The path to purpose is rarely a straight line. Mine took a detour through a women’s shelter, and it changed everything. They say, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I say, “Do what you must, and you’ll discover who you were always meant to be.”
When I graduated from Lincoln University—the first degree-granting HBCU—with a degree in Communications, I had dreams of breaking into the media world. I envisioned myself on set, in writers’ rooms, and behind a camera bringing stories to life. The universe, however, had a different script in mind. Instead of a director’s chair, I found myself in a case manager’s office at a women’s shelter.
If you’d told the college me that I’d spend two years managing curfews, facilitating childcare plans, and contacting foster care agencies and Medicaid resources, I would’ve never believed you. Yet, those two years turned out to be the most humbling, eye-opening, and rewarding experiences of my life.
Walking into a woman’s shelter, I was very unprepared. I had no experience in case management and didn’t even know where to begin. However, I was fortunate enough to have a tremendous team—dedicated and like-minded individuals who collaborated with and supported me. They not only taught me the ins and outs of the job but also inspired me to work harder and think bigger.
Our perspectives may have been different at times, but we shared a common passion: helping others. That was one of the greatest highlights of my time at the shelter, and it reminded me of the power of teamwork.
Patience, Empathy, And Compassion
Working at a women’s shelter is not for the faint of heart. It requires patience, empathy, and an ability to think on your feet—all skills I didn’t know I had until I needed them.
Through my job, I saw firsthand the immense challenges faced by mothers living in shelters— from moments of heartbreak to resilience as they fought for better lives for their children.
I also witnessed how systemic flaws — like meeting work requirements, navigating childcare, and strict curfews — made it harder for women to get back on their feet. However, I continued to do my best to help.
One woman in particular once told me, “You treated me like a person and not like a problem. You saw me—not just my circumstances.” That single comment stuck with me, reminding me why I was there and how much compassion matters in spaces where it is so often absent.
To ease some of these burdens, I took the initiative to create programs that brought joy and a sense of normalcy. I coordinated holiday cookouts, organized art classes, and planned activities that gave the women and their children moments to feel at home and experience happiness amid their struggles.
Moving Foward With Intention
The shelter became a mirror, reflecting not just the challenges faced by the women I served, but the depths of my own purpose. It showed me that true storytelling wasn’t just about crafting narratives, but about amplifying voices that deserved to be heard.
The shelter taught me to listen deeply, speak boldly, and embrace the messiness of life. I realized I didn’t just want to write scripts—I wanted to tell real stories that inspire change.
Now, as I turn the page on this chapter of my career, I’m stepping into my purpose with renewed passion. I’m ready to amplify voices through the media and contribute to a world where culture, love, and self-care are celebrated—not as luxuries, but as necessities. BrownStyle Magazine feels like the perfect home for my voice and vision.
By blending my experience with my passion, I’ve learned to create something meaningful. Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: our experiences don’t define us, but they do shape us. And when you embrace them, the possibilities are endless.
