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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

Go follow Pressed Into Purpose on all social media platforms and leave a review to help others find this podcast!

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Darnell Weathersby shares his remarkable journey from being born one pound fifteen ounces on Chicago's west side to becoming an influential educator, administrator, and mentor determined to break generational cycles. His story demonstrates how intentional mentorship, education, and faith can transform lives and create new legacies.

• Born a premature twin weighing only 1 lb 15 oz, defying medical expectations
• Raised as the second oldest of eight siblings by a determined single mother in Chicago
• Found purpose through early mentorship from church men who intentionally invested in him
• Discovered his path to education when a college dean recognized his natural teaching abilities
• Became the first African-American administrator in a Pennsylvania school district's history
• Created "Bow Tie Tuesdays" to provide professional examples for young men
• Published "Journey to Fatherhood" documenting his preparation for fatherhood without having had a father
• Founded Lead One LLC with his wife to empower others to shatter generational curses
• Lives by the mantra "the cycle ends with me" to break patterns of domestic violence and divorce
• Recently launched children's book series "Adventures of Donald the Knight" honoring his twin's memory

Visit theleadonemovement.com to learn more about Darnell's books, resources, and mentorship opportunities.

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Dr. Vanessa Scott-Thompson shares her remarkable journey from reluctant teacher to pioneering leader, demonstrating how divine purpose often manifests through the very things we initially resist.

• First in her family to earn a doctorate degree, completing it by age 31
• Career evolved from teaching to leadership positions in K-12 and nonprofit sectors
• Found her calling in sacred teaching despite initial resistance
• Turned her church curriculum into a published book after multiple divine nudges
• Experience as an educator uniquely equipped her to advocate for her neurodivergent children
• Views herself as a divinely appointed "change agent" guided by Joshua 1:3
• Redefined success from achievements to making meaning and being light to others
• Emphasizes respecting all career paths and recognizing everyone's value
• Recommends taking career interest inventories, seeking divine guidance, and trusting your instincts

For more about Dr. Vanessa Scott-Thompson, visit her website at drvmst.com or find her on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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This episode highlights Rhonda Robinson’s journey of perseverance and purpose. Our conversation explores themes of resilience, accountability, and the importance of community in navigating life’s challenges and discovering one's divine calling.

• Rhonda's inspiring mission through Beauty for Ashes

• The significance of saying "yes" to God in trying times

• The impact of accountability and supportive communities

• Strategies for decluttering life to hear God’s voice

• The power of knowing one’s identity in Christ

• Emphasizing the importance of facing and embracing personal struggles

Listeners are encouraged to actively seek their purpose while leaning on faith and community.