"Embracing Authenticity: Victoria's Confidence Journey and Teachers' Impact"

Victoria Carrington Chávez is a celebrated storyteller, visual arts expert and social media strategist, known as "pure magic" in her field. Leading Lilac & Aspen and La Mezcla Creative Co., she blends creativity with community building in her branding strategies.

A Colorado native with Afro-Indigenous Latinx roots, Victoria is a dynamic speaker on multiculturalism, leadership, and entrepreneurship, acclaimed for her TEDx talk and engaging presence. Her collaborations range from six figure CEOs to nonprofits, and she’s guest lectured on Visual Storytelling at Northeastern University.

She’s worked with figures like children’s author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and social media influencer Mama Nous, and has shared her expertise at the University of New Hampshire’s Business School. Victoria holds a B.A. in Communications and Spanish from the University of Colorado Boulder and has a deep involvement in digital marketing and graphic design since 2010. She’s launching new courses for entrepreneurs in branding and social media storytelling this year. A dedicated advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, Victoria’s efforts aim to bring vibrancy and inclusivity to all aspects of her work. 

Episode Summary: In the premiere episode of Season 3, Lorraine Connell sits down with Victoria Carrington Chavez to explore the transformative journey of overcoming shyness and building confidence and the significant impact teachers have on students' lives. Victoria shares her personal story, providing deep insights into the challenges and triumphs she experienced growing up.

Key Discussion Points:

Victoria's Confidence Journey:

• Introductory Discussion: Lorraine and Victoria open with a warm conversation, setting the stage for the deep dive into Victoria’s journey.
• Overcoming Shyness: Victoria recounts her high school years, highlighting how she overcame shyness and lack of confidence. Her story resonates with Lorraine, leading to a discussion on the importance of support systems.
• Teachers' Influence: The duo explores the profound impact teachers have on students, both positively and negatively. Victoria shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of compassion, honesty, and support in teaching.

Embracing Diverse Identities and ADHD Experiences:

• Multicultural Background: Growing up in Boulder, Colorado, Victoria discusses her multicultural background and how it shaped her identity.
• ADHD Diagnosis: Victoria shares how her ADHD diagnosis influenced her leadership journey, and the societal pressures she faced in high school.
• Celebrating Diversity: Lorraine and Victoria stress the importance of celebrating diverse identities and shifting the perception of success to recognize individual potentials.

Honesty, Compassion, and Feedback in Education:

• Role of Educators: Lorraine and Victoria delve into the roles of honesty, compassion, and ownership of mistakes in education. They discuss the power dynamics between teachers and students and the negative consequences of unrealistic expectations.
• Supportive Feedback: Victoria’s story about a student receiving a minus 18 out of 20 leads to a conversation on framing feedback in a supportive and encouraging manner.

Redefining Success Metrics:

• Realistic Goals: Victoria emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and the courage to challenge and update success metrics.
• Beyond Grades: Success isn't just about grades but also about the ability to learn and grow. Victoria shares a personal anecdote about her academic journey and post-college career.

Embracing Authenticity and Building Connections:

• Self-Discovery: Victoria shares her journey of self-discovery, from struggling with societal expectations to embracing her authentic self.
• Meaningful Conversations: Both Victoria and Lorraine highlight the importance of meaningful conversations and building relationships to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

Storytelling and Empowerment:

• Authentic Storytelling: Victoria discusses her work in visual arts, social media, and branding, empowering non-traditional thought leaders and entrepreneurs to share their stories.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Her advocacy focuses on the importance of leadership and mentorship in various communities.

Personal Growth and Collaboration:

• Future Collaborations: Victoria and Lorraine reflect on their personal growth and discuss potential future collaborations, particularly in youth work.

Resources and Links:

• Victoria Carrington Chavez’s TED Talk: TED Talk
• Follow Victoria on Social Media: Instagram Tiktok. LinkedIn
• Learn More about Peers Not Fears: [Website Link]
• Upcoming Webinars and Events: LINK

Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Connect with us on social media using #TeensToTitans and share your insights and experiences. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

Contact Information:

• Host: Lorraine Connell - lorraine.connell@peers-not-ferars.com
• Guest: Victoria Carrington Chavez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-carrington-ch%C3%A1vez-b58136211/

Thank you for tuning in to the Teens to Titans podcast! We hope this episode inspires and empowers you on your journey. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations in this season!