Ep 59: Rukaya’s Story: Breaking Barriers & Building Belonging
Keywords
thriving, community, belonging, empowerment, motherhood, immigration, resilience, women in business, confidence, connection
Summary
In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Helen is joined by Rukaya Chounwie (Ruki), founder of Together We Rise — a growing community created to support women, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Ruki shares her powerful journey from growing up in Northern Ghana in a large, close-knit community, to moving to the UK and suddenly finding herself navigating motherhood, isolation, and a completely different way of life — largely on her own.
What unfolds is an honest conversation about the realities many women face but rarely speak about openly — the loss of community, the emotional impact of isolation, the financial pressures of starting again, and the quiet identity shift that can come with becoming a mother in a new country.
Despite these challenges, Ruki didn’t just adapt — she transformed.
From full-time mum to stepping into the world of work, exploring property, and eventually discovering her true calling, she shares how her own experiences led her to create Together We Rise — a space where women can rebuild confidence, find belonging, and support one another.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that thriving doesn’t mean everything is perfect — it means having the tools, the courage, and the community to keep going, even when things feel hard.
It’s raw, real, and full of heart — and a powerful testament to what can happen when women come together.
Takeaways
* Thriving is not about having an easy life — it’s about having support, tools, and resilience
* Losing community can have a profound impact on mental health and identity
* Motherhood, especially in isolation, can be both beautiful and deeply challenging
* You don’t have to wait until you “make it” to start making a difference
* Community creates confidence — and confidence creates opportunity
* Representation and safe spaces matter, especially in business and networking environments
* Collaboration over competition is where real growth happens
* Sometimes your purpose is born directly from your pain
Connect with Rukaya
https://www.togetherwerisecommunity.co.uk [https://www.togetherwerisecommunity.co.uk/]
Phone: 07467879998
Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/rukaya.bukari.7 [https://www.facebook.com/rukaya.bukari.7]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rukibaya/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/rukibaya/?hl=en]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rukaya-chounwie-359616292?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rukaya-chounwie-359616292?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios]
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk [http://www.inspiredhealing.co.uk/]
IG: helens_inspired_healing [https://www.instagram.com/helens_inspired_healing/?hl=en]
LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-valentino-04a7714/]
WhatsApp: +447971798462
For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM [https://www.iphm.co.uk/] use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust [https://forwardtrust.org.uk/] a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk [helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk]
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