We were lucky to catch up with Rukshana Triem recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rukshana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Building a nonprofit and being and service from the country I left due to the war.

Firmina Foundation was Established in 2018. Through various fundraisers, including fashion shows and auctions, A school were built in Mozambique,

addressing the need for proper educational facilities. I have created philanthropist work that I also get to take people along with to experience this process and project.

After many years the country suffered structure abandoned and kids were learning under mango tree. Seeing the need that education has been ignored for generation I seek to find a solution and I hope that I want to see of the future by building a school structure. Instead of encouraging kids to work in the farm to change the ideology to encourage kids to go to school.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Originally from Mozambique , she journeyed through Malawi and zambia  before settling in the United States at age 15 with with my family of 7. With a passion for education instilled in my upbringing I have always seek to give back to the place I came from.

As a former refugee from Mozambique, I overcame trauma and became an advocate for parents and child care providers, guiding them on their healing journey.
Finding peace in the midst of my past traumatic life I have found that being outside and leading outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking and Biking has helped me build a community of women who come together and lift each other up while having a common goal. Allowing myself to take that to the next levels I have been able to turn that into a business called Women’s Lifestyle Coaching. A coaching practice where I take women outside and reset while in Nature. This sets us up for success have inner peace, more compassion because being in nature is like being at home in peace with oneself.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem by fostering environments that value and sustain their contributions. Here are some key steps:

1. Invest in Funding and Grants
• Governments, businesses, and nonprofits can create and expand funding opportunities specifically for artists and creatives.
• Establish scholarships and grants that support underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC creators.

2. Build Collaborative Spaces
• Provide access to affordable studios, coworking spaces, or makerspaces where artists can create and collaborate.
• Support events like your African Fashion Show or Gala, which highlight diverse cultural expressions and give artists platforms to showcase their work.

3. Promote Education and Mentorship
• Integrate arts education into schools to nurture creativity from a young age.
• Launch mentorship programs where experienced creatives guide emerging artists, similar to your Confidence Speakers Catalyst program.

4. Celebrate Local Talent
• Host community-centered art shows, markets, and performances, like your Gala’s artist marketplace.
• Encourage partnerships between local businesses and creatives to elevate visibility and financial opportunities.

5. Support Equity and Inclusion
• Address systemic barriers by amplifying voices from marginalized groups.
• Promote fair pay for creative work to ensure a sustainable livelihood for all artists.

6. Build Bridges with Community Causes
• Encourage artists to collaborate with nonprofits and other organizations for social impact projects. For instance, proceeds from events like mine in building schools in Africa can fund education here in our backyard and support our local arts schools.
Also adding empowerment initiatives while promoting the artists involved.

By creating opportunities for visibility, financial sustainability, and collaboration, society can empower artists and build thriving, diverse creative ecosystems.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My work—from organizing events like the African Fashion Show and the Gala to founding the Firmina Foundation—reflects a deep passion for using creativity to bring communities together and inspire change. Through your creativity, I :
1. Amplify Voices and Stories
• You uplift BIPOC artists, and local underrepresented designers and communities, giving them platforms to shine and tell their stories.
2. Create Transformative Experiences
• Whether it’s through fashion, outdoor adventures, or public speaking programs, you use my creativity to help others grow, heal, and find confidence.
3. Blend Art with Purpose
• For art is not just about beauty or expression but about impact—whether it’s raising funds for education in Africa or helping women rediscover their strength.
4. Inspire Generational Change
• my creativity directly influences young people and communities, particularly through educational initiatives. This ensures my work continues to resonate far into the future.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect for me is seeing the ripple effect of my creative endeavors—how they empower individuals, build community, and leave a legacy of hope and transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.womenslifestylecoaching.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rukshana_hafez_triem/profilecard/?igsh=MWV6MXlhbmlpbXJseA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15kNbG4HYZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rukshana-triem?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rukshanatriem?si=VLNVungSABMggmAv

Image Credits
Dawn Renee pictures Wintress’s Watson Makeup and Hair