friend and spicy soul sister, Cindy Rodriguez.
Cindy is the founder of Elimu Girls, which is a 501(c)(3) that was established in 2013 to equip young women in Kenya with the skills to transform the outcomes of their lives. Her organization supports a sewing college, maker space and many artisan based programs and collaborations that give these women a voice, a choice, and a bank account so they can rise above the patriarchal systems that have oppressed them for decades. I mean… seriously you guys. If this isn’t Hell Yes… I really don’t know what is. Cindy is a former teacher and administrator with a double MA in the Education world but as you will hear her say in today’s conversation, her biggest accolade yet is discovering the power to be present to and with another person, to feel the body warmth of the human next to her and allow the beautiful reciprocity of that interaction alone to change both individuals forever. Pretty powerful stuff. So, you can tell, Cindy is really passionate for human rights, gender equality, and access to education and that’s what led her to start this grassroots international organization but it’s what she saw in the Elimu Girl that has led her on her own personal journey of self discovery and given her the power to share herself with vulnerability, courage, and humor so that others around the world can do the same. And as her friend I also know that she’s passionate about fashion, art, baking, family, travel, and mezcal just to name a few…
Cindy is a whole vibe. She is smart and sassy, empathetic and caring… but what I love most of all is that she is on a quest of discovery and we get really deep today on what that really looks like. It’s a pandora’s box full of gifts of the most reflective kind…
Some Lil Love bombs from this episode:
- We are all connected by an invisible string.
- Root yourself in Discovery.
- Embrace Pandora’s Box.
- Your voice matters.
- Expect the unexpected.
- Being in service is a reciprocal relationship.
- Step out of the loop.
- Feel scared and do it anyway.
- Choose radical empathy and presence.
- One strong voice has the power to lift a sea of others.
Connect with Cindy
Elimu Girls | Website
Elimu Girls | Insta
Elimu Girls | Facebook
Pendo Dolls | Shop
"Pendo" 2021 Documentary | YouTube
About the Host
Kristi Nellor is a reinvention strategist, life coach, and creative catalyst for companies (projects and teams) and individuals looking to transform their lives.
Want to know more about The Hell Yes Habit? Make sure to follow me on IG @k_nellor or check out my website at kristinellor.com for daily inspiration and ways we can work together to collaborate on the big projects in or of your life! I’d love to help you find the soul of any project and ultimately craft a life you can’t wait to wake up to.