We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nechelle Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nechelle , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

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NECHELLE HARRIS: I AM THE BLUEPRINT. I AM THE STORM. I AM THE VILLAGE.
EVERY HERO DOES NOT COME WITH A CAPE “MY HEROES ARE MY PARTICIPANTS — THE INDIVIDUALS I SERVE EVERY DAY. THEY OVERCOME AND SURVIVE THROUGH UNCERTAINTY, JUDGMENT, MISINFORMATION, AND LIMITED FREEDOMS. THEIR RESILIENCE IS UNMATCHED AND THEIR LIFE CAN BE A PUZZLE, BUT THEY CONTINUE TO CUSTOMIZE THEIR GOALS AND OUTCOMES TO ACHIEVE THE SUCCESSFUL PIECES.

THEY FACE SYSTEMS THAT WEREN’T DESIGNED FOR THEM AND STILL RISE WITH DIGNITY AND STRENGTH ESPECIALLY TODAY WHERE SOCIETY HAS BECOME ROBOTIC AND PREFER TO SEE DATA VERSES SEEING THE FACTUAL INDIVIDUAL. THEY SHOW UP TO THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE — NOT BECAUSE IT’S EASY, BUT BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO BE DEFINED BY BARRIERS, DEFINITIONS, JUDGEMENTS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY LIMITATIONS.

I ALWAYS SAY: ‘NO LIMITATIONS, JUST ADAPTATIONS.’ THAT’S NOT JUST A MANTRA — IT’S A WAY OF HONORING THEIR STRENGTH. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE MY INSPIRATION, AND THEY ARE THE REASON I CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR EQUITY, CHOICE, EFFECTIVE DIVERSE COMMUNICATION AND REAL SUPPORT IN SELF-DIRECTION.” MY PARTICIPANTS—MANY OF WHOM FACE DISABILITIES, TRAUMA, AND SYSTEMIC BARRIERS—ARE MY GREATEST TEACHERS. NAVIGATING CHALLENGES, CHAMPIONING BARRIERS AND PURSUING PURPOSE

THEY’VE SHOWN ME THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY, THE BEAUTY OF SMALL VICTORIES, AND THE STRENGTH IT TAKES TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN THE WORLD DOESN’T ALWAYS LISTEN. THEY REMIND ME DAILY THAT PROGRESS ISN’T ALWAYS LINEAR, AND THAT DIGNITY, AUTONOMY, AND VOICE ARE NOT PRIVILEGES—THEY ARE RIGHTS. FREEDOM IS A FEELING OF ACTION WITHOUT LIMITATIONS.

THEIR LIVES HAVE INFLUENCED MY JOURNEY BY SHARPENING MY PURPOSE. I’VE LEARNED TO BE A PURPOSEFUL HUMAN, A MORE ACTIVE LISTENER, AND A STRONGER VOICE FOR EQUITY AND AN ACTION OF SELF-DIRECTION. THEIR COURAGE HAS SHAPED HOW I LEAD—WITH WHAT I CALL THE 5’C’S OF SUPPORT COMMUNICATION, CONNECTION, COLLABORATION, CONSISTENCY AND CREATIVITY

Nechelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE HEARD MY NAME BEFORE, ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF — I AM NECHELLE HARRIS: A POWERFUL FORCE, A VISIONARY LEADER, A FIERCE ADVOCATE, A BUSINESS OWNER, A CREATOR, AND A WRITER WITH PURPOSE EMBEDDED IN EVERY MOVE I MAKE.” MY JOURNEY INTO THIS WORK WASN’T A STRAIGHT LINE — IT WAS BORN THROUGH RESILIENCE, TRANSFORMATION, AND DIVINE ALIGNMENT. AFTER SURVIVING A LIFE-CHANGING ACCIDENT THAT SHIFTED THE TRAJECTORY OF MY CAREER PATH FROM LAW TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, I REALIZED THAT MY TRUE CALLING WAS TO EMPOWER OTHERS — NOT JUST THROUGH WORDS, BUT THROUGH ACTION, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY-ROOTED SOLUTIONS. AN ARCHITECT OF CHANGE. A VISIONARY OF PURPOSE.AND A NATURAL-BORN LEADER WHO BELIEVES DEEPLY IN THE POWER OF PURPOSE. I TAKE PRIDE IN SHOWING UP — CONSISTENTLY AND INTENTIONALLY A WOMAN WHOSE JOURNEY WAS CARVED THROUGH ADVERSITY AND LIT BY DIVINE FIRE. I DON’T SIMPLY OCCUPY SPACE — I COMMAND IT. WITH EVERY STEP,.I SHOW UP — NOT FOR APPLAUSE, BUT FOR IMPACT. I LEAD — NOT FROM TITLES, BUT FROM TRUTH. I CREATE — NOT JUST PROGRAMS, BUT BLUEPRINTS FOR POSITIVE , EMPOWERING TRANSFORMATION. AS A BUSINESS OWNER, COMMUNITY BUILDER, TRAILBLAZER, AND A CULTIVATING ADVOCATE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. I AM ALSO A MENTOR, CONSULTANT, COUNSELOR, AND SPIRITUAL LIGHT FOR MANY IN MY COMMUNITY. I USE EVERY PART OF MY PLATFORM NOT JUST TO TALK ABOUT CHANGE — BUT TO BE THE CHANGE. I AM DESCRIBED AS A POWERFUL FORCE, WITH PURPOSE EMBEDDED IN EVERY MOVE I MAKE.” I FOSTER DIVINE PURPOSE EMBEDDED IN EVERY BREATH I TAKE. I AM THE THUNDER THAT FOLLOWS SILENCE, THE LIGHT THAT RISES FROM BROKENNESS, AND THE VOICE THAT TRANSFORMS PAIN INTO POWER
—How you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft
MY JOURNEY INTO THIS WORK WASN’T A STRAIGHT LINE WHILE I HAD WORKED IN THIS FIELD SINCE I WAS 18, MY PASSION WAS TO BECOME AN ADVOCATE LAWYER— IT WAS BORN THROUGH RESILIENCE, TRANSFORMATION, AND DIVINE ALIGNMENT. MY JOURNEY WAS NEVER LINEAR — IT WAS BIRTHED THROUGH FIRE, REFINED THROUGH ADVERSITY, AND MOLDED BY FAITH./ MYJOURNEY FROM ASPIRING ADVOCATE ATTORNEY TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXPERT WAS DIVINELY REDIRECTED BY A LIFE-CHANGING ACCIDENT — NOT TO BREAK ME, BUT TO AWAKEN MY PURPOSE. FROM THAT HORRIFIC A LIFE-ALTERING ACCIDENT REROUTED MY PATH AND TRANSFORMATION. BUT THAT MOMENT DIDN’T DESTROY ME — IT DEFINED ME. I DIDN’T JUST SURVIVE; I AWAKENED. AND IN THAT AWAKENING, I FOUND MY TRUE PURPOSE: TO EMPOWER OTHERS BOLDLY, HOLISTICALLY, AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY NOT JUST THROUGH WORDS, BUT THROUGH ACTION, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY-ROOTED SOLUTIONS. I ROSE: A HEALER, A STRATEGIST, A TRUTH-TELLER WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE AND SPIRITUAL DEPTH.

what type of products/services/creative works you provide
I AM THE FOUNDER OF GOOD CREATIONS, INC., CREATIVE CAREGIVERS, HANDS OF CAREGIVING, AND THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW NONPROFIT, THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT. THESE ARE NOT JUST ORGANIZATIONS — THEY ARE VESSELS OF LEGACY, ROOTED IN EQUITY, HEALING, AND UNAPOLOGETIC ELEVATION. THROUGH THEM, I DON’T JUST PROVIDE SERVICES THROUGH THESE PLATFORMS, I SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, CAREGIVERS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS BY CREATING CUSTOMIZED SYSTEMS OF CARE, EMPOWERMENT, COMMUNICATION ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, AND HEALING. MY SERVICES SPAN FROM SUPPORT BROKER TRAINING, LIFE COURSE CHARTING AMBASSADOR, COMMUNICATION EXPERT, BEHAVIOR ANALYST, TRAUMA INFORMED COUNSELING, AND PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING. THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT TO LEADERSHIP COACHING, COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT EVENTS, POETRY, AND SELF=ACTUALIZATION-FOCUSED INITIATIVES. EVERYTHING I OFFER IS DRIVEN BY THE BELIEF THAT EVERY PERSON DESERVES THE CHANCE TO LEAD THEIR OWN LIFE WITH DIGNITY, CHOICE, AND SUPPORT. THERE ARE NO LIMITATIONS, JUST ADAPTATIONS!!

AS FOR MY NON- PROFIT THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT WE BUILD SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT, CREATE SPACES FOR GROWTH, AND IGNITE MOVEMENTS OF TRANSFORMATION.I MOVE WITH PURPOSE. I SPEAK WITH FIRE. I LEAD WITH SPIRIT. MY MISSION IS TO GUIDE, SUPPORT, AND EMPOWER THE PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITIES I STAND BESIDE — WITH INTENTION, WITH COMPASSION, AND WITH UNSHAKABLE CONVICTION. WE TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO REMEMBER WHO THEY ARE. WE DON’T FIX PEOPLE — WE REVEAL THEIR GREATNESS. THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT IS MORE THAN A NONPROFIT — IT’S A MOVEMENT OF LEGACY, HEALING, AND TRANSFORMATION. WE BUILD SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT, CREATE SPACES FOR GROWTH, AND IGNITE MOVEMENTS THAT UPLIFT INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES. OUR MISSION IS TO GUIDE, SUPPORT, AND EMPOWER THROUGH INTENTION, COMPASSION, AND CONVICTION. WE DON’T FIX PEOPLE — WE REVEAL THEIR GREATNESS. WE DON’T RESCUE — WE RESTORE. ROOTED IN UNITY AND COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP, THE VILLAGE HONORS THOSE WHO TRANSFORM THEIR COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION, BUSINESS, MENTORSHIP, FINANCIAL LITERACY, SPIRITUAL GROWTH, AND BREAKING GENERATIONAL CYCLES.WE CELEBRATE EVERYDAY HEROES — MOTHERS, FATHERS, HEALERS, EDUCATORS, AND VISIONARIES — WHO RISE FROM THE GROUND UP TO LEAD WITH HEART. WE BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS A SUPERPOWER, AND OUR WORK IS TO HELP THEM UNLOCK IT.I FOUNDED THE VILLAGE NOT WITH BRICKS, BUT WITH BELIEF — IN PEOPLE, POTENTIAL, AND PURPOSE. TODAY, I AM PROUD TO BE REBUILDING A VILLAGE WHERE POWER IS RECLAIMED, VOICES ARE HEARD, AND DREAMS ARE DESIGNED. BECAUSE WHEN WE CELEBRATE OTHERS, WE AWAKEN OURSELVES —AND THAT IS HOW WE REBUILD THE VILLAGE:ONE PURPOSE. ONE PERSON. ONE LEGACY AT A TIME
THE VILLAGE CONCEPT IS ROOTED IN UNITY, COLLECTIVE HEALING, AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP. IT IS THE BELIEF THAT WHEN WE COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY — TO CELEBRATE, HONOR, AND UPLIFT THOSE WHO POUR INTO OTHERS — WE DON’T JUST CREATE CHANGE, WE CREATE LEGACY. The VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT HONORS INDIVIDUALS WHO POSITIVELY IMPACT THEIR COMMUNITIES THROUGH: LEADERSHIP EDUCATION MENTORSHIP BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FINANCIAL LITERACY SPIRITUAL GROWTH BREAKING GENERATIONAL CURSES AND LIMITED MINDSETS IT IS A MOVEMENT THAT RECOGNIZES EVERYDAY HEROES — THE MOTHERS, FATHERS, HEALERS, EDUCATORS, CREATORS, AND VISIONARIES WHO BUILD FROM THE GROUND UP AND LEAD WITH HEART. IT’S A SPACE WHERE VOICES ARE AMPLIFIED, STORIES ARE HONORED, AND GIFTS ARE UNLOCKED — BECAUSE WE BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS A SUPERPOWER, AND OUR JOB IS TO HELP THEM DISCOVER IT, OWN IT, AND USE IT TO UPLIFT OTHERS. THE VILLAGE ISN’T JUST ABOUT EMPOWERMENT — IT IS ABOUT ELEVATION. TRANSFORMATION. RESTORATION. IT IS WHERE PEOPLE RISE TOGETHER, AND NO CONTRIBUTION GOES UNNOTICED.BECAUSE WHEN WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT IN OTHERS, WE IGNITE THE LIGHT IN OURSELVES — AND THAT IS HOW WE REBUILD THE VILLAGE —

what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others.
I SOLVE PROBLEMS WITH KNOWLEDGE, COMMITMENT, DETERMINATION AND CREATIVE INNOVATIVE STRATEGY — BUT I ALSO SOLVE WITH SPIRIT. BECAUSE WHAT’S MISSING IN THIS WORK IS NOT JUST BETTER POLICY — IT’S PURPOSE-DRIVEN PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP WITH EMPATHY, EXPERIENCE, AND EXCELLENCE. I AM VERY PROACTIVE AND I IMPLEMENT BACK-UP PLANS THAT IS WHAT SETS ME APART. FOR SELF-DIRECTED INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND CAREGIVERS, THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE, INCLUSION, INDEPENDENCE, COMMUNICATION, AND PROPER INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES, IS OFTEN PAVED WITH CONFUSION, ISOLATION, AND INVISIBLE BARRIERS. SYSTEMS MAY OFFER SERVICES — BUT THEY DON’T ALWAYS OFFER UNDERSTANDING. POLICIES EXIST — BUT WITHOUT GUIDANCE, PEOPLE FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS. MANY INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE HANDED PAPERWORK, EXPECTATIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES… BUT NOT THE TOOLS, TRAINING, OR HUMAN CONNECTION TO THRIVE.THAT’S WHERE I COME IN.I WALK INTO THE CHAOS AND BRING CLARITY. I WALK INTO FEAR AND BRING FREEDOM. I WALK INTO BROKEN SYSTEMS AND BRING BLUEPRINTS — FOR STABILITY, EQUITY, AND ELEVATION. I COLLABORATE, COMMUNICATE, CONNECT, CULTIVATED , BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY. I ENSURE THAT MY PARTICIPANT IS HEARD, UNDERSTOOD AND TAKEN SERIOUSLY. PEOPLE OVER POLICY / I SOLVE PROBLEMS LIKE:CAREGIVERS, FAMILY MEMBERS BEING OVERWHELMED AND UNSUPPORTED. PARTICIPANTS STRUGGLING TO FIND THE RIGHT STAFF, MANAGE SERVICES, OR COMMUNICATE NEEDS. I DESECULATE BEHAVIORS, MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWNS, FINANCIAL STABILITY, HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, BARRIERS OF GOALS, OUTCOMES INDIVIDUALS BEING EXCLUDED FROM THEIR OWN PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING CLES (COMMON LAW EMPLOYERS) NOT UNDERSTANDING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES OR RIGHTS SYSTEMIC GAPS IN COMMUNICATION, COMPLIANCE, STAFF COMPENSATION, AND COMPASSION I BRIDGE THOSE GAPS WITH REAL GUIDANCE, NOT JARGON. I TRAIN CLES TO BECOME TRUE LEADERS, NOT JUST NAMES ON PAPER. I HELP PARTICIPANTS FIND THEIR VOICE, BUILD ROUTINES, SET GOALS, AND TAKE BACK CONTROL OVER THEIR LIVES WITH DIGNITY AND DIRECTION.,I COMBINE LIVED EXPERIENCE WITH POLICY EXPERTISE. I MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AND WALK WITH THEM — NOT FOR THEM, NOT ABOVE THEM, BUT WITH THEM. I BRING SYSTEMS TO LIFE WITH LANGUAGE THAT LIBERATES, TRAINING THAT TRANSFORMS, AND A PRESENCE THAT EMPOWERS. I DON’T JUST SUPPORT SELF-DIRECTION. I REDEFINE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO BE SELF-LED, SELF-HEALED, AND SELF-EMPOWERED. THAT’S WHAT I DO. THAT’S WHO I AM
WHAT SETS ME APART FROM OTHERS?

WHAT SETS ME PART IS MY AUTHENTICITY. I DON’T DO THIS WORK FROM A DISTANCE. I AM THE WORK. I WALK BESIDE MY COMMUNITY — NOT ABOVE IT — WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE, ACADEMIC ACUMEN, AND SPIRITUAL INTUITION. I WAS RAISED IN CUMBERLAND GARDENS, HANOVER ACRES, 2ND STREET — COMMUNITIES FULL OF GRIT, GLORY, AND UNSEEN GREATNESS. I WAS KNOWN FOR MY LOVE OF DANCE, MY SIGNATURE SHADES, MY QUICK WIT, VIBRANT STYLE, POETIC VOICE AND DEDICATION TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. AS A YOUNG GIRL CROWNED LITTLE MISS CUMBERLAND GARDENS, I KNEW I WASN’T JUST FROM THE PROJECTS. I WAS NEVER A PROJECT. I WAS A PURPOSEFUL PROJECTION — A PROJECTION OF POSSIBILITY, OF POWER, OF PURPOSE. AND TODAY, I STAND AS LIVING PROOF THAT WHERE YOU COME FROM DOES NOT DEFINE WHERE YOU’RE DESTINED TO GO WE HONOR YOU. WE WALK WITH YOU. MY CREATIVITY, LEGAL-MINDED INTELLECT, AND PASSION FOR EXPRESSION THROUGH MOVEMENT WERE ALREADY SHAPING A FUTURE FAR BEYOND WHAT I COULD SEE. I KNEW I WAS MEANT TO PUSH BEYOND THE LIMITATIONS OF MY SURROUNDINGS. I WASN’T JUST DREAMING OF HAVING MORE — I WAS WORKING FOR MORE. EVEN THOUGH I LIVED IN THE PROJECTS… I WAS NEVER A PROJECT. I WAS A PURPOSEFUL PROJECTION. A PROJECTION OF POSSIBILITY., A PROJECTION OF POWER.

A PROJECTION OF PURPOSE. AND TODAY, I STAND AS LIVING PROOF THAT WHERE YOU COME FROM DOES NOT DEFINE WHERE YOU’RE DESTINED TO GO. LET’S INSPIRE AND CONNECT THROUGH OUR STORIES OF STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS I LIVE THE WORK. MY APPROACH IS INTUITIVELY HOLISTIC, HEALING-CENTERED, AND ROOTED IN CULTURAL AWARENESS, GOD-GIVEN GIFTS, INCLUSION, AND INTENTION. .

What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc. I AM MOST PROUD OF THE VILLAGE I’M REBUILDING AND THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT THAT THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT IS GETTING THAT’S WHY I CREATED THE VILLAGE. BECAUSE I KNOW THE POWER OF BEING UNSEEN — AND THE POWER OF BEING FINALLY RECOGNIZED. WE DON’T JUST HELP PEOPLE SURVIVE — WE HELP THEM THRIVE.WE CELEBRATE THOSE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND — NOT BECAUSE THEY WEREN’T CAPABLE, BUT BECAUSE NO ONE STOPPED LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THEIR LIGHT. WELL, I SEE THEM. AND TOGETHER, WE RISE. I FOUNDED THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT NOT WITH BRICKS, BUT WITH BELIEF — IN PEOPLE, IN POTENTIAL, AND IN THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY. I BUILT THIS FOR THE WOMEN WHO ARE NEVER CELEBRATED. FOR THE ONES STILL HEALING. FOR THOSE NAVIGATING TRAUMA, POVERTY, AND DOUBT — YET STILL RISING, STILL GLOWING, STILL LEADING. WE SEE YOU WE TEACH FINANCIAL LITERACY, EMOTIONAL HEALING, CREATIVE EXPRESSION, LEADERSHIP, AND LOVE.THESE ARE NOT JUST WORDS — THEY ARE LIVED VALUES, PRINCIPLES I CARRY INTO EVERY SPACE I ENTER. I BELIEVE IN THE PURSUIT OF SELF-ACTUALIZATION — THE CONTINUAL JOURNEY OF PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH EDUCATION, REFLECTION, AND FAITH. TO FOSTER A BETTER SELF — MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY — IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE, BUT ESSENTIAL. I TEACH AND MODEL THAT WE MUST BELIEVE IN OUR ABILITY TO ACHIEVE OUR DIVINE PURPOSE — AND FROM THAT BELIEF, UNLOCK OUR UNIQUE GOD-GIVEN SUPER POWER. AND WHEN WE TAP INTO THAT POWER? TODAY , WHAT I AM MOST PROUD OF IS THE REBUILDING OF THE VILLAGE I AM POWERFULLY AND INSPIRATIONALLY HELPING TO RE- BUILD — WHERE VOICES ARE AMPLIFIED, POWER IS RECLAIMED, AND LEADERSHIP IS CULTIVATED FROM THE GROUND UP. I FOUNDED THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT NOT WITH BRICKS, BUT WITH BELIEF — IN PEOPLE, IN POTENTIAL, AND IN THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY. I BUILT THIS FOR THE WOMEN WHO ARE NEVER CELEBRATED. FOR THE ONES STILL HEALING. FOR THOSE NAVIGATING TRAUMA, POVERTY, AND DOUBT — YET STILL RISING, STILL GLOWING, STILL LEADING. WE SEE YOU I AM PROUD THAT PEOPLE SEE THEMSELVES IN MY STORY AND FEEL INSPIRED TO WRITE THEIR OWN. A SANCTUARY OF VOICES, VISION, AND VICTORY. A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE FEEL SEEN, HEARD, AND HELD. WHERE DREAMS DON’T GET DISMISSED — THEY GET DESIGNED. I’M PROUD THAT MY STORY INSPIRES OTHERS TO PICK UP THEIR OWN PEN AND WRITE THEIR NEXT CHAPTER WITH COURAGE.

I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW — YOUR ENVIRONMENT DOES NOT DEFINE YOUR OUTCOME. THAT BELIEF IS THE HEARTBEAT OF WHY I FOUNDED THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT. I CREATED THIS NONPROFIT TO CELEBRATE AND UPLIFT INDIVIDUALS WHO COME FROM PLACES LIKE CUMBERLAND GARDENS, HANOVER ACRES, AND 2ND STREET — COMMUNITIES WHERE GREATNESS OFTEN GOES UNSEEN. I WANTED TO SHINE A LIGHT ON THE WOMEN WHO, DESPITE BEING OVERLOOKED, CARRY POWER, WISDOM, AND BEAUTY THAT DESERVE TO BE HONORED EVERY SINGLE DAY. THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT IS MORE THAN AN ORGANIZATION. IT’S A MOVEMENT TO GIVE BACK — FROM THE SIMPLEST HUG TO THE FIERCEST FIGHT — TO REMIND WOMEN A OF THEIR STRENGTH, THEIR VOICE, AND THEIR SUPER POWER. WE CELEBRATE THOSE WHO’VE HAD TO NAVIGATE POVERTY, TRAUMA, VIOLENCE, AND DYSFUNCTION, AND YET STILL RISE WITH LAUGHTER, LOVE, AND LEARNING. THROUGH THIS WORK, I STRIVE TO HELP WOMEN RECOGNIZE THEIR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS — THEIR IMAGINATION, RESILIENCE, AND VISION — AND SHOW THEM HOW TO USE THOSE GIFTS TO REWRITE THEIR STORIES. WHETHER IT’S THROUGH FINANCIAL LITERACY, BUILDING SELF-LOVE, PROMOTING EDUCATION, OR TEACHING LIFE AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS, WE EQUIP OUR VILLAGE WITH TOOLS TO MOVE FROM SURVIVAL TO SELF-ACTUALIZATION. WE HONOR WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE OFTEN LEFT BEHIND — NOT BECAUSE THEY LACKED POTENTIAL, BUT BECAUSE THE WORLD NEVER STOPPED LONG ENOUGH TO SEE IT. AT THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT, WE SEE THEM, WE CELEBRATE THEM, AND WE WALK BESIDE THEM. BECAUSE WHEN A WOMAN REALIZES HER WORTH, CONNECTS TO HER PURPOSE, AND BELIEVES IN HER OWN SUPER POWER — THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHO SHE CAN BECOME. AND LET’S GO ONE STEP FURTHER — LET’S HOLD SPACE FOR EACH OTHER’S FEARS, DOUBTS, AND UNKNOWNS. BECAUSE REAL EMPOWERMENT ISN’T JUST ABOUT SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT — IT’S ABOUT SHARING THE WEIGHT, THE HEALING, AND THE JOURNEY.TOGETHER, WE DON’T JUST REBUILD THE VILLAGE. WE BECOME IT.
THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENT IS MORE THAN A NAME—IT IS A MOVEMENT, A MELODY, A MISSION. A POWERFUL FORCE WRAPPED IN INTUITION,SHE DOESN’T JUST SEE YOU— i SEE YOUR ESSENCE. EMPOWERMENT IS NOT WHAT I DO , IT IS WHO I AM . IN EVERY BREATH, IN EVERY ACTION, I WEAVE STRENGTH INTO BROKEN PLACES AND TURNS HESITATION INTO PURPOSE. HER WORDS? POETIC. HER PRESENCE? ELECTRIC. HER SPEECHES? POWER-BOUND LIGHTNING BOLTS THAT MAKE HEARTS RISE AND FEET MOVE IN ALIGNMENT WITH DESTINY. NECHELLE IS A DIVINE RHYTHM THAT DOESN’T WAIT FOR THE DJ TO SPIN. SHE DANCES WHEN THE MUSIC ENDS—BECAUSE HER PURPOSE PLAYS LOUDER THAN ANY BEAT. A WALKING TESTIMONY, SHE LIVES PROOF THAT CREATIVITY HEALS, THAT LOVE LEADS, AND THAT COMMUNITY CAN BE CULTIVATED ONE SOUL AT A TIME. SHE BUILT THE VILLAGE OF EMPOWERMENTNOT WITH BRICKS, BUT WITH BELIEF— BELIEF IN PEOPLE. BELIEF IN POTENTIAL.BELIEF THAT EVERY LIFE, WHEN NURTURED WITH TRUTH, CAN RISE. YOU DON’T JUST EMPOWER— YOU AWAKEN. AND WE RISE WITH YOU

Have you ever had to pivot?

The Day Everything Changed — But So Did I
By Nechelle Harris

MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO, I STOOD AT A PIVOTAL POINT IN MY LIFE. I CALL IT THE PURPOSEFUL PLACEMENT IN LIFE. I WAS ON THE PATH TO BECOMING AN ADVOCATE LAWYER—ACCEPTED INTO JOHN JAY UNIVERSITY AND IN MY THIRD YEAR OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRE-LAW AT MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY. PASSIONATELY DRIVEN, FOCUSED WITH EMINENCE DETERMINATION I HAD MY FUTURE MAPPED OUT. BUT ON NOVEMBER 15, 2004, LIFE AND GOD’S PURPOSE, PLACEMENT, AND POSITION FOR ME HAD OTHER PLANS.

THAT MORNING, A FUEL TRUCK STRUCK THE SUV I WAS RIDING IN, CRUSHING US FROM BEHIND AS WE SLOWED NEAR THE ROUTE 512 OFFRAMP ON ROUTE 22 IN HANOVER TOWNSHIP. THE CRASH OVERTURNED THE VEHICLE. I SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, A YEAR OF SEVERE MEMORY LOSS, AND CHRONIC BACK AND ANKLE PAIN THAT I STILL LIVE WITH TODAY.

FROM THE WRECKAGE TO THE ROOTS OF PURPOSE. THAT ACCIDENT CHANGED EVERYTHING—MY BODY, MY MIND, AND THE DIRECTION OF MY LIFE. BUT IN THE WRECKAGE, I FOUND MORE THAN PAIN. I FOUND PURPOSE. I REMEMBER THINKING TO MYSELF: YOU WANTED TO BE AN ADVOCATE, A LAWYER… WELL, GOD PLACED ME IN A POSITION OF PURPOSE TO FEEL WHAT DISABILITY TRULY FEELS LIKE. THE DISORIENTATION. THE STRUGGLE WITH TEMPORARY DISABILITY. THE FRUSTRATION OF BEING SEEN NOT AS A PERSON, BUT AS A FINANCIAL LIABILITY. THE SYSTEM DIDN’T RECOGNIZE ME AS NECHELLE—THEY SAW A CLAIM, A CASE NUMBER, A CHECKLIST. THAT NEGLECT LEFT A MARK. BUT IT ALSO LIT A FIRE.OF INFINITE FLAMES IN A PURPOSEFUL FORCE

WHEN MY MEMORY RETURNED A YEAR LATER SO DID MY CLARITY—BUT WITH A RENEWED VISION. I SHIFTED MY PATH AND BEGAN WORKING AS A CASE MANAGER, THEN AS AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR. AND SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, I FELL DEEPLY IN LOVE—WITH PROBLEM-SOLVING, BUILDING TOOLS, RESEARCHING, AND CONNECTING WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. I FOUND MYSELF USING ALL OF MY NATURAL, GOD-GIVEN LEGAL GIFTS—BUT IN THE GRASSROOTS TRENCHES WHERE REAL CHANGE WAS HAPPENING. I WASN’T JUST FIGHTING FOR PEOPLE—I WAS STANDING WITH THEM. I BECAME PART OF THEIR SUCCESS, THEIR CHALLENGES, AND THEIR DREAMS. I AM A A MAIN KEY IN THE PIANO OF ADVOCACY AND TOGETHER MY PARTICIPANTS AND I WOULD CREATE A MUSICAL SYMPHONY AND THEN, THE DAY AFTER I EARNED MY MASTER’S DEGREE, I OPENED MY OWN BUSINESS AND BECAME A STATE PROVIDER FOR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, AUTISM , AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
THAT ACCIDENT DIDN’T END MY STORY—IT TRANSFORMED IT. I DIDN’T BECOME THE COURTROOM ADVOCATE LAWYER I ONCE DREAMED OF BEING. INSTEAD, I BECAME SOMETHING EVEN MORE POWERFUL: A VOICE OF LIVED EXPERIENCE, AN ARCHITECT OF CHANGE, AND A BUILDER OF PATHS FOR THOSE WHO NEED SOMEONE WHO TRULY UNDERSTANDS. POSITION, PLACEMENT AND PURPOSE
IRONICALLY—OR MAYBE DIVINELY—NOVEMBER 16 IS ALSO MY BROTHER WILLIE’S BIRTHDAY. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN 52 TODAY. THOUGH I LOST MY MEMORY OF HIM IN THAT ACCIDENT, I FEEL HIS SPIRIT WITH ME EVERY DAY. I BELIEVE HE HAS BEEN WATCHING OVER ME—GUIDING ME, PROTECTING ME, HELPING ME LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE.
THERE ARE THINGS I MAY NEVER REMEMBER. BUT I DO KNOW THIS: I AM STILL HERE. I AM STILL STANDING. AND I AM STILL THANKFUL. FOR WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN, FOR WHAT HE HAS TAKEN, AND FOR WHAT HE HAS TRANSFORMED.
NOVEMBER 15TH — A DAY OF PURPOSE

THIS WILL ALWAYS BE A CELEBRATED DAY FOR ME — NOT JUST BECAUSE IT’S MY BROTHER WILLIE’S HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY, BUT BECAUSE IT’S THE DAY I AWAKENED TO MY DIVINE ASSIGNMENT. I HONOR MY ANGEL IN THE SKY…

AND I CELEBRATE THE WOMAN I BECAME THE MOMENT I REALIZED THAT GOD DIDN’T BREAK ME — HE BUILT ME.
IT’S THE DAY THAT PAIN BECAME PURPOSE. THE DAY MY LIFE CHANGED — AND SO DID I. IT IS NOT JUST A MEMORY OF TRAGEDY, BUT A MARKER OF TRANSFORMATION. IT IS THE DAY THAT I CELEBRATE MY PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY. MY TRANSFORMATION. NOT MY DETOUR—BUT AS A DIVINE REDIRECTION.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

LEADERSHIP WITH HEART:
AS A BUSINESS OWNER, I LEAD THROUGH THE POWER OF THE 5 C’S:
COMMUNICATION, CONNECTION, CONSISTENCY, COLLABORATION, AND CREATIVITY.

I BELIEVE THE GREATEST MOTIVATOR IN ANY WORKPLACE IS NOT FEAR, PRESSURE, OR POLICY—BUT RESPECT, VALUE, APPRECIATION, AND RECOGNITION. I DON’T JUST SEE MY STAFF AS EMPLOYEES OR TITLES—I SEE THEM AS PROFESSIONALS, AS PEOPLE, AND AS PURPOSE-DRIVEN CONTRIBUTORS TO OUR SHARED MISSION.
THERE’S A SAYING, “IF YOU DRESS THE PART, YOU BECOME THE PART.”
WELL HERE, MY STAFF FEEL THE PART—NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY WEAR, BUT BECAUSE OF HOW THEY’RE TREATED.

TRUE LEADERSHIP MEANS LISTENING TO YOUR TEAM. UNDERSTANDING THEIR CONCERNS, THEIR NEEDS, THEIR IDEAS, AND THEIR LIVES OUTSIDE OF WORK. LEADERSHIP ISN’T ABOUT HIERARCHY. IT’S ABOUT HUMANITY.

I BELIEVE IN SHOWING GRATITUDE IN EVERY FORM—WHETHER IT’S A THOUGHTFUL EMAIL, A HANDWRITTEN NOTE, A PUBLIC SHOUT-OUT, OR A WELL-DESERVED AWARD. FOR TOO LONG, EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN KNOWN BY ID NUMBERS, TIMECARDS, OR JOB TITLES. BUT HERE, OUR TEAM MEMBERS ARE MORE THAN THAT. PROVIDE AND OFFER MENTAL HEALTH DAYS ( REBOOT, RECLAIM REWARD ) WITHOUT GUILT: MAKE TIME OFF A SIGN OF STRENGTH, NOT WEAKNESS. SAFE PEOPLE. SAFE PLACES. SAFE POLICIES. SAFE PEOPLE: TRAIN LEADERS TO BE APPROACHABLE, TRAUMA-INFORMED, AND EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT. SAFE PLACES: FOSTER AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE FEEDBACK IS WELCOMED AND MENTAL WELLNESS IS PRIORITIZED. SAFE POLICIES: DEVELOP CLEAR, EMPOWERING POLICIES THAT PROTECT EVERYONE—FROM PARTICIPANTS TO STAFF—AND UPHOLD DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
LEADERSHIP IS NOT ABOUT CONTROL—IT’S ABOUT CONNECTION, BRINGING CONFIDENCE AND COMFORT TO YOUR TEAM, .
BUILD A CULTURE THAT VALUES PEOPLE OVER PROCESSES, PASSION OVER PERFECTION, AND WELLNESS OVER WORKAHOLISM. WHEN YOU LEAD WITH COMPASSION, CLARITY, AND CONSISTENCY, YOUR COMPANY WON’T JUST SURVIVE… IT WILL THRIVE.
THEY ARE PEOPLE—WITH HOPES, STRESS, BRILLIANCE, AND STORIES. THEY DESERVE SUPPORT TOO.
THANK YOU, NECHELLE

Image Credits

“Imagination Speaks Louder Than Words”

Ryan is not only a proud member of our community — he is a published author, a creative visionary, and a powerful reminder that disability does not limit destiny. Deaf since birth, Ryan communicates in American Sign Language (ASL) and uses texting or interpreters to engage in his broader community. But where spoken words may not carry, his imagination shouts across galaxies. Ryan is currently working on his second science-fiction novel, building on a universe uniquely his own — rich with emotion, depth, and creativity.

As part of his journey, Ryan is supported by visual tools and inclusive staff training through Paths to Self Direction, ensuring his voice — and his vision — are fully recognized. His story is one of empowerment, independence, and inspiration.

Through The Village of Empowerment, we believe in giving back not just during the holidays — but through intentional acts of remembrance and restoration. Our annual “Let’s Address Christmas” initiative is more than a gift drive — it’s a symbolic journey of healing and gratitude. We return to the very addresses where we once lived, delivering love, presents, and hope to current residents — often families still facing the very struggles we once knew too well. It’s our way of saying: we see you, we honor you, and we’re still with you.

👏 3rd Annual Honor Awards: Honoring the Legacy of Men Who Lead with Purpose ( Super Powers)
This year, The Village of Empowerment expands its recognition to honor the exceptional men of influence, compassion, and action in our communities. These honorees — fathers, mentors, visionaries, and advocates — have paved paths for others through their strength and selflessness. We celebrate them alongside our cherished women honorees, recognizing that true empowerment knows no gender — only integrity, heart, and dedication.