My Story
For almost two decades, I worked across the government and not-for-profit sectors, motivated by a strong commitment to social change. Much of that time was spent leading diverse teams, including work in equity and inclusion areas across multicultural and LGBTIQA+ communities.
Stepping into leadership early in my career, I felt the weight of imposter syndrome and the pressure to have all the answers. Like many people working in demanding environments, I pushed myself hard, worked late and tried to meet every task with perfection in the pursuit of impact. Over time that pace became unsustainable, and I eventually experienced burnout.
That period forced me to slow down and reconsider how I was relating to work, to leadership and to myself.
Through that process, I began learning to pay closer attention to my body, my limits and my values. It fundamentally shifted how I understood leadership, inclusion and sustainability.
Tanawin grew from that experience.
The work I offer now - coaching for new and emerging leaders, somatic coaching and inclusive leadership coaching - is about creating space for others to reflect, gain perspective and make more conscious choices about how they want to lead, work and live.
About me
My name is Rachel Cecilio and I lead Tanawin Coaching and Consulting, based in Melbourne (Naarm).
With 20 years of experience across the public and not-for-profit sectors, I have held many leadership roles including executive positions in multicultural affairs and LGBTIQA+ equality portfolios in the public service.
My tertiary qualifications are in Science (Psychology) and Social Work (Honours Class I) from University of Sydney, as well as a Diploma of Management from the Australian Institute of Management.
I have also been trained in somatic practices and culturally rooted healing traditions. I am a certified practitioner in Dynamic Myofascial Mobilisation and Reiki, and trained in the Philippines as a Hilot practitioner, a traditional Filipino healing modality.