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Kelli Proctor shares her journey from valedictorian attorney to minister and author, revealing how embracing life's storms led to discovering her purpose as an encourager. Through authentic conversation, she illuminates how returning to childhood passions helped her fulfill her calling to bring light to others.

• Finding comfort in your authentic identity rather than pursuing careers for money or prestige
• Overcoming significant challenges during law school including 9/11 and housing instability
• Using discipline and perseverance to graduate as valedictorian despite obstacles
• The pandemic creating both urgency and space to pursue creative projects
• Writing the book and companion album "Help Me Welcome the Storm"
• Discovering ministry through small steps of obedience and overcoming insecurity
• The importance of being comfortable with yourself before pursuing relationships
• Learning to believe bigger and shine your light in increasingly dark times
• Building a relationship with God as the foundation for discovering purpose

Find Kelli's book "Help Me Welcome the Storm" and companion album on Amazon, Spotify, and YouTube.

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Dr. LaToya Abrams shares her unexpected journey from aspiring backup dancer to accomplished counselor, professor, and business owner. Her path was shaped by personal connections to mental health challenges and a desire to increase representation for Black Americans in the counseling field.

• Originally wanted to be a backup dancer and choreographer before switching from business to psychology
• Pursued multiple degrees to deepen her knowledge after seeing family members struggle with mental health issues
• Faced challenges as a young Black woman whose competence was often questioned in professional settings
• Developed strategies to maintain boundaries between work and home life to prevent burnout
• Built a private practice after years of working in challenging environments like methadone clinics
• Balances teaching as a tenured track assistant professor with running her own counseling practice
• Lives with multiple sclerosis, which has deepened her understanding of disability and person-centered care
• Emphasizes the importance of knowing the communities you serve and their specific needs

Visit essenceofhealingllc.com to learn more about Dr. Abrams' services and approach to counseling.

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Principal Edwina Thompson shares her journey as the first African-American principal of Lane Tech College Prep and reveals how loving people through leadership has become her core purpose. She discusses balancing her roles as school administrator, pastor's wife, mother, and friend through intentional presence and spiritual grounding.

• Servant leadership means pausing to consider others before yourself, ensuring people feel seen and valued
• Being purposeful with your time requires daily shifting of priorities based on who needs your attention most
• Early morning quiet time (3:30-4:00 AM) provides essential spiritual nourishment before facing the day's demands
• True friendship involves active listening, helping others see themselves clearly, and considering long-term impacts
• Life's greatest lesson: "God has never failed me" - finding calm in chaos through faith
• When facing challenges, "draw in" to your spiritual center rather than reacting to the chaos around you

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