We recently connected with Kenisha Coon and have shared our conversation below.

Kenisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I took a risk by publicly writing a book about my estranged family and overcoming generational trauma. ‘And Then She Persisted’ is a powerful story of resilience against abuse, neglect, and racism. It began as a collection of blog journals, influenced by schooling, therapy, and deep conversations with friends. It’s a journey of channeling spirituality and confronting childhood trauma, which unknowingly conditioned me to persist.

In this memoir, I delve into my childhood, highlighting the trauma, abuse, and neglect I endured until I left home. It emphasizes the crucial role of relationships, explores my identity as a biracial woman raised in a white household with limited access to my Black family, and the struggle to find support for my journey of identity development and anti-racism education.

This book weaves together my personal narrative and self-help guidance for embarking on an anti-racist journey, sprinkled with insights on advocacy. ‘And Then She Persisted’ is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of standing up against systemic racism. Pre Orders for this book start in the spring, you can sign up on my website to get on the waitlist. https://kcoonconsults.squarespace.com/

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Kenisha Coon, MS, (she/her), and I’ve personally experienced the challenges and resilience required within the child welfare system.

I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology, along with a Post-Masters teaching certificate in Psychology and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) certification for the workplace.

With over 12 years of experience in child welfare and DEI work, I’ve become a dedicated leader in the field, facilitating conversations, delivering training, crafting strategic plans, and offering consulting services. I’ve also completed the Minority Professional Leadership Development Program and collaborated with organizations like AdoptUSKids, the National Adoption Association, and Families Rising to promote racial awareness and equitable training within the child welfare community.

In my personal life, I manage Kenisha Coon Consulting, a DEI-focused business, and indulge in my passion for calligraphy through Lettering by Kenisha. I volunteer in various communities, focusing on expanding and educating on Race Equity and DEI principles, creating spaces for courageous conversations.

During the day, you’ll find me working tirelessly to address disparities affecting Black and Brown youth in the child welfare system and teaching others how to embrace antiracism in all aspects of their lives. By night, I’m lettering, doodling, and creating to spread joy and nurture my own mental health.

I’m a consultant, a speaker, an ally, an activist, a writer, a mom, and a wife. My most recent endeavor is as the author of ‘And Then She Persisted,’ a narrative that delves into the journey of overcoming generational trauma, abuse, and neglect, while also standing up against racism. It’s a story of advocacy, passion, allyship, and embracing one’s purpose.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After completing my college education, I sought employment, drawing from my early work experience since the age of 14. My clear vision was to excel in the child welfare sector. When I secured a job at a child welfare firm, I was overjoyed. My personal mission was to become the best Adoption Professional possible and help children like me who had faced psychological or physical trauma.

Working with these children, I realized that many kids that experienced abuse and neglect, especially those under 16, were often from brown or black families. This realization fueled my determination to advocate for these children who looked like me. I aimed to ensure their safety and prevent the psychological trauma I had endured.

Over my initial eight years in the child welfare sector, I took on various roles, broadening my understanding. I progressed from foster care to recruitment and licensing, eventually achieving my dream job as an Adoption Trainer. In this role, I leveraged my position to make significant changes, striving to set a precedent for the care of children of color and to prevent child abuse and the lasting impact of parental racial aggressions. That just opened doors to a whole new world of opportunites.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The Unfiltered Mom Podcast, cohosted by myself and three friends, offers a refreshing departure from the typical management , or work podcasts. Instead, it provides a platform for authentic discussions on crucial topics such as racial equity, child welfare, and parenting.

This podcast stands out as a space where women can engage in candid, thought-provoking conversations that challenge societal norms and expectations. It embodies sisterhood, honesty, and truth, addressing the complexities of motherhood, marriage, friendship, and career.

One of the podcast’s central messages is that women should never feel isolated or alone in their experiences. It reassures listeners that there are others who understand and empathize with their journeys.

The Unfiltered Mom Podcast encourages women to be their authentic selves, free from fear of judgment or not belonging. It’s a show that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, making it a valuable resource for women seeking connection and meaningful dialogue.

Listen wherever you find your podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unfiltered-mom/id1538247135

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kcoonconsults.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcoon9288/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenisha.coon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenisha-coon-64846021/
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unfiltered-mom/id1538247135 https://open.spotify.com/show/7HTwWrrU79eqFIcWamlf31?si=0288729985fc425e

Image Credits
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