When a woman encounters great tragedy and unbearable violence, she has the strength inside her to rise above as she, herself, is stronger than she may believe. That’s the case with Colonel Beverly Smith-Tillery, a retired U.S. Army veteran whom dedicated 23 years to serving...
“The strong Black woman is as much a myth as Superwoman,” Cassandra James-Weathersby, 45, said. It’s not personal strength or resilience or passion that Cassie, as she’s known to friends, takes exception with: It’s the external pressure to appear invincible, unstoppable, indefatigable that keeps women, particularly...
It’s every mother’s nightmare: knowing your child is ill. In 2016, this happened to Monica and Ryan, when their beautiful 3-month-old daughter, Emmi Grace Angel, was frequently vomiting and couldn’t keep anything down. Monica took her to the pediatrician—and their world changed forever. Emmi’s pediatrician noted...
Katherine Herbert, better known as Kay, is a SHEro because, in one the most uncertain times in her life, she’s choosing to serve others who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Service to her community is nothing new for Kay, even in the current circumstances...
By Elliott Potter When people drive up to Amy Procopio's house in Holly Ridge, N.C., they might encounter not one but two emergency vehicles parked there. One is a police vehicle, while the other is a Ford 250 pickup truck tricked out for fire service. Some people...
All graphics created and owned by ITK Consultants; used with permission Cuban-American executive coach Margarita Sarmiento knows a thing or two about unconscious bias—not only professionally but very personally, as well. “When they meet me for the first time or hear of my birthplace for the first...
Auvyonna Graydon co-founded her business, Tranquil LLC, at 21, while working at Whole Foods. She nurtured it—and her bank account—while she worked at the Florida Department of Revenue. Now, at just 27, she’s declared her independence and made the leap to dedicating herself full-time to...
By Anna M.A. Stracey Talking about who is or is not a friend isn’t a comfortable thing. On Facebook the kid we went to middle school with but we haven’t spoken to in 30-plus years is our friend because we can see sweet pictures of their...
By Elliott Potter My father was a flawed man. As it turns out, so am I. For this pair of Potters, however, the impacts of our imperfections on fatherhood proved a stark contrast. I came out ahead. My son and I share the kind of bond that became...
By Donna Lopez Cathi Hardesty didn’t know her biological father, but becoming a new parent made her curious about her father’s identity. She found her biological father with the help of a friend who asked her to pay it forward instead of accepting monetary payment. This unique...