I work for an organization that provides services with a focus among LGBTQ+ people of color. The participants in this workshop were part of a re-entry population, looking to gain facilitating skills as part of their personal and professional development journeys. Many of them were struggling with self-confidence and unsure of how to express their creativity. Some hadn’t taken time to think about their own strengths in a long while.

As we moved into the clay activity focused on identifying and shaping our “superpowers,” things began to shift. With hands in the clay, participants began to reflect on what made them strong, unique, and resilient. Some were surprised by what came up—creativity, empathy, courage, intuition. These weren’t just words; they were personal truths that had been buried or overlooked. The process was messy, fun, and freeing. The clay became more than just a material; it became a mirror.

The room was buzzing with energy and laughter as participants shared what their sculptures meant to them. There was a sense of pride in saying out loud, “This is my strength.” The simple act of shaping something with their hands helped them reshape the way they saw themselves. Many participants shared how the experience sparked reflection and a sense of agency—something they hadn’t felt in a long time.

It was powerful to witness how the creative process helped participants reconnect with their inner strengths and step into new levels of confidence and self-awareness. By the end they left more confident, more connected to themselves, and excited to take that sense of power into their lives. Their “superpowers” weren’t things they had to earn—they were already there, waiting to be noticed.