Since we declared 2021 the year of the Woman, every month we will be featuring women who inspire us to reach for more. April's WonderFULL Woman, Babelyn Gonzalez, is a mother, nurse and also happens to be our founder Cristie Besu's sister! We asked her several questions about life, challenges, and advice she would give to her younger self.
1. Tell us about yourself
I am Babelyn and honored to be featured as April's EMGF Wonderful Woman! I am first a mother to the 5 most wonderful boys any woman could have ever been blessed with. I am a daughter to the most amazing, supportive, and resilient mother I have ever known. I am a sister to 6 remarkable siblings that even as the eldest, I'm in constant awe of and have learned from throughout our lives. I have shared 16 years with a man that I thank God for daily regardless of our challenges. Last but not least,, I am a registered nurse with the most rewarding of any job, privileged to help bring new life into the world!
2. Who is the most inspiring woman in your life?
I am blessed to say that I have been surrounded by amazing, strong, inspirational women all my life! Both my maternal and paternal grandmothers left behind everything in their native county of Cuba with nothing but their children and the clothes on their backs for the possibility of a better life for their family. My mother, who at only 16, had me, overcame numerous insurmountable circumstances to provide what I can only remember as a happy and stable life and set the groundwork for the mother I would later become. But, of all the women that have had a pivotal role in inspiring me to become the woman I am today, the most influential in my life has been my sister Cristie. As long as I can remember, she has met every goal she has set for herself regardless of adversities or obstacles. She leads by example through hard work and determination! She became a nurse herself as a single mother with 2 young children, a body builder, a sports nutritionist, and in her greatest accomplishment yet, an impressively successful entrepreneur of a multi million dollar company dedicated to to help others live healthier lives! Cristie, you are my hero!!! I love you and admire you more than you will ever know!
3. Tell us one piece of advice you would give to your younger self.
Stop taking the path of least resistance! It is only in overcoming adversities and challenges that you will be become the woman that you were meant to be and have always been capable of.
4. What is the biggest obstacle you've faced and how did you overcome it?
I spent most my life financially dependent on others, wether it was parents, family members, a husband, or a significant other. It was easy, convenient, and comfortable. A set of very unfortunate circumstances occurred which no longer allowed me that crutch and I came to the realization that I could not and would not ever again be dependent on anyone to provide the simplest of things for myself and my children such as a roof over our heads, health insurance, or even food on the table. Terrified but determined, at 35, with 3 kids and pregnant with my 4th, I decided to return to school and become a nurse. It was by far the most difficult yet rewarding thing I have ever done in my life!. It was the culmination of "unfortunate" circumstances that left me no choice but to succeed! It has truly changed my perspective on life's conundrums. Even very bad things can happen for a real good reason!
5. If you could pick 3 words to definite you, what would they be?
Resilient, optimistic, and capable!
