We were lucky to catch up with Rosa Antonini recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rosa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I have worked on is “Wonders Of My World.” I created this program, funded by the proceeds from my self-development book, The Zero-Sum Game Of You, to enable young adults in financial need to learn skills for a year or more. This empowers them to find jobs and build better lives for themselves and their families.
This project is deeply meaningful to me because I believe that education and learning can break the cycle of poverty. I had the privilege of going to school, but my parents did not. Without education, my life and my family’s life would be drastically different, filled with scarcity. Education opens up opportunities and nurtures creativity.
I envision a world where everyone has access to learning skills that enable them to provide for themselves and meet their needs. This belief drives my commitment to the “Wonders Of My World” project.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Rosa Lopez Antonini, founder of the Wonders of My World program and author of The Zero-Sum Game of You. Born in the Dominican Republic and having lived in New Jersey, USA, for over 25 years, my journey has been one of continuous learning and growth.
As a Software Engineer and Data Architect, my professional life revolves around problem-solving and finding innovative solutions. This same approach is the foundation of my self-development book, The Zero-Sum Game of You. Drawing from my experiences in software development, I’ve crafted a book that uses similar tools to help readers achieve success on their own terms. It’s a unique perspective that I believe will resonate with many, inspiring them to transform their lives. Similarly, the training programs I’m running in Uganda, funded by proceeds from my book, are not just about providing practical skills. They are about empowering young adults in financial need to secure jobs and eventually start their own businesses, transforming their futures and the communities they belong to.
In the technology field, I’ve learned that every business is unique, and developing a great product requires acknowledging that uniqueness. Similarly, each person is unique, and success means different things to everyone. Regardless of how one defines success, the ultimate goal is for the individual to feel self-fulfilled. In my book, I guide readers to discover and learn more about themselves and what matters most to them. This knowledge empowers them to make decisions with confidence and accountability, leading to significant personal growth.
One of the most gratifying aspects of my work is the ability to channel my creativity into both technology and writing. I’m also deeply passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty, and expanding our training programs is a significant goal of mine. I am eager to launch these programs in the Dominican Republic and welcome any support or collaboration in this endeavor. By purchasing my book, readers not only acquire practical tools for personal development but also contribute to providing essential skills to young adults in financial need, fostering the economic development of the communities we serve.
Additionally, I recently launched a print-on-demand online store -www.ZeroSumShop.com- offering a variety of items. These include T-shirts, Mugs, Cushions, Notebooks, Blankets and others, all adorned with uplifting quotes and some fun, computer-geek-themed designs. Although the shop is still in its early stages, my primary goal is to donate most of the proceeds to the same cause.
I’m also committed to fostering a community of self-development, providing a safe space for those seeking personal growth. On social media, particularly Instagram (@Rosa.L.Antonini), I share motivational content and practical tips for living with purpose and achieving personal goals. One of the greatest aspects of personal growth is that as you achieve happiness and self-fulfillment, you naturally want to help others achieve the same.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can create positive change, empower others, and build a better future for ourselves and our communities. By supporting my book, training programs, and online store, you are not just a reader or a customer. You are a valued member of our community, sharing our purpose and our commitment to personal development and social impact.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I am deeply committed to helping others on their journey of personal growth and learning to appreciate life’s ups and downs. In my own journey, I had to learn some lessons the hard way, such as setting boundaries and learning to say no, even when it upset others. Despite the challenges, I find great joy in adding value to someone’s life or shedding light on difficult perspectives. I strive to share insights and lessons that I believe can save time and prevent regrets.
My strong advocacy for breaking the cycle of poverty through education is rooted in a firm belief. I believe that education, particularly for young adults starting families without the necessary skills, is the key to a brighter future. This belief fuels my dedication to using all funds from my book, The Zero-Sum Game of You, to support vocational training programs in Uganda. I dream of seeing these programs replicated worldwide, as I am convinced that through education, we can create lasting change and a brighter future for generations to come. This is a cause that motivates and engages me, and I hope it does the same for you.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Embarking on the social media journey was filled with challenges and learning opportunities. As a newcomer to this digital domain, I stumbled through various missteps. My publisher’s insistence on establishing a social media presence pushed me far beyond my comfort zone—a feeling I’m sure many of you can relate to. In retrospect, I’m grateful for her push, as it prompted significant growth and valuable insights.
At the beginning, I posted videos and accepted connections, blissfully unaware of the intricacies involved. This period was marked by encounters with various marketing offers, some of which, I admit, I fell for. My eagerness to learn led me to enroll in several social media marketing courses, some of which didn’t yield the expected results. But these experiences, though challenging, were invaluable in shaping my understanding of social media.
Through these experiences, I’ve gained valuable insights that can help others avoid similar pitfalls. Here are some key lessons I’ve learned about social media:
Be Authentic: Focus on delivering genuine messages rather than chasing follower counts. Authenticity builds credibility over time and helps you connect with the right audience-those who are genuinely interested in your content and are more likely to engage with it.
Optimize Your Profile: Make sure your profile clearly communicates the value you bring or the problems you solve for your audience. A well-crafted profile is crucial for attracting and retaining the right followers.
Post Consistently: Share content regularly, but only as long as it adds value and doesn’t overwhelm you. It’s important to find joy in creating and sharing your posts, regardless of the number of likes they receive.
I have embraced these principles and focused on my vision and purpose. My main objective is to add value by offering a self-development tip or a spark of motivation that can brighten someone’s day.
Understanding your reasons and long-term vision provides the right focus and helps forge a social media presence that transcends mere numbers, fostering a genuine connection with your audience. This approach is key to making a meaningful impact in the digital world, creating a community where resonance and authenticity thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosaantonini.com/ https://www.zerosumshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosa.l.antonini/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.LopezAnton21
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosaantonini/
- Other: https://www.zerosumshop.com/This is my website for the print-on-demand store. I donate the funds from this store as well.
Image Credits
Alyson Barrow Photography