Interview with Mia F. Yamamoto

Monika: Some people break barriers; others shatter them entirely. Mia F. Yamamoto is firmly in the latter category. A distinguished criminal defense attorney, civil rights activist, and fearless advocate for justice, she has spent decades fighting for fairness in the legal system. Born in the Poston War Relocation Center during World War II, Mia’s journey, from co-founding the Asian Pacific Islander Law Student Association at UCLA to receiving prestigious awards like the Harvey Milk Legacy Award and the Liberty Award by Lambda Legal, is nothing short of inspiring. Beyond her legal accomplishments, Mia is a proud transgender woman who has dedicated her life to uplifting marginalized communities. She has served on California’s Judicial Council Task Forces and has been recognized by numerous organizations for her unwavering commitment to equality. Today, I have the honor of speaking with Mia about her life, career, and activism. Hello Mia!

Mia: Hello Monika! Thanks for having me!

Interview with Gabriela Augusto

Monika: Gabriela, it's such a pleasure to sit down with you today. As a fellow transgender woman and activist, I have long admired your incredible journey and the impactful work you've accomplished. I’m nowhere near your level, but I’m so excited to learn from you and share your story with my audience!

But before we dive in, let me properly introduce you.

You are an extraordinary woman who has broken barriers and set new standards for transgender visibility and leadership in Brazil and beyond. You made history as the first transgender person to be recognized in Forbes Brazil’s Under 30 list, and your impact has only grown from there. Bloomberg Línea named you one of the 50 Women of Impact in Latin America, and Billboard recognized you in their Over 30 list.

You founded Transcendemos Consultoria, a company that helps businesses create truly diverse and inclusive environments. Your work has touched major organizations like Natura, Kraft-Heinz, and Dasa, and it’s not just limited to Brazil - you’re making a difference across Latin America. On top of that, you’ve been a speaker at major events, including ones organized by UN Women and ILO, and you even teach at top institutions like FAAP and Fundação Dom Cabral.

Interview with Victoria Kolakowski

Monika: Victoria Kolakowski is a true pioneer in the legal world. Since 2011, she’s served as a judge on the Alameda County Superior Court, making history as the first openly transgender person to hold a trial court judgeship of general jurisdiction in the United States. But she didn’t just break barriers, she crushed them, probably while wearing fabulous heels. After coming out as transgender, she had to sue just to take the bar exam in Louisiana, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her passion for law. Her impressive journey includes degrees in science, engineering, law, and divinity, as well as major roles advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. On top of that, she’s been an ordained minister and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, serving as the president of the International Association of LGBT Judges.

Victoria, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. As a fellow transgender woman, I truly admire your groundbreaking work and the impact you've had on the legal field and beyond. Welcome to my blog, Vicky!

Vicky: I’m excited to finally answer all of your questions!

Interview with Emilia Rüttinger

Monika: Today, I have the privilege of speaking with the inspiring Emilia Marina Rüttinger, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist at MEAG, the asset manager for Münchener Rück. Emilia's career has been shaped by her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive environments.

Before joining MEAG in 2007 as the Head of the Credit Team, she worked at Union Investment, where she led the Non-Financial Credit Team. In 2022, she transitioned into her current role as a DEI specialist at MEAG, bringing her expertise and passion for equity and inclusion to the forefront. But Emilia’s journey is more than just professional, it is deeply personal. She has navigated the complexities of gender identity with resilience and grace, shaping not only her career but also her life.

As a fellow transgender woman, I’m especially excited to hear about her personal journey to womanhood, the challenges she has overcome, and the freedom she now enjoys by living as her true self. Emilia, thank you so much for being here today!

Emilia: Thank you, Monika, for the kind invitation!

Interview with Jennifer Marie

Monika: Today, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with an incredible advocate, leader, and inspiration in the transgender community - Jennifer Marie. With over a decade of success in sports marketing and financial services, Jenn was known for her ability to foster meaningful business partnerships. But her true passion has always been about connection - both in the corporate world and in community service, where she continues to serve as a dedicated board member for two non-profits.

In 2024, Jenn took her commitment to empowerment to the next level by founding Jennspire, a coaching service designed to uplift and guide transgender individuals and their families toward authentic joy and fulfillment. She is also the author of Ask Me Anything: My Transparent Transition Story (2024), a deeply personal and enlightening biography.

Interview with Maria Minakowska

Monika: Maria Jadwiga Minakowska is a historian, genealogist, and philosopher known for her groundbreaking work in Polish genealogy. She earned a PhD in classical philosophy from Jagiellonian University. Her biggest achievement is the "Great Genealogy by Minakowski," a massive database tracing the connections of nearly a million people. 

Her passion for history and ancestry has helped countless individuals discover their roots, and in recognition of her work, she received the Decoration of Honor Meritorious for Polish Culture in 2016. In 2024, Maria publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman. In this interview, we are going to touch upon her fascinating career, personal journey toward womanhood, and the importance of knowing where we come from. Hello Maria!

Maria: Hello, it’s my pleasure to talk to you. I decided to make everything public regarding my professional career and my private life, especially my transition. It’s like writing memoirs, both for future and present generations, so I will happily share with you as much as possible.