Tiawanna Ezell
Biography
Tiawanna Ezell is a dedicated Grand Rapidian passionate about serving her community. In her current role as the Program and Community Engagement Manager for Health, Wellness, and Education at the Urban League of West Michigan, she works tirelessly to enhance the lives of residents through meaningful initiatives.
A proud mother of three beautiful daughters, Tiawanna cherishes her roots in Grand Rapids and is committed to making the city a vibrant and inclusive place for everyone. Her involvement in outdoor spaces began four years ago, when she started creating inclusive environments and leading kayaking adventures on the Grand River for Black and Brown communities.
This will be Tiawanna's second year partnering with the national organization Outdoor Afro as a volunteer leader. She will continue to guide local community members on monthly outdoor adventures and experiences, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting diversity in outdoor activities.
Tiawanna Ezell Inspirational Quote:
Michelle Obama on being her authentic self: “You know, I never really sought out or wanted the spotlight, but I understand that having it comes with responsibility. I hope when people look at me, they see someone who tried to be her authentic self.”
A Symphony of Nature and Community
The trees hum low in native willow tones; a gentle breeze grazes with many sounds. Every plant, every known creature, every river’s bend—each brings notes that call Earth home. We gather close, with hands held wide, like branches reaching towards the sky. Together, woven roots underneath, grounded, we rise, we grow, we do not fold. (poem by Soso-Akalesh)
Introduction of An Amazing Human Being
In the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tiawanna Ezell, formerly known as Twana Townsend, organically and authentically represents love, resilience, and boundless joy.
A devoted mother of three and a grandmother to two radiant souls, Javen and Myra, Tiawanna's life is a manifestation to the enduring power of family and faith. Her roots run deep, nurtured by over four decades of pastoral legacy, a legacy she continues to honor her father alongside her beloved mother and siblings.
As the Program Manager of Health and Wellness at the Urban League of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Network Volunteer Leader for Outdoor Afro, Tiawanna's professional journey is as vibrant as her personal one. Outdoor Afro, a beacon of Black joy in nature, finds in her a passionate advocate who transforms the outdoors into a sanctuary of inclusion and celebration.
From the playful escapades of her childhood, where parks became magical kingdoms and adventures full of memorial stories, to the serene embrace of nature that offers her solace and strength, Tiawanna's connection to the outdoors is profound. It is here, amidst the rustling leaves and flowing waters, that she finds peace, reflection, and restoration.
Her adventures are many, each chapter in a story of courage and discovery. Whether kayaking on the Grand River, feeling the freedom of the water beneath her, or scaling the icy heights of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Tiawanna's spirit soars. These experiences mirror life’s journey—where determination must often carry us when the cheers fade.
Dreams of distant lands, like the ancient trails of Machu Picchu, beckon her still, promising new horizons of physical and spiritual growth. Yet, it is the transformative power of the present that fuels her mission—to open the doors of nature to those who have been long excluded, to share the freedom, peace, and joy she knows so well.
In Tiawanna's world, nature is not just a backdrop but a profound teacher. It speaks of the Creator’s greatness, offers a canvas for creativity, and builds communities bound by shared experiences. Through her leadership with Outdoor Afro, she invites others to step outside their comfort zones, to find healing and connection in the embrace of the natural world.
Her story is one of resilience, community, and a deep, abiding love for the outdoors. It is a call to all to find their place in nature, to discover the joy and peace that await, and to join in the celebration of life’s grand adventure.
We are honored to represent to the reader with deep connection and embark the journey of Tiawanna’s story! =)
Questionnaire and Answer Conversation
Personal Background & Passion for the Outdoors
Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
A: Tiawanna: My name is Tiawanna Ezell, formerly known as Twana Townsend. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm a proud mother of three amazing adult daughters and a grandmother to two beautiful grandkids—my grandson Javen, who's 7, and my granddaughter Myra, who's 6.
Faith and community have always been a big part of my life. My parents have served as pastors in Grand Rapids for over 40 years. Since my father’s passing in 2023, my four siblings and I have continued to support my mother and continue to carry on his legacy in ministry.
Professionally, I serve as the Program Manager of Health and Wellness at the Urban League of West Michigan. I’m also the Grand Rapids Network Volunteer Leader for Outdoor Afro, a national organization based in Oakland, California, that celebrates and centers Black joy in nature and the outdoors
Q: What first sparked your love for the outdoors?
A: Tiawanna: I've loved the outdoors since I was a kid. Every Sunday after church, my cousins and I would head to the park behind my grandfather’s house and let our imaginations run wild. We’d sing songs, create clubs, give each other nicknames—and sometimes even walk through the nearby graveyard, making up stories about the people whose names we saw on the headstones.
Q: How has your connection to nature influences your personal and professional life?
A: Tiawanna: Nature has always been a place of peace and healing for me. Personally, it’s where I go to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with myself. Professionally, it’s shaped the way I show up for my community—centering wellness, joy, and access to outdoor spaces for people who’ve often been left out. It’s more than just recreation—it’s restoration.
Outdoor Activities & Experiences
Q: what are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and why do you love or enjoy doing them?
A: Tiawanna: I love anything that brings me near or on the water, but kayaking is definitely at the top of my list. There's something special about being in my own watercraft, setting my own pace, and choosing my own adventure—it gives me a deep sense of freedom and peace.
I also really enjoy walking in nature. There’s something grounding about being surrounded by trees and just listening to the way they move with the wind. It’s calming, almost like nature is speaking if you slow down enough to hear it.
Q: Can you share a memorable outdoor adventure that changed your perspective or challenge you the most?
A: Tiawanna: One of my most memorable and perspective-shifting outdoor adventures was the first time I climbed the ice curtains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Standing at the base of a 40-foot wall of ice, I eagerly volunteered to go first. I started off strong, fueled by the cheers of my peers below. But partway up, I looked down—and for a moment, fear crept in. I asked myself, “What are you doing up here?
Still, I kept climbing. The cheers faded as I got higher, but I looked up, found my focus, and pushed forward. In that moment, I realized this experience mirrored life: sometimes, you have to keep moving, even when the support gets quiet. When the crowd stops cheering, your own determination has to carry you the rest of the way.
Q: Do you have a dream outdoor experience or location you haven’t explored yet?
A: Tiawanna: I was once offered the chance to go on a 9-day backpacking trip to Machu Picchu, and it honestly felt like a dream opportunity. Unfortunately, I had to turn it down at the time because of finances—but it’s still high on my list. I know I’ll get there one day. That kind of journey—connecting with the land, the history, and pushing myself physically and spiritually—that’s the kind of adventure I live for.
Mindset & Motivation
Q: what motivates you to keep pushing boundaries for outdoors access and engagement?
A: Tiwanna: What motivates me is knowing how transformative the outdoors can be, especially for communities that often don’t have access. I want to create opportunities for others to experience that freedom, peace, and joy, just like I have.
Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically for challenging adventures?
A: Tiawanna: Mentally, I prepare by visualizing the experience—focusing on the goal and reminding myself why I’m doing it. Physically, I make sure to stay active and build endurance, whether through regular workouts or smaller outdoor activities that keep me ready for whatever challenge lies ahead. It’s about staying connected to both my mind and body.
Q: Have you ever faced fears or setbacks on your outdoor journeys? How did you overcome them?
A: Tiawanna: I definitely experience moments of anxiousness or performance anxiety, but I’ve learned to use that adrenaline boost to fuel my excitement and push forward. It’s about channeling that nervous energy into determination and moving past the fear to embrace the experience.
Nature & Community
Q: What roles does nature play in your personal healing, creativity, or inspiration?
A: Tiawanna: Nature plays a powerful role in my personal healing and inspiration. There’s something majestic about touching, feeling, and breathing in everything God has created. It reminds me of His greatness and His promise to fulfill what He says He will do in my life. It’s a constant source of peace and perspective.
Q: Do you think outdoors activities help build a stronger sense of community?
A: Tiawanna: Absolutely! Outdoor activities bring people together in a shared experience, creating a space for connection and building relationships that go beyond just the activity itself. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying nature, these experiences foster a sense of belonging and unity within a community.
Q: Do you involve others in your adventures? How do you encourage people to step outside their comfort zones?
A: Tiawanna: Yes, I love involving others in my adventures. As a volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro, I host monthly activities and usually extend personal invitations to encourage people to join me outside. I try to make it feel welcoming and fun, showing them that stepping outside their comfort zone can lead to amazing experiences.
Advice & Reflection
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start exploring the outdoors but doesn’t know where to begin?
A: Tiwanna: My advice? Just do it! If you're feeling apprehensive, start by following the Outdoor Afro Facebook page or download our app to find opportunities to explore the outdoors with others. Being part of a group can make it easier and more fun to take that first step.
Q: How do you balance outdoor adventures with other aspects of life?
A: Tiawanna: Balancing outdoor adventure with other aspects of life is essential for me—it’s how I survive, especially during tough times. Being outdoors helps me stay grounded, recharge, and find clarity, making it easier to navigate everything else going on in my life.
Entrepreneurship & Business in the Outdoors
Q: How did you turn your passion for the outdoors into a business or professional path?
A: Tiawanna: About ten years ago, I went on a church retreat and tried kayaking for the first time. I fell in love with it instantly. Not long after, I took a role with an organization focused on increasing tree canopy and activating parks. During the COVID crisis, we were one of the few groups that could safely gather outdoors, and in 2021, I led more than 70 people kayaking on the Grand River. Since then, I’ve continued to guide paddles as a volunteer.
In researching more about the outdoor industry, I learned that Michigan has a $1.3 billion outdoor recreation economy—but less than 1% of that includes ownership by people of color. That hit me. It only made sense to turn my love for the outdoors, especially kayaking, into a full-time, purpose-driven career.
Q: What challenges have you faced in building a business around outdoor activities, and how did you overcome them?
A: Tiwanna: One of the biggest challenges I've faced is gaining access to equipment and capital—both of which are essential for sustaining and scaling a business centered around outdoor activities. I’m passionate about making kayaking accessible to youth and community members who may not have the resources to buy or store gear. However, the business still needs to be financially sustainable.
Another hurdle is seasonality. Kayaking is often seen as a warm-weather activity, so I’ve had to get creative during the winter months by offering indoor training sessions in local health club pools. It’s a way to keep people engaged and build skills year-round.
There’s also the internal challenge of imposter syndrome. When I show up in outdoor spaces and speak about my love for nature, I sometimes feel the weight of societal conditioning—the false idea that Black joy doesn’t belong outdoors. But I know that’s not true, and I’m committed to changing that narrative, one paddle at a time.
Q: Can you share a short story of how networking or community-building is in outdoor spaces lead to business growth, or community-building?
A: Tiawanna: One splendid example of how community-building in outdoor spaces has led to growth is through the use of Opening and Closing Circles at our Outdoor Afro events. Before each outing, we gather in a circle to introduce ourselves, set intentions, and create a welcoming space for everyone. Afterward, we close with another circle, reflecting on the experience and sharing what we’ve learned. This practice not only builds stronger connections among participants but also fosters trust and a sense of belonging, which has naturally led to expanded community involvement and growth for the organization.
Spiritual Connection & Personal Growth Through Nature
Q: What spiritual or cultural significance does nature hold for you or like-minded people?
A: Tiawanna: For me, nature is deeply spiritual—it's where I feel closest to God. Being outside, surrounded by His creation, reminds me of His presence, His power, and His promises. For like-minded folks in my community, nature is a place of peace, reflection, and connection—both to something greater and to each other. It’s where we go to heal, to breathe, and to just be.
Q: Do you believe outdoor adventures can serve as a form of healing, or self-discovery?
A: Tiawanna: Absolutely. Outdoor adventures have a way of stripping away distractions and bringing you face-to-face with yourself. They create space for healing, reflection, and growth. Whether it’s the quiet of a forest or the rhythm of paddling on the water, nature helps you reconnect—with your spirit, your purpose, and your strength.
Q: How do the elements of water and earth influence your perspective on life?
A: Tiawanna: Water and earth both ground and guide me. Water reminds me to stay flexible and keep flowing, even when life gets unpredictable. Earth gives me stability—it’s a reminder to stay rooted, stand firm in who I am, and trust the process. Together, they teach me balance: when to move, when to be still, and how to stay connected to what really matters.
Q: In what ways do you encourage others to deepen their relationship with nature through community engagement?
A: Tiawanna: I encourage others to deepen their relationship with nature by creating welcoming spaces where they feel seen, safe, and supported. Through community events, personal invitations, and meaningful conversations, I help people connect not just to the outdoors, but to each other. We build community by sharing stories, learning together, and showing that nature is for all of us—especially those who’ve been left out for too long.
This concludes our questionnaire & answers with Tiawanna Ezell!
Here are her social media link you can follow her:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iliveheregr/
Facebook page: Outdoor Afro-Grand Rapids, MI and download the Outdoor Afro app to register for upcoming adventures.
Outdoor Afro-Grand Rapids next event is:
Let’s Ride Oxford Trail on May 24th
Time: 11 am
location: 715 Oxford St SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Thank you, reader, for taking a moment to read one of many great stories about the pillars of Grand Rapids! I hope you find yourself inspired and motivated to venture into nature and discover your true self. Remember, experiencing the outdoors doesn’t have to be a solitary activity—connect with like-minded adventurers and share the journey!
Leslie Carina Orduna
Leslie Carina Orduna, is a Mexican American poet, writer, activist, and fierce advocate for transformation and interconnection through the power of storytelling and ever-evolving present. Her unique voice illustrates identity, ancestral memory, and resilience of lyrical narratives. Through her writing, she bridges generations, offering a voice that honors the past and present while embracing her authenticity rooted in compassion and love, a positive role model, and leader in her community.
Come join us to read her story!
Con paz, Soso-Akalesh
Who is Leslie Carina Orduna?
Leslie Carina Orduna is a Mexican American Poet, activist, and badass fierce woman whose words and demeanor of her existence brings light into any space. She is spicy with a kick that will make you want to sit down and listen. Her soft and gentle approach when she speaks and the microphone on her hand, her words are mixed languages that represents her duality and diverse cultures.
Her belief in the power of art and compassion, spiritually led by her own affirmations, engages with community and organizing that brings an organic representation of who she is.
She is a protector of animals, earth, and historically excluded and marginalized communities.
Her soul is rooted in the earth and love.
She’s actively involved with several organizations that share similar visionary focus on uplifting the Latinx communities.
She is also inspired daily by her own culture and the ability to remain true to herself and has the adaptability mindset to collaborate with her surroundings.
When I heard her speak for the first time in a public event, it was the connection by the power of words and her sincere truthiness that even I could resonate. With the snap snaps of fingers in the space, I knew I had to get a story about her and who she is in our community. And so, here we are about to embark the journey with questionnaire and answer interview with Leslie, and I hope you as the reader and viewer you will enjoy a down to earth conversation.
Questionnaire and Answer Conversation
Personal & Artistic Journey
Q: What inspired you to become a poet?
A: Leslie Carina: I always loved reading and writing as a young child and it felt like a natural way of being able to express and release internal feelings. Words seemed magical, sort of like an entry or exit door - whatever was needed.
Q: How does your identity as a Latina and Indigenous woman shape your poetry?
A: Leslie Carina: It not only shapes my work, but it shapes my entire existence. It is the way I experience life and the way I maneuver through my day to day. My poetry reflects this and I'm able to incorporate themes, values, and traditions (new and old).
Q: Can you share a line of your poem that holds deep meaning for you?
A: Leslie Carina: “She tells me that the Monarcas - bright orange like the sun and black like the night - return to Michoacan every year in their beautiful migration because that is all they’ve ever known.” Poem titled ‘My Mother,’ October 19, 2024
Q: What are some recurring themes in your poetry, and why are they important?
A: Leslie Carina: To name a few - I like incorporating my indigenous history, I speak on themes of liberation from political constraints as well as my healing journey from trauma wounds. I feel like these are necessary because for me writing is a form of healing so creating stories from my experiences allows me to release while also giving myself the power to continue to move forward.
Q: What are some challenges you had to face as a Latina and Indigenous poet in the literary world?
A: Leslie Carina: I think recognizing the imposter syndrome that I hold and being able to understand where it came from and continuing the move into my best and truest self has been - A JOURNEY. In middle school and high school, I attended predominantly white schools, so I never saw people that looked like me in “professional” jobs. I’ve had to work hard to find myself in my adult years (still working on that).
Community & Representation
Q: what advice do you have for young poets from marginalized communities?
A: Leslie Carina: We need you; children need to hear your voice and see your faces, you belong!
Future & Vision
Q: How do you see yourself as a future of poetry in activism?
A: Leslie Carina: Well with the current political climate (rolls eyes) I think art (all forms!) has always been part of movements to fight for the people. This is no time to shy away from using those platforms as artists to demand what is rightfully ours. We deserve peace, access to a sustainable life and the ability to live freely within our respective identities. Poets will get louder, painters will get brighter, and voices will be heard!
Thank you, Leslie Carina, for sharing your thoughts and we hope this encourages you to explore and engage, using your voice to make a powerful statement that inspire change and awareness for yourself and your community!
You can follow her on her instagram!
Veronica cornejo
Strength in Every Form: The Journey of Veronica Cornejo
Veronica Cornejo is a mother, bodybuilder, and veteran- a woman who embodies resilience, discipline, and unwavering dedication. From the uniform to the weight room, and through the everyday rewarding moments of motherhood, she has forged a path of strength in every aspect of life.
Here, you’ll find insights on bodybuilding, wellness, mental toughness, and the lessons she’s learned through service and sacrifice.
Whether you are seeking motivation, fitness tips, or a story of perseverance, Veronica’s words and experiences are here to inspire.
The Strength Within
Welcome to The Strength Within, a newsletter dedicated to resilience, discipline, and transformation. Veronica Cornejo- a mother, bodybuilder, and veteran-shares her journey of balancing strength in all forms, from the weight room to everyday rewarding moments in life.
I have known Veronica for quite some time. How we met? Well, at a military unit not far from home. When I first met her, she was and still is the most friendly, kindhearted human being I ever met. I was so inspired by her dedication not just serving her community through the military but the resilience of pushing physical and mindset boundaries of strength and reshaping the human condition with such grace and empowerment. I have been eager to create a newsletter about her story. And of course, I have sent her questions to answer through her language and visualization of who she is and what is it about her journey that could bring inspiration and courage for your own balance of joy, hope, and dedication to thrive!
Stay strong. Stay focused. Stay unstoppable.
Interviewed Questions & Answers
Bodybuilding
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START BODYBUILDING?
A: Veronica: I started bodybuilding right after I had my son. I have been told numerous times that once you have a baby, life is different, and you should be happy with the body you have afterwards. It wasn’t exactly inspiring, and I challenged those thoughts by initiating myself into learning how the body works and the effects of postpartum. I soon learned that bodybuilding was achievable and not only that but anything you put your mind to. Life doesn’t “stop” when you have children. I was inspired and motivated if anything, to show and tell my son one day that mom didn’t listen to what others had to say and made her own successful path.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR TRAINING WITH OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE?
A: Veronica: That’s a great question, and I challenge those reading to answer this question, “what are your priorities in life and how bad do you want them?” Having strength and showmanship to represent that strength meant a big deal for me then. I’m rebellious in the sense that I refuse to let others author my story with the narrow thoughts some people have. When you want something bad enough, you have to trade other things for it. I am in college, with a full-time active-duty job, a single mother, photography, bodybuilding, and with a house I just bought by myself and maintain. I miss some things, but those sacrifices are worth the end goal, which is to be all I can be and there for those in my small circle of friends and family I love.
Female Veterans
HOW HAS YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE INFLUENCED YOUR APPROACH TO FITNESS?
A: Veronica: I would say my experience in the military has a huge influence on my approach to fitness. Right from the beginning in basic training, I was this small-town girl living under a rock yet earned honor graduate because of that discipline and positive mindset. There is nothing in life I can’t manage because I’ve put myself in challenging situations where I learned to be self-reliant.
Military Service
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
A: Veronica: I joined the military at 17 as a junior in high school, I came from a poor family with extraordinarily little resources for college, I was smart but not smart enough to get big scholarships. Military service was something I had thought about as a kid, but I was afraid. I was 97lbs and 5 foot nothing. I decided then, what’s the worst that can happen? I’ve always been a risk taker and I’m glad I did. College was paid for, more opportunities opened for me and the skills and values I have stemmed from being in such a respectable line of work.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT OTHERS IN THEIR FITNESS JOURNEY?
A: Veronica: When someone’s starting out in fitness and reaches out to me, one it motivates me! I’m happy to know that people reach out to me because there is some level of trust in my knowledge and experience. I support those by ensuring that even if they are just starting out, they are already 100% ahead of those who do nothing. It all starts in the mind and having a positive and dedicated mindset alongside support from someone who’s been down that path helps a long way. Years later I still maintain contact with those who first started out and support them in any way I can whether that’s through moral support, building a workout plan or training 1:1.
Motivation and Dedication
WHAT KEEPS YOU DEDICATED TO YOUR FITNESS GOALS?
A: Veronica: This is a good one! I stay motivated through lifestyle. It used to be “I want to look a certain way” to “I want to compete and test my strength” to “this is just my normal day to day now.” Fitness really is a journey, enjoy the highs and grind through the lows.
HOW DO YOU OVERCOME SETBACKS OR PLATEAUS IN YOUR TRAINING?
A: Veronica: Lots of this happens for sure. I get through the challenging times through discipline. It’s hard but sometimes you won’t be motivated, but you have to do some things in life to get to a place of success. It takes a bit of sacrifice to be above average, that’s just that. If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it, which makes it that much more rewarding!
Mental Toughness
CAN YOU SHARE A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO OVERCOME A SIGNIFICANT MENTAL BARRIER?
A: Veronica: Yes, so there was a time when I was pregnant with my son and multiple people would tell me that the body I had before is gone, it’s okay to settle with what you get, don’t expect to “bounce back.” Terrible things, I hated the fact that all these people were putting limitations on me, it was mentally wearing on me. So, after I had my son, I started working slowly on regaining my strength and the comments got even worse, alienating me to feel alone in my healing process. I worked through the mental barrier of feeling alone and unsupported and realized I didn’t want to “bounce back.” I wanted to be better than I’ve ever been in my life and that is what I did.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL RESILIENCE?
A: Veronica: I love this question, every now and then in life, I’m challenged with something that stresses my mentality like crazy ha-ha. In each one of those situations, I have learned something valuable or a lesson. Life is a perception and really what you think of it. What keeps me going through any mental strain is the temporary length of it. You might be struggling with something for a day, a month, even 6 months to a year but putting one foot in front of the other will eventually get you out of it. You’ll look back one day and realize how small it really was.
HOW IMPORTANT IS MENTAL TOUGHNESS COMPARED TO PHYSICAL STRENGTH IN BODYBUILDING?
A: Veronica: I would say throughout the entirety of my life; every single setback or challenge has strengthened my mental capacity over time. My mental toughness is surely stronger than my physical strength.
Other Questions I have asked Veronica
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR MOTHERHOOD, MILITARY, AND GYM TIME?
A: Veronica: Balancing motherhood, military and gym time is pretty simple... now.
It was tough in the beginning, my schedule was all over the place, but I finally got it down! While I’m at work in the military full time, I drop off my son at daycare in the morning around 6:30, workout for an hour, get to work by 9am, and that’s about it. Sometimes, when I don’t have my son, because I have split custody with his dad, I’ll go to work and then workout afterwards. I also have college classes, and work on that after dinnertime when my son is occupied with playing or watching a movie before bed or after the gym.
Competitions in Bodybuilding and Body Figure
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A BODYBUILDING COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: Preparing for bodybuilding competitions start 12 weeks before shows, it’s a huge mental toll, so I try my best to limit any stress by ensuring I follow a strict gym schedule, diet, and time for myself to recoup. I enjoy prepping because most of my life in those weeks are planned to a tee, so I always know what I’m doing, and my support system is there if I ever need anything.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR FIRST COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: I was so scared to go up on stage, I felt noticeably confident but still nervous to be judged and possibly messing up my routine. There’s nothing quite like going your first time, they separate you by “newness” and your backstage with the other girls who are going their first time as well. It turned out to be a wonderful experience, everyone was encouraging! Additionally, everyone’s reasoning behind why they started was also very inspiring, enticing me to do it again.
HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE COMPETITION SEASON?
A: Veronica: My end goal in competing was to see if I could do it, and it was tough at first but once you go through the process, you realize how strong you really are both physically and mentally. The thing that motivated me most was proving to myself that I could be better than I was before having my son. Today, it’s about maintaining strength and mobility.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ENTERING THEIR FIRST BODYBUILDING/BODY FIGURE COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: Enjoy the first-time newbie experience, watch your body grow from something average to something amazing and know that any progress made comes from 100% work and effort by yourself and that’s something to be proud of.
HOW DO YOU RECOVER AND RESET AFTER A COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: EAT. The first two days after competing are the best, I eat whatever my heart desires and it’s like I try food for the first time again ha-ha. Then it’s back to eating like a prep but slowly reintroducing more foods and varieties again for a couple of weeks until the body is back to normal.
This concludes our interview with Veronica Cornejo! You can follow her on her IG (Instagram) for more motivation and connection!
https://www.instagram.com/_veronicacorn_?igsh=dnBoYTR2dnhlN252
“WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?”
As we continue this journey of strength and resilience together, I’d love to hear from you. Here are some questions to reflect on:
Q: What does strength mean to you-physically, mentally, or emotionally?
Q: How do you balance personal goals with the demands of daily life?
Q: what are your biggest challenges when it comes to fitness, wellness, or personal growth?
Q: What topics would you love to see covered in future newsletter stories?
Your thoughts, experiences, and questions matter. reply to this email or connect with me on social media-I’d love to hear your perspective!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, STAY STRONG AND KEEP PUSHING FORWARD.
(I do not own copyrights to these images)
Trinette Montalvo
Get to know Trinette Montalvo, a mother of three, trainer, health and wellness specialist, bodybuilder, and hair stylist.
In the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trinette Montalvo stands as an ideal of strength and inspiration. As an enthusiastic bodybuilder, a fervent gym trainer, and a loving mother of three, Trinette’s journey to wellness and health is nothing short of extraordinary.
From early morning workouts to balancing the demands of motherhood, Trinette embodies resilience and determination. Her story is a demonstration to the power of perseverance, showing us all that with the right mindset and dedication, achieving our health and fitness goals is within reach.
Join us as we delve into Trinette’s inspiring journey, exploring the challenges she has overcome and the triumphs she has celebrated along the way. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting your wellness journey, Trinette’s story is sure to motivate and empower you.
Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “Wow! Look at those muscles!” Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. I met Trinette Montalvo at a fundraising salsa event back in July last year (2024). I was enjoying the evening with my mother when she told me to check out these bodybuilders. The first thing I noticed was the legs.
An inspirational spark ignited inside me as I looked at Trinette, being a female, Latina, and the physique of her success. Living within the Grand Rapids city limits, I had no idea we had a group of women who competes and train for bodybuilding. I had the privilege of interviewing Trinette about her motivations, inspirations, and journey to where she is today.
Our interview Q&A
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE BODYBUILDING, AND HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
A: Trinette: I wanted a challenge and had rediscovered my love for the gym, so I sought the ultimate challenge for myself.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR BODYBUILDING CAREER SO FAR?
A: Trinette: I did exactly what I said I would, and it affected other areas of life and how many people I inspire that do not even compete. The effect I have on others is the biggest blessing!
Q: HOW DO YOU INSPIRE OTHERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BODYBUILDING OR IMPROVING THEIR FITNESS?
A: Trinette: I showed them my before and after progress photos to be honest! It’s as simple as making that choice and not taking no for an answer! Have a fitness vision and don’t say yes to anything else.
Q: WHAT IMPACT HAS BODYBUILDING HAD ON YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM?
A: Trinette: It has put many things in perspective for me. As a single mom with a history of being overweight and experiencing abuse, I realized that if I could choose that lifestyle, I could certainly choose the opposite! I feel on top of the world, and nobody can take that from me. It has made my world so different.
ADVICE AND INSPIRATION
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN THAT ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING BODYBUILDING OR STRENGTH TRAINING?
A: Trinette: You don’t have to be in the gym all the time. Find what active workouts you like, engage into it and enjoy it to the fullest! Keep in mind the things it’s doing for you mentally when you are done. No regrets!
Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE NEGATIVE CRITICISM OR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FEMALE BODYBUILDERS?
A: Trinette: First, I laugh! Then, if I have the time, I like to show and share my story of how bodybuilding changed me. I was overweight and abused. I had low self-esteem. When I fed that 1%, it brought me here. You don’t have to be muscular because we are all different but having the concept of keep on going and knowing you have haters, shoot, give them something to hate. Because that’s all on them. It has nothing to do with our own goals and transformations. And that can be a hard pill to swallow. But you get what you really pursue and want!
BUSINESS
Q: IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN A TRAINING MENTOR, HOW CAN THEY REACH OUT TO YOU?
A: Trinette: I am reachable through IG (Instagram) and Facebook Messenger.
https://www.instagram.com/curls.n.quads?igsh=eXVsOXk2Y2RrbjA5
Q: DO YOU HAVE WORKOUT PLANS FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN A GYM TRAINER?
A: Trinette: I have a whole program for all different body parts. I also have a coach I check in with every Sunday. (she takes the initiative to continue learning and developing her own style of workouts)
For now, this concludes our Q&A session.
I am super excited for Trinette and her continual development of bodybuilding. Follow her on IG! We will have a session in the near future! I will definitely link up with her for my physical wellness journey. Now, that’s another story for a later time. LOL
(I do not have copyrights to the images)