Nia Zambrano is a beacon of resilience and leadership. As a young girl, she faced an unimaginable tragedy when her mother became a homicide victim. Left without adequate healthcare or therapy, she navigated the instability of her remaining childhood without a parent, often relying on the kindness of friends for shelter and support.
Being the first in her family to graduate high school was remarkable, especially as she grappled with the debilitating effects of PTSD from her mother’s death—including severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems that made learning and comprehension a daily struggle. Nia refused to be a victim, however, or allow her trauma to define her. After 20 years of persistence and navigating life’s complexities, she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology with a minor in psychology. Her dedication led her to a remarkable career, breaking barriers as the only woman conducting counter-espionage sweeps (Technical Surveillance Countermeasure, TSCM) and risk assessments across the United States for Pinkerton and for allies in the Middle East.
Last year, Nia was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma, a rare eye cancer. After her left eye was removed, she confronted both her mortality and the long-suppressed grief from her childhood trauma. This turning point gave her the strength to finally uncover and face the painful details of her mother’s death—a crucial step in her healing journey.
Faced with these challenges, she chose to embrace her grief in a unique and constructive way, developing a groundbreaking approach to trauma recovery that recognizes how the body and mind heal at different paces, with the vagus nerve playing a vital role in regulating our fight-or-flight response.
Her willingness to share her experiences with vulnerability and authenticity allows others to connect with her story and find hope in their own challenges. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience, demonstrating that true leadership comes from rising above adversity, embracing growth, and using personal experiences to uplift others.
Nia is currently developing an innovative healing method that promises to revolutionize trauma recovery, drawing from her unique insights into nervous system regulation and embodied healing. Additionally, she is completing a powerful memoir that chronicles her journey through childhood trauma and systemic adversity to eventual triumph and transformation. For those interested in being among the first to learn about these upcoming releases and possibly participating in early access opportunities, please submit your email address in the contact form. Your story matters, and Nia’s groundbreaking work might be the key to unlocking your own healing journey.