We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ltomay Varlack-butler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LTomay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The Story of a Risk Taken: Choosing Restorative Love, Faith, and Myself
One of the biggest risks I took was choosing to believe in love, a love that asked me to face my past, trust in God, and embrace my identity as a truthteller committed to “good trouble,” as John Lewis said. This risk wasn’t just about a relationship; it was about transforming a legacy of trauma and betrayal into a journey of healing, truth, and purposeful justice.

My path began with significant struggles. I was a teenage mother and a survivor of numerous traumas, including racial harassment, sexual assault, and betrayals by those I trusted deeply. It felt as though I’d been handed a “BLT” -Betrayal, Lies, and Trauma that left lasting wounds. Even watching Black films or TV shows was painful, as they often reflected a reality I was still trying to overcome.

Through it all, my faith kept me anchored. A passage in Isaiah 1:18 became my guiding light: “Come now, let us reason together.” These words invited me to return to God and embrace my worth despite the pain. I began to believe that love, true, restorative love was possible, even for someone like me. This faith journey encouraged me to reclaim my voice, see myself as worthy of healing, and take a courageous step back into higher education.

I returned to school, inspired by my older sister’s belief in me, and it was there that I met someone who would change my life—a fellow Restorative Justice Practitioner whose values aligned with mine. Yet even then, trauma nearly tripped me up, tempting me to retreat into familiar patterns of self-protection. I almost skipped out on this love, fearing that opening up would only bring more pain. But this time, I leaned into the risk. Together, we began to build a relationship grounded in restorative justice principles, one that honors our stories, our scars, and our commitment to growth and sustainable change.

Choosing this love wasn’t just about my personal journey; it ignited a professional calling. I decided to pursue a doctoral program in Social Justice Education with a focus on restorative justice. I entered this space with the conviction of a truthteller, knowing I’d need to challenge the misappropriation of restorative justice practices in higher education. For me, this work isn’t just academic—it’s a form of “good trouble,” ensuring that restorative justice remains rooted in Afrocentric and Indigenous worldviews for genuine healing, equity, and empowerment.

This risk, rooted in love and faith, led me to step fully into my purpose as a Restorative Justice Educator and advocate. Today, I occasionally get to work alongside my partner, creating spaces for healing and justice, grounded in a restorative love blessed by a restorative God. My journey reminds me and hopefully others, that taking a risk on love, faith, and one’s true self can lead to a life filled with transformative impact, resilience, and the courage to make “good trouble” in the pursuit of justice and truth.

I am more than a rose that grew through concrete; I am a chief transformer, a sage, a waymaker in well-being and belonging. As a social worker, teacher, truthteller, and restorative justice educator, I honor the power of my voice and the sacred journey of reclaiming my whole, authentic self.

LTomay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Introducing Myself and My Work: Bridging Justice, Healing, and Transformation
I’m a restorative justice educator, social worker, and belonging strategist deeply committed to creating spaces where healing and equity intersect. My journey into this field was rooted in my own experiences with trauma, resilience, and the belief that true justice is a pathway to belonging, personal transformation, and collective healing. Through my brands, Worth Justice and Brand Me Beautiful Inc., as well as my TV show Unbranded: Unapologetic and Unscripted and upcoming podcast Innerverse Dialogues, I work to create transformative spaces that invite authenticity, foster deep connections, and open restorative dialogues on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

How I Got Into This Work
My path to restorative justice and social equity was driven by a combination of personal and professional experiences. I am a survivor of multiple traumas, and my journey has been one of reclaiming my sacred self, finding my voice, and embracing my role as a truthteller and advocate for “good trouble,” as John Lewis would say. Early in my career, I witnessed firsthand how many spaces lacked the tools for true healing and equity. I recognized a need for approaches rooted in Indigenous and Afrocentric perspectives, where justice is not just a process but a relational and community-centered way of being.

This calling led me to pursue advanced studies in Social Justice Education and Restorative Justice, through which I now help others navigate their own journeys of healing, equity, and self-empowerment.

My Offerings: Services, Products, and Creative Works
Worth Justice offers restorative justice facilitation, belonging and equity (BE) strategy, transformative discourse training, and consulting services tailored to organizations, educational institutions, and individuals seeking transformation. WJ focus on helping communities and organizations cultivate ethical leadership by promoting “power with” rather than “power over” approaches, fostering inclusive environments where people feel seen, valued, and inspired. My work also centers on helping teams navigate conflict with clarity and respect, understanding how language can foster love and how intentional words can promote sustainable, positive change.

Brand Me Beautiful Inc. takes a deeply personal approach, focusing on leadership and identity alignment for individuals and business executives seeking to reclaim their sacred self and express their authentic values through their leadership. I empower clients to cultivate their leadership language, aligning their identity with resilience, integrity, and purpose. Through this work, I guide clients in crafting brands that reflect their unique journey, strengths, and values, grounded in a deeper understanding of self.

On Unbranded: Unapologetic and Unscripted, my TV show on BronxNet public access television relaunching for its second season, host raw, open conversations that “invite the elephant in the room into a restorative conversation.” This platform allows me to engage with societal issues such as race, belonging, trauma, and justice through a restorative lens, helping viewers see these topics with honesty, empathy, and curiosity.

Innerverse Dialogues, my upcoming podcast, continues this work of honoring the power of voice- mine and others’. This podcast is centered on restorative conversations that lead to transformative change, diving into the power of reflection and dialogue to explore and reshape our inner worlds. Innerverse Dialogues aims to empower listeners to embark on journeys of self-discovery, truth-seeking, and personal growth, breaking down false narratives and creating sustainable change in both personal and communal contexts.

Problems I Solve and What Sets Me Apart
In my work, I address several critical needs:

Restorative Justice and Belonging: Many organizations seek to implement restorative justice and equity practices but may lack authentic frameworks. I bring deep expertise, informed by Indigenous knowledge systems, healing-centered, survivor-led and trauma-informed approaches, to help institutions and organizational leaders create meaningful, culturally relevant pathways for community-building and conflict resolution.,
Transformative Discourse and Ethical Leadership: I guide communities and leaders in promoting ethical leadership by understanding and sharing power. Through transformative discourse, I teach teams how to communicate with clarity, address conflict constructively, and use language to build trust, love, and respect.
Personal Empowerment and Healing: For individuals and small businesses, I provide pathways to reclaim their voices and align their personal narratives with their brand identities. Through Brand Me Beautiful Inc., I help clients cultivate brands that reflect their resilience, authenticity, and purpose.
Deep, Restorative Conversations: With Unbranded and Innerverse Dialogues, I facilitate restorative dialogues that tackle complex and often uncomfortable topics. Both platforms invite listeners and viewers to explore transformative conversations that foster empathy, accountability, and understanding.
What sets me apart is my dedication to blending restorative justice with holistic well-being, and my commitment to equity rooted in lived experience and cultural respect. I understand trauma not only from a theoretical standpoint but as someone who has navigated it personally. My work draws from this lived wisdom, creating spaces that are genuine, inclusive, and courageous.

What I’m Most Proud Of and What I Want People to Know
I am most proud of my children, my daughter Kitana and son Melvin, who taught me the art of listening—truly listening. They showed me that connection begins with genuine presence and openness, lessons I carry into every circle, session, and conversation. Something that sets me apart is my belief that lived experience is empirical evidence, guiding my work in real time with clients. This perspective allows me to honor each individual’s story, creating spaces where healing, growth, and authentic connection are possible.

I am proud to work in a field where I can be both a truthteller and a waymaker for others. It has been a privilege to work with Worth Justice and build Brand Me Beautiful Inc. as platforms where people can reconnect with their worth, reclaim their voices, and experience justice that is truly transformative. My proudest moments are when clients or participants leave a workshop, a healing circle, or a restorative dialogue feeling empowered, seen, and ready to create change.

Ultimately, my work is about belonging- creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and inspired to bring their whole selves forward. Whether it’s through consulting, creative branding, or restorative conversations, my goal is to help others realize they are more than their pain, more than their past, and that they have a voice that matters in the story of justice and healing.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Lead with Empathy and Authenticity
One of the most essential aspects of managing a team is building genuine connections. I make a point of getting to know each team member not just as a professional but as a whole person, understanding what drives them, what challenges they face, and what inspires them. This isn’t about checking a box; it’s about showing that I genuinely care about their growth and well-being. By leading with empathy and authenticity, I model the openness I want to see in the team. Listening deeply, especially during challenging times creates a safe space where each person feels seen, heard, and valued.

Cultivate Belonging and Shared Purpose
Creating true belonging starts with making sure everyone feels like their voice matters in the team’s direction. I believe in involving team members in decisions that impact their work directly, as it fosters a sense of shared purpose and empowerment. When people can see how their unique contributions support the bigger picture, they feel more connected to the team’s mission. I also emphasize purpose-driven goals, ensuring that each person understands how their role ties into the collective vision, fueling their motivation and creating a deeply cohesive, aligned team.

Promote “Power With” Through Transformative Discourse and Ethical Leadership
Ethical leadership to me is about promoting “power with” rather than “power over” dynamics. I work to cultivate shared leadership by encouraging team members to lead in areas where they have expertise, creating a culture where everyone’s strengths are acknowledged and valued. Transparency is central to my approach- clear, open communication is essential. I avoid hidden agendas or unspoken rules; instead, I prioritize clear expectations to create clarity and prevent confusion. Through transformative discourse, I guide teams to communicate openly, address conflict constructively, and use language as a way to build trust, love, and mutual respect. This creates an environment where ethical leadership is shared and where each person feels respected and inspired to bring their full selves forward.

Encourage Growth and Development
Investing in my team’s growth is a cornerstone of my approach. I actively seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through training, workshops, or mentorship, showing my commitment to their futures beyond just their current roles. Celebrating progress is equally important, as it acknowledges everyone’s hard work. Even small recognitions go a long way in boosting morale and reinforcing that each person’s contributions are meaningful. In this way, team members are encouraged to grow in their roles while staying rooted in a supportive, affirming environment.

Foster Open and Transparent Communication
Transparent communication is at the core of a high-functioning team. I maintain regular check-ins with each team member to create a judgment-free space where they feel comfortable sharing their concerns, feedback, and ideas. I strive to communicate without ambiguity, ensuring clarity in expectations and avoiding any unspoken rules. I also encourage open, honest discussions, particularly when disagreements arise. By focusing on constructive conflict resolution, we keep our attention on the issues rather than personal differences, fostering a team culture that values openness and clarity.

Nurture a Positive and Resilient Team Culture
Creating a positive, resilient team culture means prioritizing well-being. I promote work-life balance and encourage setting boundaries to avoid burnout. I aim to lead by example, showing that self-care and productivity can coexist. A culture of appreciation is also vital. I make it a point to thank team members for their contributions and to recognize efforts openly. This atmosphere of mutual respect and support allows the team to work effectively together while maintaining a strong sense of morale and fulfillment.

In my experience, high morale and team cohesion grow from a foundation of transparency, respect, and authentic connection. When team members feel valued and know their work matters, they naturally feel inspired to bring their best. Creating this environment allows the team to thrive, not just in terms of productivity but in terms of personal and collective fulfillment.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A profound lesson I had to unlearn was letting external challenges or disappointments define my self-worth and commitment to my values. Staying true to myself in the face of setbacks is a practice I’ve had to cultivate over time. Often, I encounter people who have left the church because they felt overlooked or weren’t given a certain position. I listen to others who judge those impacted by the justice system, or I hear single mothers talk about the burden of raising children alone, feeling abandoned by their partners.

What I realized through these encounters is that while we can feel let down by others or society, our power doesn’t come from external validation or circumstances, it comes from within. We are not powerless because someone else abandoned their mission, missed the chance to bless us, or made choices that led to negative consequences. We each have the power to choose our response, to keep loving God, and to stay rooted in our values despite setbacks.

I began to see that we don’t stop shopping at a grocery store because there’s a long line or an unfriendly cashier. Similarly, we don’t stop loving and caring for our children because of a breakup with their other parent. And we certainly shouldn’t devalue someone based on their history alone. While some may judge, walk away, or complain, it doesn’t make them inherently wrong; it simply means their self-perception is intertwined with external factors they feel they can’t control.

The lesson I truly learned is this: I have power over myself, and I can choose to share that power with others. I can engage in open discourse, drop the fear of judgment, and believe deeply in my own value. This commitment to myself means I won’t allow outside circumstances to disturb my inner peace or sense of identity. By unlearning the need for external validation, I’ve grown stronger in my understanding that my worth and purpose are internal, not dependent on the actions or decisions of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.worthjustice.org; www.brandmebeautifulinc.com
• Instagram: @worthjusticeinc @brandmebeautifulinc @ltomay_truthteller
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTomayVarlackButler
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltomaydouglas/
• Twitter: @LTomayDouglas
• Youtube: UCtID1T5_Bolg00p2kfyrLJQ | www.youtube.com/@unbrandedtalkshow2929

Image Credits

:Photo with leather jacket and pink shirt by Kimmie James; photo speaking sitting next to woman in blue and on the stairs at Capitol Hill by Samantha Jo; In pink by Darryl Varlack-Butler; Nyu by Dr. Garner; in panel with me in the middle by Darryl Varlack-Butler, in the studio and Unbranded Set by Angel Gonzalez, BronxNet