Toby Israel home hero portrait for Expression in every form — Costa Rica

Expression in every form.

I am a multifaceted educator, author, and facilitator creating space for empowerment, healing, and radical self-expression through movement, story, and conscious connection.

What I Offer

Female participant in blindfold trust exercise during Toby Israel ESD workshop
Mujeres Fuertes Autodefensa graduates display certificates — Toby Israel facilitation
Circle breathing exercise on the beach during Toby Israel ESD workshop
Partner yoga flow with prayer back-to-back during Toby Israel mindful movement workshop
Writing workshop participants respond to prompts — Toby Israel facilitation

Facilitation & Workshops

Retreats, workshops, and events weaving empowerment, self-defense, partner dance, movement arts, and writing into immersive experiences.

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Consulting & Editing

Strategic communications for mission-aligned entrepreneurs and creatives ready to find their voice and share their stories—brand development, content strategy, editing, book mentorship, and more.

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Toby Israel contemplates before writing during a healing writing workshop
Toby Israel speaking to a group about marketing and public education for mission-driven brands
Toby Israel teaches at the whiteboard during a Mujeres Fuertes empowerment workshop
Toby Israel consulting and collaboration session — professional communications
Professional mockup of Vagabunda: Una Guía Para Viajar Sola by Toby Israel (Spanish edition)
English book title cover: Vagabondess, A Guide to Solo Female Travel. Toby Israel, copyright.
Toby Israel signing her book at a book signing. Vagabondess, Vagabunda. Female author.
Toby Israel with Vagabondess book, outdoor.
Toby Israel: Vagabondess in the world u2014 Red Rocks, mountains u2014 being a vagabond in the world.

Vagabondess: A Guide to Solo Female Travel

Travelogue, philosophy, and practical wisdom for adventurers and seekers—the guide I never had (from vagabondessthebook.com).

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Writing

Reflections on empowerment, culture, creative process, violence prevention, AI, poetry—and anything else on my heart. Subscribe on Substack.

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Toby Israel performing spoken-word poetry on stage
Toby Israel writing outdoors u2014 journaling and voice
Substack graphic u2014 Slipped my Skin, playing with words (poetry)
Substack graphic u2014 This Too Shall Pass poem for difficult moments
Substack promo u2014 The Year of Friction, invitation to imagine better
Substack promo u2014 My Name Is Israel essay on belonging and justice
Substack promo u2014 On Toxic Feminism essay (beach jungle visual)

Latest from Substack

poetry


Jul 21

Follow the Life

Not a 10-year plan

empowerment


Jul 9

Yes to Pleasure

Healing and Connection Through Holistic Self-Defense

nature


Jul 1

An Antidote to Eco-anxiety

Collective funding, grassroots regeneration, & hope for the future (aka, check out an awesome new platform)

creative process


Jun 25

"I Do Not Desire A Car" & "When the Music Stopped"

Two Writing Jam Creations

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Toby Israel

I am a multifaceted entrepreneur and educator based in Costa Rica, where I channel my passion for movement arts and personal empowerment across multiple disciplines. With a BA in Anthropology from Middlebury College and an MA in Peace and Media Studies from the University for Peace, I work to ground abstract ideas like peace, healing, and freedom through dance and poetry.

As founder of Mujeres Fuertes Autodefensa (Strong Women Self-Defense) and Choose Empowerment, I have developed a holistic approach to personal safety that extends far beyond physical techniques—reaching thousands of participants across Costa Rica, Central America, and beyond.

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Toby Israel hiking a lush forest path through jungle canopy — book a discovery call for facilitation, consulting, or collaboration.

Ready to explore facilitation, consulting, or collaboration?

Book a discovery call. No pressure, just a conversation.