When a woman feels safe, seen, soothed and secure, she can begin to self-reflect, and reflection leads to growth and change.

“Through the small, powerful moments that shaped me, one conversation at a time, I gained the ability to self-reflect. I learned to pause before reacting, to welcome stillness instead of fearing it, and to sit with discomfort rather than pushing it away. 

“In doing so, I gained clarity, aligned my choices with my values, and created wellbeing instead of constantly reacting to life’s challenges. This shift is not just about personal growth; it is about reclaiming power over our own lives.”

I am passionate about cultivating a healthy organization. From the board, staff, volunteers, partners and the women we serve, I seek to cultivate wellness across the entire organization. I hold to the values that relationships come before outcomes and a healthy staff is how we continue to do this work for decades to come. I’m committed to ensuring our organization has what it needs to serve many more generations of women and children.

I discovered who I was beyond survival. I found my voice, not just in words but in how I show up, advocate for myself, and claim space. I broke the generational cycles, not just for me, but for my children. They see a mother who is present, strong, and whole.

When Shante, NAOMI lead support specialist, speaks of trauma, she knows of what she speaks. She’s been there, and now, she’s showing others the way out.