My name is Lakisha Myrick, and I am a woman shaped by faith, perseverance, and purpose. I am a mother of five, a mentor, a community advocate, and a believer in the power of second chances. My journey has not been easy—I’ve survived childhood trauma, domestic violence, mental health struggles, and the pain of losing close family members. Yet, through each trial, I’ve discovered not just resilience, but a calling to serve, uplift, and lead others toward healing and hope. My life experiences have fueled both my compassion and my commitment. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, unheard, and broken. I also know what it feels like to rise. That’s why I’ve dedicated over a decade of my life to working with youth and families impacted by trauma, poverty, and instability. Whether I’m mentoring a young person, advocating for a mother in crisis, or speaking life into someone on the verge of giving up, my goal is always the same, to help people see that their story doesn’t end in their struggle. I believe that impact starts with presence, and purpose is best expressed through service. I’ve worked in education, housing, and community outreach, and each role has deepened my desire to create systems that are more compassionate, accessible, and human-centered. I’ve learned how to listen with empathy, act with integrity, and lead with love. These are the values I bring into every space I enter. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my education and pursue a career focused on mental health, social justice, and faith-based community development. My vision is to create programs and spaces that address both practical needs and emotional healing—places where people are seen holistically and served with dignity. I want to help dismantle the stigma around mental health in underserved communities and provide tools that empower people to take charge of their own healing and growth. In addition to direct service, I plan to use my voice to inspire and educate. I’m currently writing a book titled Prayers of a Broken Heart: From Hurt to Healing, which shares my personal story of survival, faith, and redemption. I hope it becomes a source of encouragement for others navigating pain, showing them that healing is not only possible, but beautiful. I also want to build platforms for others to tell their stories, because I believe healing multiplies when we make space for truth. In everything I do—whether in school, work, or ministry—I intend to make a lasting impact by being a bridge for others. A bridge from brokenness to healing, from silence to strength, and from hopelessness to purpose. My life is living proof that you can be both wounded and called, and I plan to spend the rest of my life helping others realize the same. That is the heart behind my career, and the impact I plan to leave on the world.

There was a time in my life when I wore stress like a badge of honor. I believed that pushing through, ignoring my needs, and staying in constant motion were signs of strength. As a mother of five, working full-time, managing a household, and carrying emotional weight from past trauma, I had become used to putting myself last. But everything changed after I experienced a severe mental health crisis that forced me to make a choice—either prioritize my well-being or lose myself completely. The turning point came after years of silently battling depression, anxiety, and unresolved trauma. I had spent so long functioning in survival mode that I didn’t realize how disconnected I had become from my own body and emotions. I suffered a psychiatric break that landed me in the emergency room, not because I wanted to die, but because I no longer knew how to live under the pressure I had normalized. That was the moment I knew I had to make my mental and emotional health a priority. I began by seeking professional help. I started therapy, which gave me a space to unpack years of pain and allowed me to begin understanding my emotional triggers and patterns. I learned how to name what I was feeling instead of burying it. I also incorporated spiritual practices, such as journaling, prayer, and mindfulness, to help regulate my thoughts and reconnect with my purpose. For the first time, I gave myself permission to rest without guilt and to say “no” without apology. One of the biggest lessons I learned during that time was that healing isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When I take care of myself, I am better equipped to take care of others. I realized that burnout and martyrdom are not signs of strength; they are signals of neglect. I began setting healthy boundaries in my relationships, asking for help when needed, and surrounding myself with people who valued my wellness, not just my output. This experience has completely reshaped the way I approach the future. As I prepare for what’s ahead—in education, career, and life—I do so with clarity and intention. I’m currently pursuing personal and professional goals that align with my values, and I make sure my mental and emotional health remain part of the foundation. I schedule time for self-care, check in with my therapist regularly, and remain honest with myself when I feel overwhelmed. Most importantly, I’ve become an advocate for wellness in my community. I speak openly about my journey so others feel less alone in theirs. I want to help create spaces where people don’t have to hit rock bottom before they get support. Making my health a priority saved my life, and it taught me that wholeness is not only possible, it’s worth the fight. That commitment continues to shape the way I show up—in school, in work, and in every room I enter.

Mental health is not just a topic of discussion or a checkbox on a medical form. For me, it has been a deeply personal, often painful, and ultimately transformative journey. My experience with mental health—specifically navigating depression, anxiety, and a psychiatric break—has profoundly shaped my goals, the way I form and maintain relationships, and how I understand both myself and the world around me. It taught me that healing is not linear, that strength often looks like vulnerability, and that empathy is a gift born from experience. For years, I moved through life functioning but not fully living. I carried the weight of unspoken childhood trauma, endured domestic violence, and found myself in survival mode more often than not. I learned early on how to keep going, how to “be strong,” and how to put others first. But I didn’t know how to rest. I didn’t know how to ask for help. I didn’t know that being strong didn’t mean being silent. Eventually, the pressure became too much. I experienced what I now know was a psychiatric break. It was as if everything I had stuffed down—the pain, the grief, the fear. I could no longer pretend. I could no longer smile through the storms. I was forced to face the truth: I needed help. I needed healing. I needed to prioritize my mental health, not just for my own survival, but for the sake of my children, my family, and my future. First, it reshaped my goals. Before my breakdown, my goals were largely external—finish school, provide for my children, hold everything together. Those goals still matter, but I no longer chase success for the sake of performance or approval. Instead, I pursue purpose. I am intentional about setting boundaries, maintaining balance, and creating space for rest. My goals now include emotional peace, spiritual alignment, and mental clarity. I want to build a life that is sustainable, not just successful. Mental health challenges also taught me to value relationships differently. I used to be surrounded by people, yet feel utterly alone. My pain made me defensive, closed off, and sometimes hard to reach. I didn’t know how to communicate my needs or express when I was overwhelmed. Going through therapy helped me develop emotional intelligence and learn healthier communication skills. Some relationships didn’t survive the shift. People who were only comfortable with the “strong version” of me struggled to accept the more honest, vulnerable version. But the relationships that did remain—those rooted in truth, grace, and mutual respect—grew stronger. My experience also impacted how I parent. I no longer pretend to have all the answers. I talk openly with my children about emotions, stress, and the importance of asking for help. I want them to know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that their feelings are valid. I want to break generational cycles of silence and shame. My honesty has helped them feel more secure in expressing their own struggles, and we are growing together as a family—learning how to support, listen, and heal. On a broader level, my mental health journey has completely transformed how I see the world. I used to view it through a lens of fear and survival—always bracing for the next crisis, always preparing to be let down. Now, I see the world with more compassion. I recognize that everyone is carrying something. The person who lashes out in anger may be overwhelmed with grief. The child acting out in school may be struggling with trauma. The neighbor who never smiles may be fighting a silent battle with depression. I no longer judge as quickly as I once did. I look for the “why” behind people’s behavior and approach situations with curiosity instead of criticism. This perspective also drives my passion for advocacy. I believe that mental health should not be a luxury or afterthought. It should be a right—accessible, normalized, and integrated into every community. I use my story to speak out, to educate, and to break down stigma. I have walked alongside women leaving abusive relationships, teenagers navigating depression, and families trying to make sense of a loved one’s diagnosis. I don’t come with all the answers, but I come with empathy, and sometimes, that’s enough to open the door to healing. Spiritually, my mental health journey has deepened my relationship with God. I used to believe that faith meant hiding my pain or “praying it away.” But I have learned that faith also looks like going to therapy, setting boundaries, and crying out when life feels too heavy. My brokenness brought me closer to God, not further away. Mental health and faith are not at odds—they work together when we allow God to meet us in our weakness. In many ways, my experience with mental health has become one of my greatest teachers. It has shown me who I am beyond the roles I play and the expectations I try to meet. It has taught me to slow down, to breathe, and to value presence over perfection. Today, I continue to pursue healing as an ongoing process, not a destination. There are still hard days, but I now have tools, support systems, and the courage to ask for help when I need it. I no longer feel ashamed of my story. In fact, I feel empowered by it. My scars are no longer sources of shame—they are reminders of what I survived and proof of how far I’ve come. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has shaped every part of my life. It redirected my goals toward authenticity and purpose. It deepened my relationships by teaching me to value emotional honesty. And it expanded my understanding of the world, making me a more compassionate, intentional, and resilient person. I hope to continue using my voice, my story, and my heart to make space for healing—not just for myself, but for everyone still searching for peace in the middle of their storm.

Selflessness, in my life, is not defined by grand gestures, but by a consistent commitment to putting others before myself. It is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a desire to serve, even when it requires personal sacrifice. I strive to live this out daily, through my family life, professional work, and personal faith. One of the clearest examples of altruism in my life came when I became the full-time caregiver for my nephew. He was just twelve years old, navigating trauma and instability, and needed a safe and loving environment. At the time, I was already raising my own children, balancing work, school, and life responsibilities. Taking him in meant stretching my time, finances, and emotional bandwidth, but I knew he needed stability and support more than I needed comfort. That decision was not about being heroic, it was about being present. Today, he is thriving, and I am grateful that choosing to give more of myself helped him step into a better future. Professionally, I have committed over a decade to working with youth and families facing difficult circumstances. Whether I am mentoring young people, supporting single mothers, or advocating for families within housing systems, my goal has always been to meet people where they are and walk with them toward where they want to be. I have stayed late to make sure clients feel heard, followed up when others stopped calling, and gone the extra mile, not because I was asked to, but because I care. I believe that true service shows up, even when no one is watching. Perseverance is another value that has shaped who I am. My journey of faith began at the age of 14, but it wasn’t until I experienced deep personal trials that I fully surrendered to my purpose. I endured childhood trauma, domestic violence, a psychiatric break, and the loss of close family members. I could have allowed these experiences to silence or harden me, but I chose healing. I chose to use my story as a testimony, believing that vulnerability could be a tool for someone else's restoration. I am currently writing a book titled Prayers of a Broken Heart: From Hurt to Healing, where I share the raw truth of my experiences. This work is not for fame or sympathy. It is for those who are quietly struggling, wondering if they can survive what they’re going through. By being honest about my journey, I hope to give others permission to begin theirs. In every area of my life, I aim to live with compassion, generosity, and determination. I give not because I have everything, but because I remember what it felt like to have nothing and still be loved. That memory fuels my service and keeps me grounded in humility. For me, selflessness is not just a value. It is a daily choice, a way of living, and the foundation of how I hope to continue making a difference.

Growing up in a home where mental illness was part of our everyday life shaped nearly every part of who I am. My mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and my sister was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. As a child, I did not have the vocabulary to explain what I witnessed, but I understood that my home was different from others. Some days, my mother would be fully present, engaging and calm, while on other days, she would withdraw or speak in ways that confused and frightened me. Similarly, my sister often struggled to stay grounded in reality, vacillating between moments of brilliance and episodes of instability. These early experiences did not only affect me emotionally, they helped to mold my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in ways that continue to guide me today. Rather than becoming resentful or overwhelmed, I developed an enduring sense of compassion and responsibility. I saw how mental illness isolates not only the person struggling but the family around them. I also witnessed the stigma, misunderstanding, and judgment that came from the outside world. These realities opened my eyes to how easily people are dismissed when they do not fit into societal norms, especially when they live with visible mental health challenges. However, even in the middle of that confusion, I recognized glimpses of grace. There were moments when teachers showed empathy, neighbors lent a helping hand, or a social worker provided real support. These glimpses became guiding lights for me, helping shape a value system built on advocacy, patience, and purpose. Today, I am honored to serve as a Team Coordinator for a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, where I work with individuals and families facing severe and persistent mental health diagnoses. In this role, I support both staff and clients, creating systems of care that recognize the humanity and potential in each individual. Many of our clients have lived through long histories of trauma, homelessness, incarceration, or institutionalization. Some have been estranged from family, while others have never had consistent support in their lives. I understand this world intimately, not just through my training, but because I have lived it. My past allows me to show up with empathy and authority, helping clients feel seen, heard, and respected. Working in PSH has reinforced what I learned growing up—people are more than their diagnoses. While mental illness may affect how a person functions, it does not define their worth, identity, or ability to grow. I have supported clients who are gifted artists, dedicated parents, skilled communicators, and resilient survivors. Often, their gifts remain hidden under layers of trauma, addiction, or fear, but with consistency and care, these qualities begin to emerge. Part of my responsibility is to help clear the path for healing by connecting people to housing, behavioral health services, financial assistance, and most importantly, community. I believe deeply that housing is healing, and that when people have a place to call home, they begin to rebuild every part of their lives. Beyond my professional life, I am also deeply involved in ministry. I serve as a Missionary and actively do evangelism work with the homeless population throughout the city. This includes praying with individuals in encampments, handing out food and hygiene items, and offering words of hope and encouragement. Many of the people I meet on the street are struggling with untreated or misdiagnosed mental illnesses. Some of them are survivors of abuse, trauma, or long-term neglect. These are the people that society often ignores, but they are the very people that I feel called to love and serve. My ministry is not confined to a pulpit or sanctuary. It happens in alleyways, shelters, parks, and sidewalks—wherever people are in need of hope. My evangelism work with the homeless population has reinforced a major truth that I live by—mental health challenges do not strip someone of their value or humanity. Every person I encounter is a soul worthy of love and healing. My personal experience with my mother and sister helps me to avoid judgment and operate from a place of compassion. I understand that what appears as defiance may actually be fear, what looks like disconnection may be a trauma response, and what sounds like nonsense may be someone’s way of trying to cope with an overwhelming world. These insights help me to connect with people in ways that go beyond surface-level interaction. To deepen my impact and broaden my reach, I am currently pursuing a degree in ministry. I believe that theological training will help equip me to merge spiritual care with mental health advocacy in ways that uplift and empower communities. One of my long-term goals is to bridge the gap between faith communities and mental health services. Too often, people with mental illness are told to pray harder, have more faith, or are blamed for their condition. These responses are harmful and based in misunderstanding. I want to help create churches that are trauma-informed, inclusive, and equipped to walk alongside those living with mental health struggles. Faith should not silence suffering, it should offer a safe space for healing. This journey has not only shaped my professional goals, it has also taught me how to build stronger and more meaningful relationships. Because of my background, I have developed a keen sense of empathy. I tend to listen before I speak and seek to understand before I respond. I know what it means to feel alone in a room full of people, and I try to make sure others never have to experience that in my presence. My leadership style is rooted in emotional intelligence, active listening, and encouragement. Whether I am supervising staff, mentoring a peer, or supporting a client, I try to show up as someone who leads with love and respect. In all of this, my personal experiences have become my greatest teacher. They have taught me resilience, humility, and the power of unconditional love. They have also instilled in me a desire to serve, not out of obligation, but out of calling. I do this work because it is personal, it is spiritual, and it is necessary. I have seen the brokenness of mental illness.

What does legacy mean to me and why? To me, legacy means the lasting impression and impact I leave on the world, not just in terms of accomplishments or possessions, but in how I made people feel, how I lived out my values, and how I helped others along the way. Legacy is about influence, about passing down something meaningful, whether that’s wisdom, love, faith, resilience, or service. It is not limited to bloodline or title; it is about the seeds we sow into others that continue to grow even after we are no longer here. I believe that legacy is formed daily through our choices, actions, and presence. It is in how we show up for our families, how we contribute to our communities, and how we represent our faith or core values. Legacy matters because it outlives us; it becomes the foundation others build upon. How has my upbringing impacted my path in life? My upbringing has had a significant impact on the person I have become and the direction my life has taken. I was raised in an environment that, while filled with some dysfunctional love, also had its share of struggles and generational patterns. I witnessed both the strength of survival and the cost of unhealed trauma. Growing up, I saw people either sacrifice themselves to the chaos of poverty or sacrifice the joy in life so much just to make ends meet. I learned early what hard work, sacrifice, and determination looked like. At the same time, I also became aware of what happens when emotional pain is left unspoken or unresolved. Those experiences gave me compassion, drive, and a strong sense of responsibility. I have always known that I was called to do more than just exist; I was meant to help others find healing, hope, and purpose. The things I lacked growing up became the things I now try to give to others. I chose a path that focuses on service, ministry, and advocacy because I know how powerful support can be when someone feels seen, heard, and uplifted. How do I plan to continue or break the cycle? I plan to continue the cycle of faith, perseverance, and love that was modeled for me by those who invested and poured into me. I am proud of their strength, and I want to honor that. However, I also recognize cycles that need to be broken, such as cycles of silence, emotional neglect, and generational trauma. I am intentional about breaking those patterns by seeking healing, embracing vulnerability, and creating safe spaces for my children and those around me. Through my personal life, my ministry, and my career, I strive to model emotional honesty, compassion, and hope. I want my legacy to be one of healing, not hiding. I want those who come after me to know that they can rise, that they are worthy, and that they do not have to carry what does not belong to them. My goal is to leave behind not just memories, but momentum, for others to continue growing, thriving, and walking in their purpose with clarity and courage.

Life has been my greatest teacher. As a wife, mother of five, and dedicated community servant, my journey has been marked by moments that have tested my resilience, deepened my faith, and ignited a passion for lifelong learning. Now, at this stage in my life, I am pursuing higher education not just as a personal achievement, but as a necessary tool to fulfill the calling I believe God has placed on my life, to serve, lead, and uplift others, especially those in underserved communities. Growing up and navigating adulthood, I experienced firsthand the impact of systemic inequities, housing instability, and educational barriers. These experiences shaped my understanding of the world and instilled in me values such as perseverance, compassion, empathy, and accountability. Through the hardships I’ve faced, I learned how vital it is to advocate for yourself and others. My life journey has fueled a desire to be a bridge for those who feel forgotten, unheard, or stuck. I believe that my struggles were never in vain, and they have given me a voice that speaks to those who feel like giving up. Professionally, I’ve dedicated the last several years to working in social services, supporting individuals and families in need of stable housing, emotional support, and access to essential resources. Spiritually, I have been called to teach and encourage others, especially women, by helping them see that healing and purpose are possible, even after years of pain or loss. I see my career as a combination of ministry, advocacy, and leadership, centered around lifting others as I climb. Higher education will not only deepen my understanding of policy and practice, but it will equip me with the tools necessary to lead impactful programs, influence system-level change, and serve with excellence. I hope to focus my studies on human services, nonprofit management, or theology, areas that align with both my professional goals and spiritual calling. I envision launching initiatives that address homelessness, youth development, and emotional wellness, programs that educate, empower, and build long-term stability. This scholarship will play a critical role in supporting my academic journey. As a working mother managing multiple responsibilities, financial barriers often make returning to school feel overwhelming. This scholarship would relieve some of that burden, allowing me to fully engage in my studies while continuing to serve my family and community with focus and passion. It also affirms that people like me, those who may have taken a non-traditional path, still have a place at the academic table and can thrive with the right support. In short, my education will be a catalyst for change, not just for my personal growth, but for the growth of those I serve. I am committed to using what I learn to be a better advocate, mentor, and leader. With your support, I will continue to walk in purpose, uplift others, and carry out the work I was created to do, with grace, excellence, and unwavering faith.

My Journey to Christ, Career Aspirations, and Vision for the Future My journey into Christianity did not begin at a pulpit or during a revival service—it began in brokenness. I came to know the Lord in the midst of pain, trauma, and hardship. While I accepted Christ at the age of 14, it wasn’t until I reached my early 40s that I fully surrendered to His will and embraced my divine calling. Life had taken me through deep valleys: I endured an abusive marriage, a SWAT invasion of my home, the incarceration of my current husband, the sudden loss of both my mother and sister, and the challenge of raising children who were processing their own trauma. Each of these experiences brought me to a place where I had no choice but to lean on something greater than myself. That “something” became my “someone”, Jesus Christ. I didn’t find the Lord in a traditional sense. Rather, He found me, over and over again—in every broken place. He met me in the quiet cries of my heart, in the moments when I wanted to give up, and in the strength I didn’t know I had when I had to be both mother and father to my children. Through it all, God’s grace held me together. What once felt like punishment, I now recognize as pruning. God was shaping me into the woman He destined me to become. As I matured in faith, I realized that my testimony wasn’t meant to be hidden; it was meant to heal others. God had not only called me out of darkness, He had given me the assignment to lead others into His marvelous light. One pivotal moment that defined my faith-driven leadership occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a mother, missionary, and case manager, I was surrounded by people facing tremendous loss, anxiety, and uncertainty, including my own children, who were still healing from trauma. During that season, I was not only navigating my own pain, but also standing in the gap for others who felt hopeless. I began leading virtual prayer calls and offering emotional support to coworkers and families, reminding them that even in darkness, God is near. I shared my testimony, not to gain sympathy, but to offer proof that God’s grace is sufficient, even when life feels impossible. That season marked a spiritual awakening that changed the course of my life, including my professional path. I currently serve as a case manager in a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, and I view my work not just as a job, but as a ministry. Every day, I walk alongside families experiencing poverty, trauma, mental health struggles, and hopelessness. I have the privilege of encouraging them, advocating for them, and helping them rediscover their worth and dignity. It is in these sacred spaces of service that I see God working most clearly. However, I also recognize the need for further education and theological training to fully step into the larger vision God has placed on my heart. My career aspirations are rooted in both ministry and service. I aspire to become a licensed minister or Christian counselor, someone who combines spiritual discernment with professional tools to help others navigate life’s challenges. I also dream of writing devotionals, speaking at conferences, and creating healing spaces for women who’ve experienced domestic violence, grief, and trauma. One day, I hope to establish a faith-based transitional housing facility for single mothers who, like me, are rebuilding their lives while clinging to faith. To reach these goals, I am actively pursuing theological education. However, this journey comes with significant financial obstacles. As a mother still supporting children (adult and minor) while managing household expenses, the cost of seminary education is overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus fully on my studies, spiritual growth, and preparation for ministry. It would also be an affirmation that my calling is not only necessary but valued and supported by the broader faith community. Academically, this scholarship would give me access to deeper biblical training and mentorship in areas such as hermeneutics, homiletics, and pastoral care. Professionally, it would prepare me for the ministry and nonprofit work that requires both spiritual authority and practical training. Spiritually, it would serve as yet another testimony of how God provides for those who walk in obedience. It would remind me that while the road may be difficult, it is also divinely ordered. Looking ahead, my future plans are ambitious because I serve a limitless God. I envision developing faith-based programs focused on trauma recovery, inner healing, and personal growth, particularly for women and young adults. I plan to host workshops and retreats that combine prayer, Scripture, and practical life coaching to help individuals overcome adversity and walk in purpose. I also intend to launch a podcast and online platform that creates space for transparent conversations around healing, faith, and transformation. One project close to my heart is a discipleship curriculum titled “Distressed but Not Destroyed.” Inspired by biblical figures like Joseph, David, and Jeremiah, who all endured hardship on their way to purpose, the curriculum will help women see themselves in the Scriptures. It will affirm that their pain has purpose and that their story is not over. In five to ten years, I see myself fully walking in ministry, teaching, counseling, and empowering others through the Word of God. I envision partnerships with churches, shelters, and community organizations where I can offer holistic support through my lived experience and professional training. I want to be a voice of hope, a reflection of God’s love, and a vessel of healing. This scholarship is more than financial aid; it is fuel for the vision God has entrusted to me. It would allow me to grow, lead, and serve at a greater capacity, without the added burden of financial strain. Most importantly, it would position me to continue the work I’ve already started, but with more tools, confidence, and clarity. Beyond the classroom, I want to be an advocate for women and families whose voices often go unheard. I want to use my life, not as a tale of tragedy, but as a testimony of triumph. I want others to see that no matter how broken their past may be, God can still bring beauty from ashes. This scholarship is not just an investment in my future—it is an investment in the lives I am committed to serving. With your support, I will continue to rise, teach, serve, and lead—by faith and for God’s glory.

My faith has deeply influenced my leadership style, shaping me into a servant leader who leads with compassion, integrity, and purpose. Rooted in Scriptures like Proverbs 3:5–6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”—I have learned to trust God’s wisdom over my own, especially in moments when leadership required strength I didn’t feel I had. Mark 10:45 reminds me that leadership is not about position, but about service: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” These verses guide how I show up—as a mother, missionary, case manager, and community leader. One of the most defining moments in my journey came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was navigating multiple layers of trauma: the loss of my mother, becoming a single parent to children healing from their own pain, managing my role as a case manager during a mental health crisis, and balancing the emotional weight of my own lived experiences—including domestic abuse, a home invasion, and my husband’s incarceration. Despite the chaos, I found strength not in my own ability, but through the power of God’s grace. In that season, I became a spiritual anchor for many. I led virtual prayer calls, ministered to women who were feeling lost and overwhelmed, and supported coworkers and clients through moments of uncertainty. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had faith—and I allowed that faith to be the light others could follow. I shared my testimony openly, not to seek sympathy but to offer proof that God’s grace is real and His power is made perfect in our weakness. In doing so, I found that others were not only encouraged but empowered. They began to believe that if God could bring me through, He could do the same for them. That experience changed how I view leadership. I no longer see it as a role or title, but as a sacred opportunity to serve, uplift, and guide others toward healing and purpose. It confirmed for me that my life, no matter how broken it may have seemed at times, was a vessel for God’s glory. Every trial, every tear, and every testimony is now part of a greater mission to lead others by example and faith. Looking forward, my vision is to create spaces—whether through ministry, social work, or speaking engagements—where individuals, especially women, feel safe to be vulnerable, supported in their growth, and empowered to walk boldly in their God-given identity. I want to help others not just survive their pain, but transform it into purpose. Faith isn’t just part of my leadership—it is the foundation of it. And as long as I continue to trust God with the path ahead, I know I’ll keep leading with clarity, compassion, and courage.

The major challenge I have encountered as a mother was trying to protect and guide my children while struggling with trauma and mental health. The most recent trauma was when my daughter was almost abducted while walking our dog and two weeks later the preditor was found dead. In May 2019, SWAT entered my home and violated my feeling of safety and security while stating to me that my husband was responsible for the murder. After that event I mentally shut down, I was dealing with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks. I was afraid, walking around in shambles mentally. Although I was experiencing this, I was still a mother of five children looking to me for guidance and protection. I didn't know who I was anymore and how I was going to display to my children that everything was ok. I was so afraid that I would have all my children sleep in the room with me, with the bedroom door barricaded because I was afraid of retaliation from the victim's family. My children still had to leave to go to school and I had to go to work, but I was constantly looking over my shoulder. I downloaded an app on each of our phones to show where we're at all times. I was a wreck. Eventually, after much tears and prayers, I decided I needed to get professional help and I obtained a therapist and psychiatrist. I knew my kids needed more from me than to allow this circumstance to define my reality. After spiritual counsel, professional therapy, and medication, I began to refocus my energy and go into survivor mode. I relocated our home so that I didn't have to relive the paranoia every day. I allowed my children to attend therapy as well to work through their perception of the event. I allowed them to go into their own rooms a regain independence. Doing this helped show my children that you don't have to make a traumatic experience control your present or your future. I was a display of true resilience. Of course, I still have to deal with the PTSD and anxiety, but I no longer and paralyzed by the fear of the unknown. This was my biggest learning experience because it was not until something of this magnitude happened to me was I able to know what kind of foundation I had. I saw that God and my family's supports kept me grounded. I knew that there was greatness in me and a reason for my story to help another person get past a similar hurdle. Also, this will be a great story for my grandchildren and beyond to learn from so they can know anything is possible as long as you keep the faith. I want them to see that you can live and strive even while suffering from mental health. To also learn that taking care of yourself is the most important thing in order to effectively take care of others. Just like the airplane analogy, when the plane is going down, put on your oxygen mask first before attempting to help others. This is the reason I now rest when my body says rest, not allow myself to stress over anything, and to be slow to anger. I saw that my quality of living was altered in May 2019 and I try my best moving forward to make sure that I don't allow any other situation out of my control to do that again. When my children look at me, they see resilience, strength, faith, and confidence.

I grew up surrounded by undiagnosed mental health family members. Dealing with drug-addicted parents and siblings. Family with anger management issues and paranoia. I didn't know at the time that these were all under the umbrella of mental health concerns. I have ongoing mental health experience, ranging from severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, and attempted suicide. Watching those around me struggle with mental health treatment and myself having to go through several stages of mental health recovery, caused me to want to aid others in healing through mental health. From my experience, mental health is triggered by trauma, usually from childhood or traumatic exposure. People display mental health challenges in different ways. You may see a person having erratic behaviors, talking to themselves, and/or not having any concept of their current reality and you think to yourself, they have a mental health disability. Yet, what about those who smile in your face, come across as articulate, and show up every day with a routine, but when they are alone, they cry from despair and depression or decide not to eat or forces themselves to vomit due to a flawed self-image. Not to mention the person who cuts themselves to distract themselves from the pain, or drink themselves to sleep. We can not always identify a person in a mental health crisis. There is such a stigma around mental health and the word crazy, that people, the majority of the time will not even go get help. In certain cultures, keeping things bottled up inside and pushing them down is known as strength, causing people to walk around like ticking time bombs. The exposure to this reality is what gave me the passion to work in the realm of Mental Health, helping people understand why mental health services are so important. Normalizing the need to have the freedom to care for yourself mentally just as much as we do physically. To help it be known that mental wellness goes hand and hand with physical wellness. In 2018 I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I took on this major because I needed to understand the root of how the human mind works, and why traumas trigger a certain diagnosis. Not to mention those who were born with some sort of mental health diagnosis such as Autism. As a case manager, I work with individuals and families that have a mental health diagnosis. Each one of my cases has traumatic experiences that have lead to their diagnosis. I work with these people regularly and it touches my heart to hear how they are struggling with reality. This is the reason I am pursuing my Masters' in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I want to be more than a support resource, but I want to be able to professional aide not only my clients but those in my community. I want to be a source of healing and comfort to those around me. Each story is unique and should have no shame. To truly heal you have to be able to trust the person you are telling your story to. Since I have a plethora of knowledge of Mental Health from personal experience, connecting it with my academic and professional experience will allow me to educate those who are ignorant to the effects of mental health on our society. I want to not only work with adults and families but youth as well. Children have affected my mental health as well, and they are the ones that get overlooked or titled as behavioral problems. It takes a person that is comfortable with not only their own mental health status but the mental health status of others to step in and advocate for those who are ignored. I embrace them and let them know that not only do I see them, but I hear them and will walk alongside them, as long as they need me to until they get to a place of self-sufficiency in their walk with mental health. So you ask How has your experience with mental health shaped your goals, relationships, and understanding of the world? Well, I feel that my story explained that it allowed me to understand that we all fall under the Mental Health umbrella in some form and I plan to use my skill-set to not only bring forth mental health awareness but to be an advocate for those struggling with mental health disorders

I grew up surrounded by undiagnosed mental health family members. Dealing with drug-addicted parents and siblings. Family with anger management issues and paranoia. I didn't know at the time that these were all under the umbrella of mental health concerns. I have ongoing mental health experience, ranging from severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, and attempted suicide. Watching those around me struggle with mental health treatment and myself having to go through several stages of mental health recovery, caused me to want to aid others in healing through mental health. From my experience, mental health is triggered by trauma, usually from childhood or traumatic exposure. People display mental health challenges in different ways. You may see a person having erratic behaviors, talking to themselves, and/or not having any concept of their current reality and you think to yourself, they have a mental health disability. Yet, what about those who smile in your face, come across as articulate, and show up every day with a routine, but when they are alone, they cry from despair and depression or decide not to eat or forces themselves to vomit due to a flawed self-image. Not to mention the person who cuts themselves to distract themselves from the pain, or drink themselves to sleep. We can not always identify a person in a mental health crisis. There is such a stigma around mental health and the word crazy, that people, the majority of the time will not even go get help. In certain cultures, keeping things bottled up inside and pushing them down is known as strength, causing people to walk around like ticking time bombs. The exposure to this reality is what gave me the passion to work in the realm of Mental Health, helping people understand why mental health services are so important. Normalizing the need to have the freedom to care for yourself mentally just as much as we do physically. To help it be known that mental wellness goes hand and hand with physical wellness. In 2018 I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I took on this major because I needed to understand the root of how the human mind works, and why traumas trigger a certain diagnosis. Not to mention those who were born with some sort of mental health diagnosis such as Autism. As a case manager, I work with individuals and families that have a mental health diagnosis. Each one of my cases has traumatic experiences that have lead to their diagnosis. I work with these people regularly and it touches my heart to hear how they are struggling with reality. This is the reason I am pursuing my Masters' in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I want to be more than a support resource, but I want to be able to professional aide not only my clients but those in my community. I want to be a source of healing and comfort to those around me. Each story is unique and should have no shame. To truly heal you have to be able to trust the person you are telling your story to. Since I have a plethora of knowledge of Mental Health from personal experience, connecting it with my academic and professional experience will allow me to educate those who are ignorant to the effects of mental health on our society. I want to not only work with adults and families but youth as well. Children have affected my mental health as well, and they are the ones that get overlooked or titled as behavioral problems. It takes a person that is comfortable with not only their own mental health status but the mental health status of others to step in and advocate for those who are ignored. I embrace them and let them know that not only do I see them, but I hear them and will walk alongside them, as long as they need me to until they get to a place of self-sufficiency in their walk with mental health. So you ask How has your experience with mental health influenced your beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations? Well, I feel that my story explained that it allowed me to understand that we all fall under the Mental Health umbrella in some form and I plan to use my skill-set to not only bring forth mental health awareness but to be an advocate for those struggling with mental health disorders.