"As little as it is, you can make a footprint in the world and help somebody out there that is crying for a hand." - Alejandra Castillo

Join Niiamah (@niiamahashong) and Alejandra Castillo in this throwback conversation as they explore how authentic leadership means tackling taboo topics that keep you awake at night. Witness how one woman's courage to start difficult conversations is creating ripples of change from classrooms to congress in Guatemala.

Welcome to the Outlier's Edge Podcast, hosted by Niiamah Ashong, Founder of Outlier's Edge and Sherpa of the World of Difference. On this podcast, you'll join other high-performing unconventional leaders and entrepreneurs (aka Outliers) as they talk about leveraging what makes them different to make a difference in the world.

--Check out the video episode on YouTube!--

Timestamps:

00:01: Podcast introduction

00:15: Host introduces himself

00:29: Welcomes guest Alejandra

01:05: Alejandra expresses excitement

01:39: Project coordinator introduction

02:12: Breaking down conversation walls

02:53: Girls feel embarrassed talking

03:43: Creating more freedom

04:15: Modeling open conversation

05:12: Workshops for different communities

06:32: Need to learn about periods

07:48: Breaking menstruation taboos

08:38: Separated education is problematic

09:39: Connecting with personal challenges

10:46: Finding resources and information

12:57: Making invisible problems visible

14:16: Investigation is critical work

15:47: Shocking findings from research

17:14: Pad vs. food choices

18:47: Privilege differences highlighted

19:27: Activism starting on social

21:45: Government partnership challenges

23:21: More visibility brings acceptance

24:45: Modeling mission-driven work

26:28: Calibrating your life purpose

28:21: Acknowledging Period Guatemala's impact

29:17: First period experience story

31:54: Sexual education lacking

33:16: Family rejection of work

35:37: Traditional family challenges

37:22: Family eventually accepts

39:20: Being first is difficult

41:00: Hackathon project success

43:13: App for LGBTQ+ community

44:34: Breaking conversational taboos

46:11: Final message of passion

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This episode was initially published on: 7/5/2022

Breaking Taboos to Build Real Change |Alejandra Castillo | Ep 700 | Throwback