Can you share a bit about your background and how it influences your support for women? What challenges have you faced personally that have shaped your approach to supporting other women?

I started out running away from a toxic household and childhood, graduating HS a semester early, and gaining admission to the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School. I continued my education, finishing my Masters in Psychology. Now, I’m a firefighter/paramedic in Dallas, and I compete in bodybuilding. Personally, I have faced childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and gender/racial discrimination. Up until the age of 18, I unfortunately never had a woman in a life to whom I was able to look up to or gain mentorship from. When I was struggling on my own to survive, I recall telling myself that I would not become the many bad things I had saw or experienced growing up. I set mental goal points for myself and strived to hit/surpass each one. Another thing I had struggled with growing up, and throughout my 20s was my own self-image/esteem. I was scrutinized (since a very young age) about my weight, or how I looked or didn’t look. I was never taught to love who I was as a minority, or as a woman. I honestly knew nothing when it came to the support of a woman growing up, and did not realize how strong that power would be until I was the only one that could give me strength to become the woman I wanted to become. Struggling through my own past trauma, and hurdling over every barrier I came across, I learned that through my own strength and vulnerability, I was looked up to and admired and that was probably the main factor that shaped who I am today and how I am when it comes to supporting other women. It took many years to be open and vulnerable with my own story, but when I allowed that to happen, I became someone who could inspire others, listen wholeheartedly, understand and be empathetic, and break glass ceilings for those who couldn’t or those who strive to.

Who are the women who have inspired you on your journey of uplifting others?

Initially, I had no one. Now, I have many. It’s the women who claimed me as their own daughter. My “mom” -the woman who I met when I was 17 and took me in when I just needed a safe place to be. My first bodybuilding coach, who physically, was something I never could imagine seeing myself even coming close to but at the same time was the first fit/muscular minority woman I saw in person training in the gym I was at. My other “momma”, who is now the only woman still in my life to whom I actually have as family in my adult years. And all my close female friends, who have had their own struggles in life, and give me continuous strength and support to this day.

What initiatives or projects are you currently involved in to support women in your community?

I would not call it an initiative or project but rather an unwritten part of a job that I do within the department I work in. I am an adjunct recruiter, and the main person in charge of recruiting just happens to be the first black female officer in that position. Through recruiting of ALL future firefighters/paramedics, I help her initiative to bring more minorities and females into a field that has been historically male, and Caucasian. I have given in my position as a firefighter to also work with Camp Ladder, a program where we reach out to and show young girls the profession, as well as showing them that WE can be just as good as the guys.

How do you navigate societal expectations and stereotypes while advocating for women's empowerment?

I guess I can say that I just do ME. I’ve never been one to stand back, or be silent. I’ve never been one to care about what people had thought about me but rather the respect that they had for me. I do things that aren’t expected or normally seen from a woman, and make sure that with everything that I do, no one has a doubt that I can accomplish it. I’m not sure that I’ve ever “navigated” with the thought of the naysayers feelings or thoughts, but rather with the knowledge that “well behaved women never make history..”

What impact have your efforts had on the lives of the women you have supported?

I have seen women (young and “old”) whom i’ve mentored surpass hurdles in their life and succeed towards their goals. I have been the ear and the voice for those who struggled with their mental and physical health. I have heard randomly from women that I inspire them, even if they had never said anything to me in the past. I know that who I am continues to impact because I am continually asked to be the face or the voice for women in whatever I do.

How can others best support your efforts?

Support me, follow me, watch me, reach out to me… and be consistent and constant about doing it. For me, support can come in many forms whether it’s from words, or actions but unfortunately, is rarely seen. It’s the genuine words I get, or my people just taking their own time to be there for me that supports my efforts.. I really don’t know what else I can say to this because it’s not something specific I’m selling or a business I own, I’m just building me to become a well know piece of someone else’s motivation and eventually it’s my HERstory that will become noted in history.

Anything else you'd like to share?

The minimal energy it takes for you to be genuine, kind, helpful and supportive to just one person may be worth millions

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This article is part of our International Women's Day series. Read about other inspiring women:

From Teen Mom to Trailblazer: Meet Samora

Uplifting Women Through Activism and Empowerment: Meet Natasha

Nurturing Creativity & Parenthood at Interlude Artist Residency: Meet Elsie

Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women: Meet Roshni