Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tynecia Estrada. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tynecia, thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
The kindest thing someone has done for me is to comfort me when my father went to prison and was sentenced to the death penalty. I had a village of family members and coaches that encouraged me, spoke life into me and invested intentional time with me. It’s important for a child that has experienced parental incarceration to have caring and supportive adults to make them feel loved, seen and valuable. Therefore, God led me to create Girls Breaking Chains, Inc. We want every girl to know they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God has a purpose and calling upon their life.
Tynecia, 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?
I am the Founder and CEO of Girls Breaking Chains Inc. My story began at the age of ten years old when my father was sentenced to death. My world was shattered. The journey to healing has been a long process. Not only did I lose my best friend, but I was being raised by a single mother who suffered from a severe mental illness and alcoholism. However, after accepting the love of Jesus Christ and embracing the support from family and community members, I started to heal by leaning on my “village of support” around me. It took years for me to process and be able to share my testimony. God transformed my pain into a plan which launched Girls Breaking Chains, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to supporting girls who are impacted by parental incarceration. Girls Breaking Chains will provide a healthy place of engagement, connection, and development to empower young girls to break the cycles of emotional and psychological pain. Through mentorship, support groups, and scholarships, girls ages 10 to 17 have a village of trauma informed mentors supporting them in their healing journey.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Statistics would state that I am not supposed to be here or doing this interview. One study showed that children with an incarcerated parent are 6x more likely to be incarcerated themselves.. There are more than 2.7 million children in the U.S. with a parent incarcerated. In addition, more than 5 million children in the U.S. have experienced parental incarceration. The odds were already stacked against me based on the amount of trauma that I suffered before the age of 12. So, when I think about how my life illustrated resilience it was who I had to become. A strong, resilient, persevering woman of God.
At a young age, I had to grow up very quickly. Living with a parent that is mentally ill was very depressing for my sister and I. In addition, I also committed to visiting my dad in prison for 25 years of my life up until he was executed which was the most difficult thing that I have ever experienced.
No one typically survives something that traumatic without God’s power working in and through them. It has been through God’s grace and mercy that I am still here and boldly sharing my testimony. There was a time when I couldn’t speak about the trauma that I experienced. As I reflect over my life, I can see God’s hands in everything. He was with me when I went through the deep waters. In the rivers of difficulties that I faced, he didn’t allow me to drown. It’s my prayer that every girl that has experienced parental incarceration has a safe place where they can share without shame or judgment. This is why Girls Breaking Chains exists.
How would someone succeed in your field of work?
I believe there are several things that you need to succeed as a nonprofit leader. I believe empathy, growth, posture for continuous learning and having a heart of compassion is key. These are key factors that will drive you to keep going when you don’t feel like you are making progress. We now have a coach through a grant funded by OJJDP the federal sponsor of the National Mentoring Resource Center in connection with Mentor Georgia. She is an experienced coach who believes in our mission. Our team is so grateful for coach Meg Gomes who is coaching us and preparing us to launch our mentorship program In January. I have also learned that another key to success is an active board that is passionate about the mission of the organization. Lastly, building partnerships with other organizations with similar missions and building relationships within the company is imperative.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.girlsbreakingchains.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsbreakingchains/
- Other: If you would like to support our mission, you may donate on our website at girlsbreakingchains.org or text CHAINBREAKER TO 44-321 .
Image Credits
Lisa Delva