We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaquikeyah Fields and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaquikeyah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
After coming to college, I realized the importance of taking a holistic approach to my health. College became very stressful, and racial battle fatigue overcame me in my second year. In my classes, I learned that BIPOC individuals suffer from a multitude of stressors at once. I also realized coming to a PWI that discrimination, racism, and microaggressive behavior heighten my anxiety. I find anxiety to be disruptive to my body and how I treat myself. I took agency over my health when I made friends with meditation, shadow work, yoga, and reflection. These all brought balance to me because I developed tools that allowed me to combat racial battle fatigue.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would not say there are specific things I do that set me apart from anyone; I have learned everyone is so creative and influential!! I would say I am super proud of being the first to go to college in my family. Staying focused in school and having a strong support network is what got me here. I was involved with an organization called Padres y Jovenes, and that was the first time I was intr​oduced to organized activism, and from there on, I knew what I wanted to do. Working with communities and figuring out a way to help the community was the best part of social activism.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Moving to Fort Collins I realized how much I took food for granted. So, anytime I go to Denver I try to make sure I go to the Crawling grab, grab pho, or get tacos! My good friends and I love eating so we always try to hit up those areas when I am in town! Since I do love seafood very much, I would love to go back to Jamaica and try curry lobster and then hit Negril beach to relax!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this opportunity to my mentor Dr. Caridad Souza, my beautiful mother, a friend by the name of Honour Indigo, and my support network.

Instagram: Jaxscreate (Spiritual Page)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaquikeyah-fields-17a54b18b/

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