An Honor I Didn’t Expect

An Honor I Didn’t Expect

May 27, 2017 | Blog

This past weekend, I was a vendor at an event for an organization called Beautiful Spirited Women. I learned of this organization while chatting with a young lady affiliated with them. It was a networking function for a company that she nor I are currently connected to. But, the information she shared with me about BSW was inspirational right from the beginning. Eventually, I would meet the Executive Director and that one meeting has turned into years of friendships, sisterhood and a dedication on my part to donate my time, talent and sometimes, finances to them whenever I can. I’ve always done it because I believe in their cause to help tweens/teens to develop the holistic skills they need to grow into powerful, courageous, strong women leaders for themselves, their families and their communities. I’ve not expected anything in return.

So, when the Executive Director talked about this year’s honorary member being a woman of service, dedication to the organization and the work she does in the community, I intently sat there waiting, like everyone else, to see who they were talking about. When she said my name, I was completely caught off guard. I cried…not a big surprise to anyone who knows me. It’s is an honor for me, and I’m extremely humbled by their love and respect for me and what I do.

For anyone who may be reading this, always know that someone is watching what you do-good or bad. Someone’s always paying attention. The key is to be found doing your best. Be a good steward over your finances. Be a listening ear for someone who just needs to be heard. Help those who are in need of kindness, love, support and sometimes, just a big, warm smile and heartfelt hello. Do what you do from your heart and not for accolades and fanfare. You never know who will recognize you and in what way. Thank you to Beautiful Spirited Women for honoring me as I honor you and your commitment to our young people. To learn more about BSW, click here: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulspiritedwomen

Takin’ It to the Streets Youth Summit

Takin’ It to the Streets Youth Summit

Mar 29, 2016 | Blog

Takin it to the StreetsWhat an honor is was to share the stage with an amazing list of men and women who came together in support of bringing awareness about several community issues plaguing Shelby Co, TN. The event was called “Takin’ it to the Streets”, featuring information on domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, bullying, gang involvement, gun violence and overall crime. It was held at the Raleigh Community Center during Shelby County School’s Spring Break.

The purpose was to make sure that children were off the streets and engaged in positive activities. The youth summit was a day long event filled with activities for the youth. What I appreciated most about this event was seeing community leaders coming together and being adamant about reaching our youth where they are, showing them that we care, willing to talk to them, listen to them and want to help them. I believe that as a society, we must go back to the idea of ‘it takes a village’ and be willing to go into the village, town, community, etc. and serve in a meaningful and genuine way. Our youth recognize when people are in attendance for photo ops vs being there when there are no cameras around.

I’m honored to have been asked to participate, and I encourage everyone to please reach out to their respective community leaders and ask how collaborative efforts can be made possible to reduce crime and lack of education and replace it with an increase of love, support, awareness and change.