Sarah McLoughlin, from Brisbane, Australia is an educator with experience working alongside at-risk populations. Her passion lies in helping communities break down gatekeeping, reimagine funding systems, and design advocacy strategies that truly create lasting equity. In our conversation, we explore some big and important questions, such as: What exactly is self-strategic advocacy? What drew Sarah into this work in the first place? What is the purpose of her handbook the power of self- reflection? How does her service model bring together the principles of safety, transparency, and power-consciousness? What is trauma, and what are some of its symptoms? How do we begin to heal from trauma? What are some of the barriers that can prevent people from seeking support? And finally, what advice does Sarah have for those working inside systems who may themselves be experiencing trauma or burnout? This is a powerful and deeply necessary conversation — one that I believe needs to be heard, reflected on, and shared widely. Sarah Ailish’s Profile linkedin.com/in/sarahailishmcloughlin