From White To Brown: Daniela's Story

Identity

"Mom, Dad, what is my colour? I have to fill out this form to the school."

This has been my question mark for the biggest part of my life.

I was born in Brazil in the 1980s in a mixed heritage family: my mother is Brazilian and Indigenous, and my father was Italian.

My birth certificate labelled me as "white," but the mirror reflected a different truth – one painted in hues of brown, a testament to my heritage and identity. This contradiction fueled a lifelong struggle, exacerbated by the relentless bullying I endured for resembling indigenous people. It was a painful reminder of society's narrow perceptions and the emotional toll of being judged by skin colour rather than the richness of one's character.

Growing up, I found myself concealing my indigenous heritage and shunning the sunlight, convinced that the darker my skin, the less beauty and acceptance I would find in society's eyes. It was a belief deeply ingrained within me, a narrative that whispered its damaging message with every passing day.

As an adult, delving into history became essential for me to grasp the root cause: the insidious whitening project.

Realizing that the Brazilian government actively recruited Europeans intending to dilute the nation's skin tones rather than genuinely liberating slaves shed light on how deeply ingrained stereotypes about BIPOC people have shaped not only my own birth certificate but countless other narratives.

In my professional journey, I draw inspiration from behavioural science to empower individuals to cultivate their authentic worldviews. It's crucial that we confront the mistakes of our ancestors if we aspire to rectify the present and evolve into better versions of ourselves.

I'm deeply passionate about ongoing education and developing innovative methodologies to enable leaders and organizations to forge genuine connections with their people, ensuring longevity and relevance in this transformative era.

The days of antiquated leadership practices are numbered, and those clinging to outdated ideologies will struggle to navigate the complexities of the modern world, perpetuating harm both consciously and unconsciously. It's time for a paradigm shift, and I'm committed to being a catalyst for positive change.

My journey serves as a vital thread in unravelling the tapestry of who I am and why I'm committed to this work. Yet, my approach transcends mere storytelling. I weave together a rich tapestry of methodologies and profound insights, empowering individuals to bridge the gap between good intentions and tangible action.

I aim to ignite a spark that fuels genuine transformation within companies, fostering a culture where people are valued above profit—a legacy of lasting impact.