Rising Stars: Meet Violeta Donawa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Violeta Donawa. 

Hi Violeta, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Thank you, Voyage. Absolutely. First, I must say that my story is just one part of my family’s larger story. I grew up on the city of Detroit’s eastside as the youngest of four siblings. I very much so grew up as a “mama and-daddy’s girl.” My mother is an African American retired nurse born and raised in what used to be known as Black Bottom. We share so many of the same personality traits! When I think of us, I think of neon green and neon pink flashing lights, glitter, and deep conversations about emotions. Detroit is very much a part of her, and also her lineage extends to West Virginia and Georgia. Her father, who passed away before I was born, was one of the masons who helped construct the Renaissance Center which plays such a huge part in the city skyline. Her mother was the maternal matriarch. 

My late father, whose face and love for history I share, was a bilingual immigrant from a small country called Panama. He was a United States veteran, and retired from Chrysler after 30 years. He was both an immigrant and very much a Detroiter. My paternal family had a role in the building of the Panama Canal. So, I come from two groups of people whose cities bordered beloved waters whether the Atlantic Ocean or the Belle Isle River. 

It was really my parents and being a keen observer inside of my family that shaped so much of who and how I am today. My love of geography, travel and languages come from my father. While my personal attributes of tenderness, quality of attention, and sense of aliveness come from my mother. They both taught me indirectly how important it is to be proud of where you come from and to value education – both formal and informal. 

One of my proudest accomplishments is having been selected as part of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights People of African Descent Fellowship Programme in 2017 alongside a very impressive group of other individuals from around the world interested in disrupting 

racialized trauma and violence.

Currently, I’m a fully licensed Mental Health Therapist who works with individuals on issues related to emotional, spiritual, cultural, and psychological health. I support clients in both English and Spanish. I’m a graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan #GoBlue #SpartanStrong. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Some parts of the journey have been smoother than others. I’ve always been someone who walked to the beat of her own drum. The real test of integrity is being able to continue being authentic to oneself even when it appears advantageous not to be. 

There will be varying degrees of struggle along the way because that is a part of the human condition for everyone. But, when we talk about issues of systemic discrimination like racism, sexism, colorism, xenophobia, ageism, classism, etc., those barriers can disrupt one’s ability to achieve their goals. We don’t necessarily live in a society that wants all voices to be heard, including voices from people who look like me, which the research shows. Personally, I’ve had to find my voice so many times throughout this journey. And although my voice is very sturdy now, it’s hard-earned. This is one reason why I tackle the work that I do. Every day, I hear stories in my profession and community about the role that systemic discrimination has on individuals’ mental health and sense of well-being. It’s empowering to me that I’ve been on my own healing journey and can support others in reclaiming themselves and their lives. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As mentioned earlier, I’m a fully licensed Mental Health Therapist. I specialize in treating individuals whose mental health has been negatively impacted by systemic discrimination/ systemic harm, and as a result are left having to navigate histories of trauma and/ or patterns of addiction. I’m known for the ways I integrate generative somatic work and auricular acupuncture into treatment. Just as much as our wellness relies on getting our minds right, we also have to get our bodies and nervous systems in balance. For those who have experienced trauma – single event, complex, or intergenerational – the body can sometimes

be on a higher sense of alert than those who have not experienced trauma. It could therefore be really difficult for people to relax, get adequate sleep or exercise trust towards others. As a therapist who cares about mind, spirit, and body, I help clients learn tools and techniques that improve mood, sense of safety, and self-care. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
In my spare time when I’m not thinking about work, I love being with my partner and our beloved puppy-child, Toby! I’m sure I could have a successful life without those who are a part of my support system but it would be quite lonely. So, I’m grateful to the people I consider community, friends, family, and spiritual peers. 

Contact Info: 

• Website: www.violetadonawa.com