Creating the Space You Want For Yourself With Carissa Begonia

Embracing Your Voice

In this week's episode, we're joined by Carissa Begonia, a second-generation Filipina American and business coach for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Carissa is the founder of Conscious Exchange, a coaching and consulting company dedicated to helping BIPOC entrepreneurs achieve freedom in various aspects of their lives through building their own businesses.

Before diving into her entrepreneurial journey, Carissa had a successful career in corporate America, serving as the former head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Zappos. With her background in emotional intelligence coaching and keynote speaking, she brings a unique perspective to the table.

Carissa shares her childhood dreams of becoming a Broadway actress, fueled by her passion for singing and performing. However, cultural expectations and the belief that artistic pursuits weren't viable career paths led her to explore other avenues. Despite her talent and interest in fashion, she initially struggled to find her niche until she discovered the business side of the industry through an internship at Macy's.

Navigating predominantly white corporate spaces posed challenges for Carissa, especially as a woman of color. We discuss the dynamics of being an Asian American woman in business and leadership, DEI work in corporate America, and her determination to find a path and career for herself, even if she had to create it herself.

Ultimately, Carissa's story serves as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of authenticity in navigating professional spaces as a woman of color. Her journey from childhood aspirations to corporate success to entrepreneurial endeavors is a testament to the transformative potential of embracing one's true voice and identity.

Carissa Begonia (she/her) is a second-generation Filipina American daughter of immigrants. She is a business coach for BIPOC entrepreneurs and founder of CONSCIOUSXCHANGE, an equity-focused coaching and consulting company with a mission to help BIPOC entrepreneurs secure time, location, financial, and occupational freedom by building their own businesses. Carissa is also a certified Emotional Intelligence coach, the former head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Zappos, and a keynote speaker specializing in Asian American identity, leadership development, and healing.

To learn more about her/or work with her. Check out: https://www.consciousxchange.com/home

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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