I was prepared for what they would do to me, but not for the cruelties against those I loved. Growing up in a turbulent country, our freedoms were diminished daily, and I wanted to contribute through public service. I became the mayor of a municipality in Caracas, but when we showed promise, my political career was blocked. During the uprising against the increasing crisis a few years later, I spoke out in protest, and the government imprisoned me. I continued the fight from jail, and the authorities were caught between wanting to get rid of me and being afraid of fueling the uprising against them. I went from jail to years in house arrest before seeking refuge at an embassy until I had to flee the country into exile.

See how leaving my country challenged my inner cause and left me feeling like I abandoned my people. I managed to face my depression and reconnected through quality time with my family. Having my family’s support helped me focus fully on the cause. Learn how I mustered new energy and united with other freedom fighters to learn and support each other. This allowed me to build new networks and competencies that we could bring into our continuing fight for freedom in my country and the world.