I am really excited to be a presenter for the upcoming Building Bridges Conference being hosted by the Sexual Violence Center in Minnesota on November 20, 2024. The following is an excerpt taken from promotional material regarding my presentation. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about the conference, scholarship opportunities, and the organization as a whole.
“In “Building Resilience and Restoration: Maintaining Wellness Strategies to Thrive”, Joyce Kyles of Joyce Kyles Consulting guides attendees through survivor-centered wellness and resilience strategies. Explore both traditional and innovative methods to establish survivor trust and support holistic success. Network with peers, share strategies, and leave with tangible resources to support your wellness goals. Be part of this journey at the Building Bridges Conference 2024!” November 20, 2024 Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake Register at:sexualviolencecenter.org
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I will be posting and going live on my social media platforms throughout the month to share tools, resources, inspiration, education, and awareness about the known and not-so-known aspects and intersections regarding domestic abuse. I’ll also share success stories, tips on how to thrive, and how to connect with me to work with you and/or your teams/organizations as a keynote speaker, workshop presenter, or individual/group coaching options. Be sure to connect with me on my social platforms:
I am honored to be the featured speaker for the Alpha Eta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta for their upcoming Domestic Violence Forum. It will be a virtual event, so please feel free to join us from your place of comfort. Please use the following link: https://tinyurl.com/AHZDVForum
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending time with Mildred Muhammad. While many around the globe know her as the ex-wife of the DC Sniper and being an amazing speaker and author, I am pleased to say that I have a different type of relationship with her.
I am proud to call her my sister, friend, colleague and fellow warrior in bringing education, awareness and overall change regarding issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault. When I first reached out to her, it was to be a guest on our nonprofit’s radio show, Boots on the Ground. Keep in mind, I’ve been following her for years. But, because of her celebrity, I was actually afraid to reach out to her, fearing that we were too small and she would not have time. But, because I do not believe that we should live or operate in the spirit of fear, I decided to go ahead and contact her. She was soooooo easy going and personable. I felt a real sense of conviction come over me. She was quite humble and graciously accepted the invitation to be our special guest.
But, it is what happened afterwards that makes knowing her more meaningful for me. She made me feel comfortable to share things I hadn’t shared with others. There are times when you just feel the need to keep your thoughts guarded, even when you need to share them. She advised me. She encouraged me. She corrected me. She reminded me. She made time for me. I knew from that moment on, I had a genuine connection with her. It wasn’t about social media likes or bragging about ‘who you know’. I know if I need her or just want to catch up, laugh or vent, I can do it. And, I believe she knows the same is true for her with me.
So, even though she was busy with speaking, workshops, book signings and radio interviews last week, she made certain we spent time together. It was not advertised. No selfies were taken to be posted.lol Just two sisters who share a foundation of faith and like minded spirits chatting. And, if you’re reading this and have not yet ordered the book, you can do so using this link: http://www.mildredmuhammad.com/publications.html
Today is National Day on Writing. To know me is to know I love speaking and presenting. But, writing is the foundation for which I’ve relied on to get me through some of the best and worst times of my life. I absolutely love writing and what it has done for me. It’s an honor to say I’m a published author who has made Amazon’s Best Seller’s List. So, how did I get my start?
My 3rd grade teacher, always encouraged us to write. She often spoke to us about black writers and poets. She told me I was a good writer and encouraged me to keep writing. She said it was a good way to express my thoughts and feelings. She entered my work in the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Contest, an annual event hosted in Chicago. I didn’t win, but just knowing that she thought enough of my work to enter it meant the world to me!
I’ve been writing ever since. Short stories, poems, journals. I created a business centered around content writing. I’ve always wanted to be an attorney and writer. Being an attorney would give the me opportunity to present, which I enjoy. Writing would give me a voice in print. It would help me to connect with others who share my point of view and/or have an open dialogue with those of varying opinions. I wanted to be able to teach others how to use writing in their persona and professional lives. Well, as life would have it, I did not become an attorney. However, I am a speaker and presenter. And, I am still writing. I continue to seek out opportunities for my passions.
Are you a writer? If so, why do you write? Today’s a great day to reflect on your why. Or, if you’ve been thinking about doing it, now’s a great day to start. #WhyIWrite