Navigating Identity and Wellness from Suriname to Spain with Jo-Ann With
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, we delve into the story of Joanne, a 30-year-old Black Surinamese Dutch woman currently living in Amsterdam. Joanne shares her complex journey from her hometown in Culemborg, the challenges of racial identity, and her decision to move abroad to Spain. She discusses the intricacies of building community, her experiences dating as a Black woman in Spain, and how immigrating has influenced her sense of wellness and personal growth.
Meet Jo-Ann
Jo-Ann is a sustainability coordinator working in the field of institutional real estate investment, currently based in Amsterdam, where she lives with her 8-year-old cat, Sahara. After spending five transformative years in Barcelona from 2019 to 2024, she brings a wealth of experience from her time living in different cultures.
As a semi-retired artist, she stays connected to the arts by advising the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts.
Jo-Ann enjoys her ballet and pilates classes, attending art exhibitions and cello performances, dinner dates with friends, matcha with coconut milk, taking long nature walks, and being an aunt to her best friend's kids.
Connect with Jo-Ann
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-ann-with/
What resources (books, blogs, services, apps) did you utilize to help you go abroad & thrive abroad?
Facebook groups. Youtube videos.
What is the motto (affirmation, prayer, poem, song lyrics, etc.) that you live by?
'Gratitude is the fruit of life, the anchor of my soul when there is no food in sight.' Londrelle
'How hard can it be, boys do it'.
The idea that this thing called life is all a game/and or play, and you get to do with it what you want. Do not be a spectator to your own show, create it. Edit as you please.
This Episode Covers:
Surinamese Maroon Heritage
Growing Up in the Netherlands
Journey to Spain
First Year in Spain and COVID-19 Lockdown
Experiencing Racism and Seeking Community
Navigating Black Identity in Spain
Cultural Differences and Community
Dating Experiences in Spain
Professional Challenges and Decisions
Returning to the Netherlands
Episode Credits:
Christine Job-Creator & Host
Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
Move Abroad with Intention Resources
Moving Abroad with Intention Guide (https://flourishforeign.gumroad.com/l/move-abroad-with-intention-guide )
Move Abroad with Intention Playlist
S1 E 25: How to Get A Job Abroad
S1 E 32: Going Abroad with Intention
S1 E 33: Dating Abroad Pt. 1
S1 E 59: Financial Wellness Abroad
S2 E 10: Does Moving Abroad = A Soft Life
S2 E 14: Healthcare Abroad Pt. 1
S2 E 17: Black Pregnancy Abroad
S2 E 19: Black Motherhood Abroad Pt. 1
S4 E 12: Ask Me Anything- 100th Episode
S4 E 21: Living in Spain
Build A Business Abroad Resources
"From Marketable Skill to Consulting Business" FREE Video Training
Build a Business Abroad Guide ( https://www.christinejob.com/guides )
Listen to the Build A Business Abroad Playlist
S3 E 1: Black Women Building Businesses Abroad | Build A Business Abroad
S3 E 2: How Jannese Torres-Rodriguez Created A Six-Figure Blog | Build A Business Abroad
S3 E 3: The Wellness of Entrepreneurship for Black Women & WOC | Build A Business Abroad
S3 E 5: Creating, Launching & Monetizing a Podcast | Build A Business Abroad
S3 E 6: Ask Me Anything: Your Questions Answered | Build A Business Abroad
Flourish in the Foreign Resources
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