Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rev Dr Ahmondra Mcclendon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rev Dr Ahmondra, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
I did have a defining moment that changed the trajectory of my career when I was an active Child Welfare Worker.
One day, I found myself standing in another brightly lit hospital room, facing a mother whose baby had tested positive for drugs. As a Social Worker in child welfare, the heart-wrenching task of removing children from families and placing them in Foster Care was a painful reality for me. What added to the agony was the realization that 95% of the children in San Francisco’s Foster Care system shared my skin color.
A disconcerting question always lingered in the back of my mind: how could a mere 12% of the population be contributing to the majority of children in the system? The prevailing societal narrative falsely claimed that Black families didn’t value their children, a narrative I knew contradicted the reality I witnessed daily. Black families struggled to survive and care for their children, but external circumstances made progress impossible.
Always having a passion to fight for social justice, I realized that it was time to add Cultural Justice to the equation. Understanding our Heritage would give us the ability to write a new narrative, which reflected who we are. We had to reclaim our heritage.
Determined to identify tangible evidence of my heritage, I embarked on a year-long journey to Ghana in 1999, seeking to understand and connect with my roots.
Stepping off the plane into the African night, a celestial sky greeted me, whispering, “Welcome home, my daughter.” A profound exhale escaped me, feeling like the first breath of my true life. Four welcoming souls awaited me outside the airport, hugging me as if we’d known each other in spirit. In the car, emotions flooded me – tears of joy for the peace my spirit felt, laughter for the rare chance to explore my heritage.
Anticipation surged as I delved into a culture purposefully erased from my people. Forced removal, captivity, and cultural erasure were deliberate acts to keep me disconnected from my truth. This journey, however, would change that reality.
My yearning for answers was met with the taste, smell, and feel of freedom. Ghana became my canvas to paint a new picture of my identity. This journey wasn’t just a personal quest; it was a stand for Cultural Justice for all African Americans who longed to reconnect and understand their heritage.
As I reflect on this defining moment, I recognize that uncovering our cultural heritage is not just a personal journey but a collective one. The lessons learned from my experience underscore the importance of seeking cultural justice. We need Cultural Justice to build a more inclusive and understanding society.
In my pursuit of Cultural Justice, I recently published a book, the Uncrowned Queen Reclaims Her Throne, When A Black Woman Breaks the Silence, which uses my personal story of healing and transformation to support Black Women from the African Diaspora to rewrite the false narratives they are trapped within. And to discover who they are and the power that surges through their blood. Cultural Justice, gives us the power to do justice to our culture as we discover a lost heritage.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Rev. Dr. Ahmondra, a retired Social Worker, international motivational speaker, Certified Spiritual Emotional Intelligence Assessor, Published Author, ordained Interfaith Minister and Progressive Christian Minister. I hold a Master of Social Work Degree from San Francisco State University and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from New York Theological Seminary.
Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to making a positive impact on individuals and communities. And that caused me to always seek information to strengthen my knowledgebase.
During my tenure as a social worker, I recognized the profound influence of faith-based organizations on my clients’ lives. However, my lack of knowledge about various faith traditions limited my ability to provide comprehensive support. I continued to discover a prevalence of judgments and biases stemming from misinformation about different religious affiliations among other clinicians. I felt the need to address this issue.
Having this realization I left my Practice as a Child Welfare Worker to pursue a path as an Interfaith Minister.
I decided to bridge the gap between my dual expertise and created the Multi-Faith Diversity Educational Program. This program serves individuals seeking to build connections across religious boundaries, fostering constructive dialogue and understanding. It also addresses the need for accurate information for those exploring new faith-based connections.
The Multi-Faith Diversity Educational Program goes beyond individual relationships; it also educates clinicians on the significance of being sensitive to a client’s faith tradition while offering life-enhancing services. By promoting open, honest, and constructive dialogue, this program seeks to enhance relationships between individuals from diverse faith traditions. I am proud to deliver a program that not only promotes understanding but also empowers individuals to connect meaningfully across religious affiliations.
As a spiritual mentor, I guide individuals on a transformative journey to understand their lives, fostering balance, and empowering them to heal from past trauma. It’s not just about addressing the surface; it’s about delving deep into one’s essence for true personal actualization.
From my unique vantage point as both a social worker and an Ordained Minister, I’m not just an advocate for change; but a catalyst. Through captivating webinars and powerful keynotes, I share practical tools and strategies, unlocking the potential for profound solutions to life’s challenges. My presentations are not just informative; they are inspirational blueprints for creating positive shifts in one’s life.
What truly sets me apart is my distinctive approach to problem-solving. It’s not merely a formulaic process for me but a fusion of education, professional experiences, and a personal journey marked by healing and transformation. Having navigated through overwhelming life challenges, I bring an unparalleled depth of understanding and empathy to my work.
It is not just mentorship; it’s a shared exploration of resilience, growth, and the limitless possibilities that emerge from personal transformation.
In a world where cookie-cutter solutions abound, I always strive to be a beacon of authenticity and genuine connection. It’s more than solving problems; it’s about weaving a tapestry of empowerment, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every individual possesses the innate strength to overcome and thrive. Our work should be our Passion, and our Passion should be our work. And it is our responsibility to offer our unique gifts to the world.
I’m most proud of my own profound transformation. I emerged from a silent world burdened by painful secrets, addiction, and the weight of trauma and grief. It wasn’t an easy journey, overcoming experiences of childhood molestation and domestic violence, but I turned that pain into a powerful driving force—passion.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that I intimately understand the courage it takes to step into a new version of oneself. My life is a testament to overcoming fear and embracing internal power. I don’t just offer insights on personal change; I embody it.
If you’re ready to leave fear behind and embark on a journey of empowerment, I’m here to guide and inspire you every step of the way. Together, we can create a new narrative of resilience, growth, and limitless potential.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Embarking on a transformative journey requires the courage to pivot, to shift from the familiar to the unknown. In my case, the catalyst for change was the profound experience of living in Ghana for a year. That reshaped my identity as a Black Woman from the African Diaspora living in America and gave me power I never had before.
Returning home after a year in Africa, I faced a dissonance with my former life. The realization that my career as a child welfare worker was no longer aligned with my purpose created a daunting challenge. Despite the societal conditioning urging me to stay, an inner voice echoed, urging me to have faith and leave. It was time to pivot!
The decision to retire from a stable government job, though terrifying, marked a pivotal moment. The fear of the unknown clashed with the conviction that there was greater work for me beyond the confines of my office. Miss Arvene, a coworker became the voice of affirmation, reminding me that God had something much bigger in store. All I needed to do was let go of my apprehension.
Submitting my retirement letter was an act of faith, and the universe responded swiftly. A national speaking tour opportunity materialized affirming that stepping into the unknown was the right path. Visiting eight college campuses, speaking to over 3,000 students, and earning the equivalent of three months’ salary in three weeks was a testament to the abundance that awaited me outside my comfort zone.
The dream of traveling the world and being of service unfolded after taking an early retirement. A chance encounter at a business seminar led to a position as a facilitator in a women entrepreneurs’ program. A year later, I found myself living my dream, traversing the globe, as a speaker and facilitator, all the while sharing my truths.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that pivoting isn’t just about changing careers; it’s about aligning with one’s true purpose. Stepping out on faith, I not only avoided the physical toll of a stressful career but also discovered newfound roles as an ordained minister and a published author.
The story underscores the message that fear and conditioning should not shackle with fear. When we step up and out it encourages others to listen to that inner voice, have faith, and embrace change. The unknown is not a void to be feared; it’s a canvas waiting for the strokes of our courage and conviction to paint a life of fulfillment and purpose.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I have a very compelling life experience about resilicence which changed my life.
Two days after celebrating my 21st birthday, I found myself in a department store, a place where joyous moments are meant to unfold. Instead, I grappled with the heart-wrenching task of choosing a dress to bury my best friend in. She had been brutally murdered by an unidentified assailant. In the shadow of my grief, where the pain seemed insurmountable, my life hung in the balance. Could I get up after being mentally knocked down? Or would I fade away under the weight of my emotions?
The trauma, an indescribable weight, left me in a state of bewilderment. After the funeral, the world appeared as a disorienting maze. Anger and grief permeated every fiber of my being, leaving no room for life’s essentials—love, joy, or happiness. Externally, I presented a facade of strength, but inside, my silent screams for help echoed in the hollow chambers of my soul. Speaking about such pain was forbidden, hidden behind the unwritten rules of a community that bore its burdens in silence.
With her departure, a part of me was interred, and I succumbed to a black hole of grief. Desperate for survival, I sought refuge in drugs, a futile attempt to numb the relentless ache. To escape the void, I entered a marriage of convenience, a silent escape where the outspoken activist and fiery young woman faded into obscurity.
A decade passed in the shadows until that pivotal moment of desperate courage sprang up. I extricated myself from an abusive marriage, confronted my demons, entered into recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and charted a course back to education to forge a new beginning. The phoenix within me, long eclipsed, found its wings.
Today, I comprehend that my resilience was fueled by an innate desire to be of service to others. From the ashes of despair, a purpose emerged, propelling me to transcend the shackles of grief and addiction.nMy story illustrates the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to endure and transform. It is a testament to the power of resilience when faced with the darkest depths.
In my pages of The Uncrowned Queen Reclaims Her Throne When a Black Woman Breaks the Silence, you will witness my tale of healing and transformation as it weaves through sorrow, addiction, and the rebirth of self, emphasizing that even in the bleakest moments, the flame of resilience can guide one towards a fulfilling life.
My life purpose is to inspire others to embrace their courage, confront their own shadows, and understand that the potential for profound healing and transformation lies within the journey. We are not here by accident but by Divine Purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: ucqueen.com
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