The Power of Your Voice: Reflections from BrownGirl Village with Tamika Mallory

October brought me to Springfield, Massachusetts for an unforgettable BrownGirl Village event featuring activist Tamika Mallory. She spoke with fire and grace about the state of our nation, the power of using your voice, and her book I Lived to Tell the Story.

Listening to her reminded me that silence is not always golden — sometimes it’s costly. As women in leadership and media, our voices shape culture. Whether it’s in a boardroom, on a podcast, or in our communities, we have the power to influence hearts and minds.

What I loved most was how Tamika blended truth with empathy. Her message wasn’t just about speaking up — it was about speaking with purpose. Because when our voices align with our values, we create real impact.

✨ Your encouragement this month: Don’t underestimate your voice. Someone’s freedom, healing, or breakthrough may depend on hearing it.

Used to Be You: The Power of Evolution

In September, I had the honor of hosting a powerful panel called “Used to Be You” for the Girls Who Brunch Tour, featuring incredible women — Ashley M. Fox, Tragil Wade, and Dr. Patricia Thompson. Each of these women shared raw truths about growth, faith, and finding strength in transition.

That conversation reminded me that evolution is sacred work. We are not meant to stay the same. The version of you that was necessary for survival may not be the same version that’s equipped for success — and that’s okay. Growth often requires releasing what’s familiar to make room for what’s divine.

It’s easy to mourn who we “used to be,” but there’s so much beauty in honoring your journey and embracing who you’re becoming.

✨ Your encouragement this month: Don’t rush your evolution. Every version of you had purpose — but this one deserves peace.

Becoming HER: Leading Through Transition and Grace

August was a month of transition. I stepped fully into my new role as Director at Cortland, traveling to Dallas, meeting my onsite partners, and diving into new responsibilities. At the same time, life was shifting around me: family moving closer, friendships changing, emotions balancing.

If I’m honest, it felt heavy at times. But through it all, I learned that leadership isn’t about perfection, it’s about grace. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel overwhelmed, to pause, and to still keep showing up with heart.

Leading through transition requires both strength and softness. It’s knowing when to push forward and when to rest. It’s remembering that “becoming” doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process of growth, reflection, and resilience.

✨ Your encouragement this month: Give yourself grace. You’re not behind , you’re simply becoming HER, one intentional step at a time.

Witnessing Greatness: Lessons from My Brother’s PGA Journey

This July was one for the books. I had the incredible joy of watching my brother, Marcus Byrd, compete in the ISCO Championship PGA tournament — standing alongside my mom and daughter, three generations cheering him on with pride.

Watching him walk that course, focused and calm, reminded me of what dedication really looks like. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built in the quiet moments when no one’s watching. It’s a daily choice to show up, practice, and believe.

It also reminded me that family wins are personal wins. As women who lead and nurture others, we often forget to slow down and celebrate the victories — both ours and theirs. Watching my brother shine in his element filled my heart with gratitude and motivation.

✨ Your encouragement this month: Take time to celebrate the wins around you. Sometimes witnessing greatness helps you reconnect with your own.

Beyond the Smile: A Conversation on Authenticity with Simone Bailey

In June, I had the honor of hosting my dear friend Simone Bailey for the release of her book See Beneath My Smile. It was more than just a book launch — it was a moment of truth, vulnerability, and connection.

As we talked about her journey, I was reminded that so many of us wear smiles that hide stories the world will never know. As leaders, we often feel pressure to be “on” all the time — polished, prepared, and perfect. But the truth is, authenticity is our superpower.

There’s freedom in being honest about your journey — the wins, the lessons, and the healing in between. That kind of openness not only strengthens you but gives others permission to show up as themselves too.

✨ Your encouragement this month: Don’t hide behind your smile. Let your story speak. Your transparency might just be the key to someone else’s breakthrough.