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Andelin Mbaki is originally from South Africa but now lives in Southern Utah. She attends Southern Utah University and is double majoring in Dance Education and Exercise Science. Andelin is also a dance instructor, a nanny, and a huge advocate for diversity, faith, and empowerment.
In this episode of Common Threads, I sit down with Andelin to talk about what it means to take up space, speak up, and refuse to shrink yourself for the comfort of others. Andelin shares her deep desire to “be the voice when others feel silenced,” and how her experiences in sports taught her that hard work, discipline, and perseverance truly pay off. We talk about the importance of diversity and why learning to see broader perspectives—without stereotyping or judging people based on where they come from—is essential to building stronger, more compassionate communities.
One of my favorite moments from this conversation is Andelin’s reminder to stop making ourselves “bite-sized so someone else can swallow us whole.” Instead, she encourages all of us, and women especially, to shine our light fully and unapologetically. We discuss her program, S.H.I.N.E. (Standing Higher in New Environments), which was born from her own experience navigating new spaces and learning to show up as her full self. This episode is a powerful reminder that we don’t grow by shrinking—we grow by shining.
Ways to Get Involved:
With the holidays here, it’s a great time to give back if you’re able. Andelin highlighted a few organizations doing meaningful work in the community that you can support through donating, volunteering, or simply learning more:
- Canyon Creek Services – A women and children’s shelter providing safety, resources, and support for those experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.
https://www.canyoncreekservices.org/ - Miss Beauty of America (Andelin’s platform) – Follow along with Andelin’s advocacy, leadership work, and S.H.I.N.E. initiatives.
https://www.instagram.com/missbeautyofamerica.usa/?igsh=MTBnNm01OHUwdWFi&utm_source=qr#
Supporting organizations like these is one small way we can all help make a difference and lift others up during this season and beyond.
