Afomia Assefa

Afomia’s pursuit of the Bonderman Fellowship was sparked by a personal journey to redefine rest and productivity, deeply inspired by Tricia Hersey’s Rest as Resistance. As a first-generation immigrant, she has often felt the pressure to equate success with relentless labor. Through solo travel, Afomia seeks to explore how rest, spirituality, and self-care are honored across various cultures. By forming meaningful connections with diverse communities, she hopes to challenge societal norms that prioritize productivity over well-being. Her journey is rooted in a desire to cultivate empathy, deepen her understanding of rest as a transformative practice, and foster connections that transcend cultural boundaries.