Dhayana Alejandrina | Poet, Speaker, & Creative Mentor
A conversation with poet & speaker Dhayana Alejandrina on finding her voice, the importance of mentorship and community in overcoming adversity, and her vision for a more inclusive workplace.
Can you share a challenging experience where you felt your voice wasn’t heard or valued?
When I moved to Japan at 20, I was stepping into a new chapter of my life, filled with excitement and the unknown. Living in Okinawa, I secured my first "real" job as a lead teacher at a child development center and bought my first car. These milestones made me feel a profound sense of responsibility and growth. I loved my job, especially the kids I worked with—they changed me in ways I still cherish. I took pride in being a nurturing teacher and building strong relationships with the parents.
However, the workplace wasn’t without its challenges. The center had a significant number of Japanese women who had been there for many years. Due to cultural norms, they often hesitated to voice their concerns or complaints, fearing repercussions. I deeply respected them and frequently found myself advocating on their behalf, asking the difficult questions they were too afraid to raise.
Around this time, I was also grappling with finding my voice—something I had struggled with for years. While I had always been expressive in my writing, I often silenced myself in conversations to avoid conflict or appearing "disagreeable." My thoughts stayed locked inside, and I realized that this silence was costing me opportunities for growth and connection.
This inner conflict became even more pressing when a new director took over at the center. From the outset, it was clear she had an agenda that didn’t prioritize diversity. Her first week was marked by a lack of engagement with the staff and a pointed comment: "things are going to change around here," which created an atmosphere of fear. As one of only three BIPOC female teachers in the facility, I quickly felt the weight of this shift. Twice, I found myself mistreated and disregarded when I spoke up about the unfair treatment and favoritism.
How did you shed the silence to overcome these challenges and advocate for yourself?
During this challenging time, I leaned on three crucial pillars of support: faith, family, and self-reflection. My belief in a higher power reminded me that there was hope and a greater purpose behind the pain I was experiencing. My mother provided unwavering emotional support, offering a safe space where I could release what I had kept locked inside. And my journal became a sanctuary for self-reflection, where I could explore and organize my thoughts, giving me the confidence to express them verbally.
Despite the difficult environment, I continued to advocate for myself and my colleagues, recognizing that silence would only perpetuate the injustices we were facing. Embracing my voice allowed me to stand up against the unfair treatment, even when it felt like I wasn’t being heard. It was a hard lesson, but it reinforced the importance of speaking up for what’s right and supporting those who may feel silenced. Ultimately, this experience not only strengthened my resolve to be a voice for others but also marked a turning point in my journey of self-expression. By finding my voice, I was able to navigate the challenges at work with confidence and authenticity, leading to a more fulfilling and empowered life.
Can you describe a time when you felt you needed additional support to overcome a professional challenge, and how it helped you grow?
At most of the jobs I have been part of, I’ve often been the youngest employee. Only at two out of the four jobs did I receive intentional mentorship and advice from higher-ups who saw not only who I was as an employee but also recognized the work I was doing in the community.
As a creative individual, I take immense pride in my poetry, workshops, and the way I give back to others by fortifying their creative ideas. Therefore, a workplace environment that acknowledges and values that part of me without being dismissive or controlling means a lot. At one of my previous jobs, it was the first time a director saw me in that light and recommended me for an award—not just for the work I do outside the office, but also for my contributions within it. This recognition meant a great deal to me because it validated that I can be whole and don’t have to choose between the aspects of myself that are pivotal to my identity.
This experience taught me the importance of seeking out environments where I’m seen and valued for all that I bring to the table. It also showed me that true mentorship comes from those who appreciate your full self, both professionally and personally, encouraging you to thrive in all areas of your life.
What do you believe organizations can implement to create a more inclusive environment where diverse voices are valued and heard?
Women can leverage open communication to create a more inclusive work environment by fostering safe spaces for dialogue and building trust through transparency. In my work experiences, I’ve often found that these elements are either missing or, when present, are not fully embraced. By advocating for my colleagues, especially those hesitant to voice their concerns due to cultural norms, I helped create environments where their voices could be heard.
However, it’s not enough to just be open; there needs to be genuine intention behind this communication. When women are transparent about their experiences and challenges, it’s crucial that this information is met with respect and compassion, rather than being used to attack or minimize our efforts.
True inclusivity comes from a collective commitment to understanding and addressing the issues that women face in the workplace. Women can build on this by fostering collaboration and collective action, forming networks that provide a platform for shared experiences and support. By combining open dialogue with a genuine intention to create change, women can contribute to a more supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone’s talents and perspectives are valued.
What guidance would you offer to women who are navigating professional challenges and seeking to make a difference?
The message I hope to send to other women is the following reflection: It is important to remember that this is our first time on this earth. For most of us, there were no blueprints to follow to succeed.
We had to figure it out through the teachings of our parents, friends, community, faith, and our own endeavors. For some of us, we are the first ones in our families to do something new, to take a risk, to speak up, to break the cycle, to get help, to advocate, and to forgive. All of this is not easy to hold, but we learn that our purpose is so much greater than our challenges. Each of us has a magic within; we sprinkle gold in everything we touch, and the power of our words carries a multitude of lineages. So, do not walk in fear—walk with love, confidence, faith, and kindness.
At the same time, I want us all to remember that we do deserve a gentle life, a life of less "being stronger all the time" and more embracing softness, rest, and joy. We have the power to change our narratives and create a foundation that others see is possible to build. We are multifaceted; we are birth, we are future, we are the ones who carry life. Let’s not forget that.
“Each of us has a magic within; we sprinkle gold in everything we touch, and the power of our words carries a multitude of lineages.”
About Dhayana
Dhayana Alejandrina is a Dominican poet, speaker, community facilitator, and creative writing mentor. She began her literary journey at age nine in Santo Domingo, continuing it after immigrating to the United States in 2009. Dhayana performed her initial open mic in Okinawa, Japan, where she resided for four years. Her work explores the transformative power of words, delving into inner growth, culture, identity and healing. LA Times, #WeAllGrow Latina, I Am An Immigrant, Black Writers Weekend, The Dominican Writers Association, Al Día Newspaper, Penguin India Publishing, and many others have featured and published her work. In 2021, Dhayana published her first collection of variant prose and poetry, Agridulce, which shines the light on the importance of acknowledging our emotions and experiences as a path to self-awareness and discovery.
In her role as a creative writing mentor, Dhayana Alejandrina finds great joy in sharing her knowledge and experience to nurture the next generation of storytellers. Her work revolves around the transformative power of words, including crafting poetry and stories, mentoring aspiring writers, and facilitating engaging workshops. Beyond the technicalities of writing, she is dedicated to creating heartfelt spaces where individuals can share their stories, build a sense of community, access resources, feel grounded and supported, and, most importantly, be seen. Dhayana's deep belief in the ability of storytelling to connect and empower fuels her enthusiasm for what she does.