Lynisha Senegal and Bernardine Tuisavalalo Tavita
Recorded
December 9, 2022
Archived
December 9, 2022
41:50 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
oss000050
Description
One Small Step conversation partners Lynisha Senegal (45) and Bernadine Tuisavalalo Tavita (28) talk about their experiences as women of color - growing up poor, engaging with their communities, and taking on the mantle of leadership.Subject Log / Time Code
BT talks about connecting with LS even before meeting her.
LS talks about being drawn to BT's energy, connecting over Hawaii and BT's Samoan background.
LS talks about her life experiences that propelled her into community service.
BT talks about growing up in Samoa and the Bay Area, being poor and feeling frustrated about not having access to resources in a wealthy country like the US.
LS points out similarities in her and BT's upbringings.
LS talks about taking responsibility for her siblings at 9 years old, going into foster care at 12 years old, and how this has affected her as a mother.
BT talks about being a leader as a woman of color; how to balance looking after yourself, the community, and family.
LS: "I put myself last to benefit the whole".
LS talks about influence of Paul Swearengin in helping her understand herself.
LS talks about the impact of changing the spelling of her name.
BT talks about the effect of wearing make up.
BT talks about her relationship with her mother, describes her as her best friend.
BT talks about disliking Fresno when she initially moved from the Bay Area.
Participants
- Lynisha Senegal
- Bernardine Tuisavalalo Tavita