Introducing Natasha,
She is the founder of the Mariposa Sisters and Naturopathic Medical Candidate at Bastyr University California. She seeks to highlight women’s stories of strength and perseverance to globally inspire in leading women to happier, healthier, and more successful lives.
Meet Natasha!
Q: When you’re not working on Mariposa Sisters. What do you do? I know you go to school, what are you going to school for?
Natasha: I’m a third-year naturopathic medical candidate. Naturopathic medicine, for those who don’t know, is a holistic medical practice that combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. We aim to treat the root cause of all illnesses. We use natural treatments to cure illnesses such as nutrition, herbology, hydrotherapy, physical manipulations, and so much more. So that’s a major part of my life. I am currently in the clinical portion of my education, so I’m personally seeing patients at Bastyr University Clinic in San Diego and along with the other Sisters’(founding members). Outside of school, I love getting recharged in nature and going hiking, hitting the beach, practicing yoga and meditation. And of course, there is nothing better than being around my friends and family. Most of my family is on the east coast and before the pandemic, I would regularly fly out to go see them. Since moving to San Diego 2 years ago, I feel incredibly blessed to have made some life-long friends that continually support and inspire me.
Q: What do you hope to do with your education?
Natasha: Once I graduate, which is about in two years, my aim is to open up a private practice where I can collaborate with other practitioners and focus on women’s health issues. In addition, a portion of my practice will be focused on traveling domestically & internationally to give back to populations who need it. Culture and diversity is something that has always fascinated me. To be exposed to new ideas and perspectives is such a gift and it holds incredible learning. Many of the world’s problems, I believe, can be fixed by traveling and exposing oneself to new cultures. Through listening, compassion and purposeful action, we can begin to fix many of the health care disparities in this world.
Our next project with Mariposa Sisters is going to be focusing on the health care disparities present for colored women. Through this next film, we’ll show perspectives through the eyes of the patient and doctor so that we can bring awareness to this issue and educate future health care professionals, such as myself.
Q: What inspired you and the founders to create the Mariposa Sisters?
Natasha: We’ll to simply put it, we were craving to make a difference. All of us at the time, had our heads in the books and the thought of being able to help and support someone or a group of people for that matter, brought us so much joy and excitement.
When we signed up for a Naturopaths Without Borders (NWB) trip heading down to Sonora, Mexico we had the experience of meeting some remarkable women. For those who don’t know, NWB, is a nonprofit organization that provides free medical care to hundreds of people of need throughout the world. During this medical mission, as first year medical students, we assisted during the visits and listened to stories these women shared about living in Puerto Penasco. These women were incredibly warm and welcoming and it was surprising when learning more about them in the visits, the number of obstacles these women faced daily and yet, were unfazed by these challenges. Inspired by their strength and perseverance, we wanted to learn more about them and use their stories to inspire other women around the world.
Q: Do you have any advice for young women out there?
Natasha: Oh yes, absolutely. First, I’d say be passionate in what you believe and what you want to achieve. When following your dreams, there will be people who may not understand your idea and who may be fearful and in result, offer criticism. Don’t let this shake you or your confidence. This is part of the process and will make you stronger. Remember to have faith in yourself and trust that you have the ability to succeed. Second, surround yourself with the best people. Create a support system around you of individuals that actively challenge themselves to grow, who see possibility, and inspire you to be better.