Meet CARMELITA
Being a mom of girls, and raising them as a single mom for several years, really drove home the importance of not just showing up for them , but showing up for myself…
because we are our
kids' first and best role models (like it or not).
As women and moms, we're on the receiving end of a boatload of expectations, demands, to-do's, etc. We may also grapple with cultural and generational pressures on top of that.
But we only have this life – and we have the opportunity to change the patterns we’ve fallen into. To question the expectations we've inherited, and the roles that have been defined for us.
We are more than our labels and more than what’s happened to us. We’ve been through a lot, we’ve come out on the other side. We are worthy of a fulfilled life.
It's not enough to go through life on autopilot. We deserve to feel more than "meh", no matter what aspect of our lives that may apply to.
And when it feels hard to prioritize ourselves, remember that we're also (not “only”) doing it for our kids. What’s truly good for us, is also good for them.
Live with intention, authenticity, purpose and joy.
Live a legacy you love.
i’m so glad you’re here
GET TO KNOW Carmelita
A few fun facts about me.
I'm an Asian-American mom of two girls, born to immigrant parents in Milwaukee, WI. Immigrant stories are often laced with themes of sacrifice, hard work, betterment, escaping the unbearable, family obligation, legacy...and the children of immigrants thrive and struggle because of it.
My first career-guidance quiz in high school told me that I would make a great psychologist, counselor, rabbi or priest. Not sure life coach / life strategist was a thing back then, but I like to think that would’ve made the list.
I have an art degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
I've been through divorce, single parenting, career pivots, I’m living with co-parenting, a spouse’s cancer diagnosis, a neurodiverse kid and other life-altering scenarios that can trigger a recalibration (or breakdown, if I’m honest).
I'm an INFJ -- apparently like Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Lady Gaga. Ha, no pressure.
I've always felt called to serve and create a positive impact on the world in direct ways -- volunteering and philanthropy are in my DNA.
I took a career break to roadschool for the 2021-22 school year. Prompted by my husband’s tough cancer surgery and losses during the pandemic, we hopped off the hamster wheel to make memories as a family. We drove in a slow loop around the US and parts of Canada. 32 states, 2 Canadian provinces. Slept in 51 different places. I HIGHLY recommend family travel and exploration…feel free to ask for my takeaways and tips!
I met my spelling bee demise in 7th grade when I got hit with the word “eczema”. Isn’t it funny how we never forget the questions that knock us out of the running?
I was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and did NOT win a million dollars (and I will never forget where George Washington was inaugurated in 1893).
I started a literary magazine at my high school with a close friend (shout out to Tyan), and it's still being published today!
I love, LOVE to dance, but late nights are harder to do as a parent. Can someone start a low-stress dance party for parents that runs from 6-8pm?
I worked as an attorney for The Oprah Winfrey Show. Possibly my favorite guest? Tyson the skateboarding dog…so cute, friendly to all and no crazy green room demands.
be in the know.