A Journey into Community Building

Let’s dive into the beginnings of Jael Anker Lagos’ remarkable journey into community building. Despite initial struggles with shyness, Jael’s realization of the importance of community, especially through motherhood, ignited a passion to create spaces where individuals could connect, share, and support one another.

Micayla Robertson: Jael, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into community building?

Jael Anker Lagos: Certainly! My name is Jael Anker Lagos, and I’m passionate about fostering communities. Growing up as an introvert, I struggled with shyness and found it challenging to connect with others. However, becoming a mother highlighted the importance of community in my life. I realized that I couldn’t navigate parenthood alone and sought support from fellow mothers. This experience sparked my journey into community building, leading me to create spaces where individuals can come together, share their stories, and support one another.

Micayla Robertson: Your journey is truly inspiring, Jael. What drove you to prioritize community in your life?

Jael Anker Lagos: The tipping point for me was realizing that we’re not meant to journey through life alone. As I connected with other mothers and witnessed the power of shared experiences, I understood the transformative impact of community. Whether it was seeking advice, sharing joys and struggles, or simply being present for one another, I recognized the value of building meaningful connections.

Defining Community and Creating Safe and Nurturing Environments for Authentic Sharing

Here, we explore Jael’s profound insights into the essence of community and its profound significance in our lives. She elucidates how community transcends mere social groups, serving as a catalyst for connection, collaboration, and personal growth, enriching the human experience. Jael also shares how through intentional communication, trust-building, and empowerment, she cultivates environments that encourage vulnerability and mutual support, fostering deeper connections among members.

Micayla Robertson: That’s incredibly insightful. How would you define “community,” and what role does it play in our lives?

Jael Anker Lagos: Community is more than just a group of people; it’s a supportive environment where individuals come together, united by shared experiences, values, or goals. It serves as a space for connection, collaboration, and growth. In essence, community amplifies the human experience, fostering belonging, empathy, and collective support.

Micayla Robertson: Building a safe and nurturing community is essential. How do you create such environments where individuals feel comfortable sharing their stories?

Jael Anker Lagos: Creating a safe space begins with setting the right tone and communicating the purpose and intention behind the community. As a facilitator, I empower individuals to recognize the value of their stories and the power of vulnerability. By fostering an atmosphere of trust and acceptance, community members feel encouraged to share authentically, knowing that they will be heard and supported.

Micayla Robertson: That’s profound. How do you go about building communities that transition from scattered connections to cohesive, life-giving networks?

Jael Anker Lagos: It starts with understanding the dynamics of community archetypes. I categorize communities into four types: the scattered “sprinkle” community, the content-driven “giver” community, the network-focused community, and the cohesive “life-giving” community. By identifying where a community falls within these archetypes, we can tailor strategies to foster deeper connections, facilitate collaboration, and create a sense of belonging that transforms individuals into active participants in a unified journey.

Micayla Robertson: Your approach to community building is both strategic and compassionate. How do you see community as a manifestation of love?

Jael Anker Lagos: Community embodies the essence of love by providing a nurturing environment where individuals can express themselves authentically, receive support, and grow together. Love, in its truest form, is about connection, empathy, and mutual care. In community, we experience the tangible expression of these values, creating spaces where love can flourish, relationships can thrive, and individuals can find belonging and purpose.

Micayla Robertson: Absolutely. I love it. Tell us about your business, Rise to Realness, and how you rose to realness.

Jael Anker Lagos: Rise to Realness was based off of the idea that so many times we are bombarded with expectations from our families, from society, from our upbringing, sometimes expectations that we put on ourselves. But that we were already made whole simply by the fact that God created us. We are whole, just as we are, and there’s no need for us to change or try to be different. Rise to realness is that call to authenticity. The only thing we need to be is true to ourselves because only then are able to rise and fulfill our God-given purpose.

Micayla Robertson: Thank you so much, Jael! Where can people find you?

Jael Anker Lagos: People can connect with me at risetorealness.com as well as on Instagram (@risetorealness).