HER STORY
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From battling psychosis and depression to managing Bipolar I Disorder and PTSD, I fought like hell to get here. As life challenged me over and over again, I was pushed to find creative and innovative ways live in my purpose on purpose and surpass my goals. For over 18 years, I have committed my life to supporting others on their journey. My passion to help others become their truest self has allowed me to speak on various national platforms to engage hearts and empower minds. My goal is simple…. To assist you in aligning with the greater you. We might not have the same path, but we all desire to experience the greatness inside us. Let’s get this done together. ~Laqwanda
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HER VOICE
Motivational and public speaking are my superpowers. As an established/nationally recognized speaker who has spoken on various platforms/panels, I routinely share my personal experiences with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD as well as my professional insight as a wellness professional to promote mental wellness.
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HER MISSION
My mission is to motivate disenfranchised communities to thrive in wellness while challenging the toxic policies/practices/procedures, racial and social injustices, generational and institutional racism, and inequality that may impede their journey.
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Throughout my journey, I have been blessed to share my story and/or professional expertise with entities such as Eventbrite, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Austin Black Pride, Before Your Kill Yourself Podcast, Environmental Protection Agency, Council on Social Work Minority Fellowship Program, Kaiser Permanente, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local county government departments to name a few. I am also the Host of Minding Your Purpose Podcast, Host of Livestream Wellness Show on Youtube, and the Content Creator for the Youtube Channel Laqwanda.
HER WORK
As a Black Queer woman and mental health provider, I understand the importance of inclusiveness and supporting individuals from diverse and underrepresented populations/communities. Currently, I am the Founder of Healing Black Women and Chief Editor for HealingBlackWomen.com which serves as a safe space designed to encourage and promote all forms of wellness/healing for black women. In this space, I lead an amazing team of 17 Contributors who engage our community through panel discussions, articles, social media, and an annual conference. In this role, I have also honed my presence as a Social Justice Advocate by exploring how current events, social constructs, policies/procedures, and social and racial injustices impact our community’s overall wellness.
As a Black Queer woman and mental health provider, I understand the importance of inclusiveness and supporting individuals from diverse and underrepresented populations/communities. Currently, I am the Founder of Healing Black Women and Chief Editor for HealingBlackWomen.com which serves as a safe space designed to encourage and promote all forms of wellness/healing for black women. In this space, I lead an amazing team of 17 Contributors who engage our community through panel discussions, articles, social media, and an annual conference. In this role, I have also honed my presence as a Social Justice Advocate by exploring how current events, social constructs, policies/procedures, and social and racial injustices impact our community’s overall wellness.
Outside of Healing Black Women, I am a Licensed Master's Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and mental health professional. I serve on the Board of Directors for Recover Program Solutions of Virginia, Inc. I am also a former Board Member for NAMI Northern Virginia. More recently, I held the position of Director of Outreach for the National Office of Mental Health America. I hold a Master of Science in Social Work, a Bachelor of Art in Sociology, a certification as a Reiki II Practitioner, and will begin my studies towards a Doctor of Social Work in 2021.