Meet Trailblazer Anisa Roopani

Growing up as the youngest child of immigrant parents, I have witnessed the struggle and the success of reaching the “American Dream”.  Both of my parents not only taught me the definition of hard work but showed me the meaning of it as well.  Their initial financial struggle, crazy work hours and ability to not only take care of their two children but also other family members who had immigrated as well for a better life proved to me that with hard work, reaching your goals is possible.  As a result, I was extremely determined to get into the workforce quickly and begin saving for my future and I did just that.  In 2010, 4 years after graduating high school, I had obtained a Bachelors in Finance, Bachelors in Business Administration, Masters in International Accounting and Masters in Finance.

Fast forward to 2016: I’ve been working corporate life for 7 years, moved between cities a couple of times, married for 3 years, and we find out we are finally PREGNANT!  Once I heard that word, my mind set and goals in life shifted significantly.  My goals had turned into maintain financial stability BUT be/become the best mother you can be for your child. YOU are in charge of shaping this human being into who they will become in the future. Pregnancy was not all smooth sailing for us and delivery was an entirely different ball game. On June 22, 2017 I had an emergency C-Section and delivered our son Reis Roopani a little earlier than expected.  Having a NICU baby, working on myself to attack and conquer PPD, while maintaining a household and managing work was something I was not able to do (…and I’m not ashamed to say it out loud). As a result, I quickly became a stay at home mom and my goal had been positively truncated to: BEING THE BEST MOTHER I CAN BE.

Most definitely not, but with the support of family and friends, the journey to educational and family based success has been easier.

It truly takes a village to raise a child, whether that is physically or emotionally supporting new parents.  Every family faces their own set of obstacles and challenges.  For us: getting pregnant, maintaining a pregnancy, having an early delivery, NICU baby, acid reflux, helmet baby, late on certain “milestones” and tummy time are just the surface of obstacles we have endured with Reis.  However, I wouldn’t change our journey/experience for any other.  Not only did we parents face these road bumps but our son did as well. We are so very PROUD to state that all three of us have worked through all of this together as a family.

My advice for other parents- Someone else is also facing a similar challenge.  Don’t ever feel like you are alone or that it is your fault.  These things are normal!  Once other families begin to get more comfortable opening up about their challenges, struggles, road bumps, etc., a larger support group will be present for parents attacking the same obstacles.

I hope that our story today helps other families discuss their challenges more openly or parents feel that they can reach out for support. We don’t have the answers, trust me. But we do have the capacity to support and be present.

During the beginning of this year (2019), my husband encouraged me to create an Instagram based mommy/kids activity blog.  Our mission is to assist parents in finding positive/fun ways to tach their children in additional to what they learn in school via weekly theme based activities.  In addition, we share personal experiences with pregnancy, child development, etc. to help parents understand that they are not in this journey alone. Weekly meal and snack recipes are just an added plus for the entire family!

Along with our normal blog activities, we are hosting our first ever activity-based Community Field Day in Sugar Land, TX on May 26th.  I am so extremely excited about this event, as it’s geared towards BOTH parents and children.  We’ve teamed up with some amazing sponsors and companies and are truly thankful for all the support.

During the start of my career, I worked as a Junior Trader for a Hedge Fund company. As a petite 5 ft, less than 100 pounds young lady working around ex-college sports players, I had quite a challenge getting my voice heard.  I learned very quickly that to achieve success, you must keep your head up high, your confidence at its highest peak and you mind set on your current goals.

Follow your heart and your mind to achieve your goals.  Be ready and okay to change those goals to fit the needs of your life at a certain point in time.