The name VaWi comes from Valladares-Williams. Growing up multiracial made me aware and curious about the world at a young age. I’m also neurodivergent, which I didn’t know at the time, and I would find myself missing social cues that I would see my friends pick up on.

These challenges led me to pursue a psychology degree, to understand how our minds work, and on that journey, I fell in love with education. In educating others, I fine-tuned my social skills and realized that these can be developed. It’s never too late to learn.

When we develop our emotional intelligence (EQ), we are able to recognize our emotions and unpack how they influence our behaviors. We can stay calm in stressful situations, we can navigate conflict. We become more empathetic, better listeners, and motivators. 

My approach is influenced by my time working with Spain’s Ministry of Education and the NYC Department of Education. Too often we assume that once we enter the workplace, everything needs to be dry, and formal. Learning can be entertaining, it does not have to feel like extra work. Through gamification and infusion of pop-culture references, these trainings are engaging while helping develop our emotional intelligence.

So many processes in the workplace evolve, why should learning be any different?