Nothing tops being entrusted with a facility housing 380 residents to do a surprise holiday dinner for the less fortunate. Thank you, for allowing us to do what we do. It takes a village and we are the VILLAGE. Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, chiefs; it’s because of you, that we were able to make a difference. We meet the people where they are…PERIOD!
With every ounce of sincerity, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making this year’s Gift Giving Extravaganza, the most amazing day in the history of #SurpriseTheStruggling™ (A Hashtag Movement for Homeless Women.) From my key Chief Ambassadors, Thamicha Isaac, Ebony C Johnson, and Charlene Stewart for breathing into me when I was second-guessing. My event planner, Vanessa E-El, The Event Strategist—who delivers every year faithfully! My cake supplier CAKES BY COLEY. I adore you, Coco! To my DJ, Ron Cee of Exodus Entertainment. I love you! To my CLO, Ruthe McDonald who makes it all happen. My photo lady, Delilah Peach Williams, love you, babe!
To the Ladies and Gentlemen who cooked/served/delivered from SPBC, POYED by Velvette, Robin Devonish, Aja Webster Barton, Paulette Bailey, Cynthia Juhans, and my brother & the Doc, Bryant Pearson; thank you! To the director of Starbright Family Residence, Ms. R, for entrusting us with your residents! Also, to my sister Wanda Edwards, to my love, Essence Bembry, and her boys, APWorld & Fear the Fro, Atlanta Hawks, for donating the bags and shirts. To my Accountability partner, Eloquent Essentials for sponsoring gifts. To Dr. Natacha Chloe and my day one ambassador, Keisha Christie, for sponsoring always! Althea Webber Bates, Shawn Headley, Iesha Sekou, and EVERYONE who sent a monetary donation…I LOVE YOU!
Tanisha Smith Franks, Luck Da Barber💜, my children, my family, and my GOD—we did it!!!! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH A TEAM! Looking forward to an even greater 2018!!!! LET’S DO THIS!!!
NEW YORK CITY, it’s going down! Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle, sponsored by the Dr. Wilson Leadership Academy and The Tea Room in Brooklyn, is returning on December 6, 2017, starting at 4 PM. Our special guest speaker will be Doctor, CEO, and Author Chloe Natacha Aurelien.
The Tea Huddle is a safe space for sacred conversations over tea and a light meal for less fortunate and homeless women in our communities. If you would like to be a blessing and donate, no amount is too small, please visit our Giving Back page for the donate button. Or you may email surprisethestruggling@gmail.com We meet the people where they are…PERIOD!
Come out and meet Dr. Jacquelyn Wilson, Surprise The Struggling, Inc. Executive Director, at this year’s Women of Color Empowerment Conference at Rawson Elementary School. 260 Holcomb Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06112 1PM-6PM November 4, 2017.
There will be a live panel featuring Entrepreneurial women from different backgrounds, who are all making a difference and giving back to their communities in various ways.
Resiliency Moving Beyond the Baggage: Women of Color Empowerment Conference
Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues. #SurpriseTheStruggling’s twenty-seventh highlight this month is a dynamic duo of dedication and motivation; kind of like having a double shot espresso, the team of Janine Smalls-Gueye and Lanise Herman-Thomas—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s reminder of how powerful sisterhood is, and how much you can accomplish when we work together with a spirit of support, understanding, and determination.
Each woman deserves to be singled out for their generosity and valuable time that they so generously give towards the success of #STSGlobal and carrying our mission forward. In their own right and as individuals Janine and Lanise are exemplary in all that they do. They give of themselves, each bringing to the table something unique and inspiring. Yet, as a team, they have proven to be even more impactful and leading example that one: women can work together and birth something powerful. In addition, two: when women come together to build one another up; especially wives and mothers, there is absolutely nothing that can stop them from accomplishing their goals.
Lanise Herman-Thomas, Janine Smalls-Gueye, Founders of P.R.A.D.A. an NPO & Wife Mom Entrepreneur Community Platform
Janine and Lanise both embody the spirit and mission of #STSGlobal. Providing services that are needed, meeting the people where they’re at, forming a community that is a wealth of ongoing support, and encouraging and motivating others to take the necessary steps in their lives to be all that they desire to be.
The sisters have proven that visions and dreams to come to pass when you work together and have a team of support and people that believe in you. Janine and Lanise have more than proven that they believe in what #STSGlobal is doing. They believe in who we are as individuals, team members, and an organization. Janine and Lanise are beautiful examples of what love and dedication look like in action. We humbly accept and appreciate their advice, guidance, and friendship, as well as their support in our journey of helping others.
Janine Smalls-Gueye and Lanise Herman-Thomas—Wives, Mothers, Sisters, CEOs, Scholars, MPA, MBA, Entrepreneurs, Educators, Tutors, Motivators, Visionaries, Authors—are the CEOs and founders of not one but two organizations— Peoples Resource and Development Association, (P.R.A.D.A) and Wife Mom Entrepreneur—that have been and are changing lives and communities, and making a difference in the lives of countless women every day.
Peoples Resource and Development Association, (P.R.A.D.A) a 501(c) 3 nonprofit was founded to assist low-income families, achieve stability and self-sufficiency through their programs. People’s Resource and Development Association mission is devoted to meeting the educational and developmental needs of children and adolescents while acknowledging and responding to the potential achievements and interdependence of their adults. Jessica Joseph is Program Director and Chantay Berry is Executive Assistant, http://pradanp.org FB: https://www.facebook.com/PRADANP/
Wife Mom Entrepreneur is a community organization and platform, whose purpose is to educate women on how successfully to juggle life as a wife, mom, and entrepreneur. Wife Mom Entrepreneur business consultant boutique offers: Business Advice/Solutions, Personal/Business Branding, Strategic Planning,
Marketing Services, Team/Partnership Building, and Start-Up Planning and Development. This amazing community of sisterhood— created for the women who are wives, moms, and entrepreneurs—offers a supportive place for women to share, as well as, educate other women successfully to juggle three of the most challenging yet fulfilling jobs. Their website offers tons of advice and a wealth of resources, and the opportunity to connect and network. https://www.wifemomentrepreneur.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/wifemomentrepreneur/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/wifemomentrepreneur/
We salute you, Janine Smalls-Gueye and Lanise Herman-Thomas! The legacy you are creating is inspiring and motivating. We are filled with extreme gratitude to have you both as part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s twenty-fifth highlight this month is the effervescent and uncompromising Jacqueline Rowe—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s example of what it means to live the words you speak. #STSGlobal is honored to have met and get to know the awesome woman who has touched and changed many lives.
Jacqueline is the woman behind the scenes as well as out in front, who is doing her part to make a difference in the lives of others; encouraging people to share their truths and face their fears and pain head on. She embodies the spirit of the #STSGlobal mission—to meet people where they’re at…period! Jacqueline helps individuals to move forward and stand up for themselves; taking the steps that they need to get to the life that they were meant to have.
Jacqueline Rowe, CEO, Author, Motivational Speaker, Founder of FACE MY ABUSE
When we meet people, we do not always know their story. We may have heard things, seen things, but rarely do we know the story behind what makes a person who they are. What drives them to fight? What motivates them to take on the tasks that they do? If you have the pleasure of meeting Jacqueline, it will become evident that what drives her to fight; what motivates her, is a heart of love. She carries a spirit of love that is immediately felt when you come in her presence. That desire to help, lift up, motivate people to live their best life is evident after spending time in her presence. When she speaks, she speaks with conviction from a place of experience. You know that she has been through something in her life, but unlike some, has managed to grow from and overcome her experiences.
Jacqueline is now in a place where she can teach and reach others to achieve the same clarity and power that she now lives and operates. She is creating a legacy that her children, family, friends, and even strangers can glean from for years to come. A legacy tried in the fire and made stronger for it.
Jacqueline Rowe—Mother, Broker, Deal Maker, P R Consultant, Lifestyle Marketer, Author, Life Coach, Empowerment Speaker, Domestic Violence Advocate, Philanthropist—is the founder of FACE MY ABUSE. “FMA” founded in 2006, is established to address domestic violence against women and girls by increasing awareness, promoting effective policies and implementing potent strategies for prevention and intervention. “FMA’s” mission is to advance the health, education, and security of women and girls the world over with a focus on building healthy sustainable relationships defying domestic violence and its impact on not only the victim but by extension the family as a whole transcending the community.
We salute you, Jacqueline Rowe! Your encompassing love, concern, spirit, and heart inspire us every day. We are honored to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
This March, celebrating Women’s History Month, #SurpriseTheStruggling will be highlighting the brilliant and beautiful women that help this organization to be what it is. Without their support, love, kindness, and dedication of each of these women, the #STSGLOBAL #hashtag campaign would have never made the strides it has this past year of service. These women bring their “A” game to all that they do! Be sure to follow their pages and get to know these powerful, brilliant, and beautiful women.
Our twenty-fourth highlight this month is the phenomenal and motivational Natacha Aurelien—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s empowerment motivator and encourager. #STSGlobal has had the pleasure of meeting some very passionate women over the past year, women with a passion for uplifting others and making a difference in not only their own families but also a community of women.
Natacha Aurelien, BHA, MHA, DHA, PhD., CEO, and President of ANS Association
It is not every day that you meet someone, that is transparent—who does not pretend to be something they are not nor claim to be perfect. Yet, they stand behind whom they are and openly share their faith while seeking to build and empower others to do the same. Natacha is that very woman, that woman that is living her life while assuring that her daughters, family members, and other woman and men are reminded to live their lives in spite of any obstacles that may come their way.
Natacha represents and embodies the spirit and mission of #STSGlobal in many ways. She is an example of working consistently towards your personal goals while taking the time to support, uplift, and encourage others. She is that person who will see you falling and not ask if you need help but instead jump right in and help you; catching you before you fall.
#STSGlobal is exposed to many people who have never experienced this kind of commitment, love, or concern. Natacha is a walking testimony and reminder of what the love of Christ looks like in action; creating a legacy that that is anointed of God.
Natacha Aurelien (Chloe)—BSHA, MHA, DHA/PhD., MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR—is CEO/PRESIDENT of ANS Association. A nonprofit organization that provides Health Care Fairs, Relationship Conferences, Women Empowerment Networking Events, Powerful Men Networking Events, Youth Empowerment Group for young girls to join, and youth club and beauty pageants.
Their vision is to inform, educate, build awareness, collaborate, and develop a professional environment to our members. Their mission is to empower men, women, and children with services that will educate, entertain, and provide information to ensure the best qualities. Learn more about ANS Association by visiting: http://www.ansassociation.com. To keep up with and be inspired by Natacha Aurelien, follow her on social media. FB: https://www.facebook.com/chloemishel1 IG: https://www.instagram.com/chloeda_beautynicole/
We salute you, Natacha Aurelien! Your motivation, spirit, and heart encourage us to live our best lives. We are grateful to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
We are continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s eighteenth highlight this month is the game changing and motivational Tiffany Robertson—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s compassionate, sincere filled supporter and champion. From the very first time we met Tiffany, it was evident that she possessed a heart filled with compassion and understanding, and a desire to make a change in the lives of others.
There are many times we meet people who will say one thing but mean something else. That is not the case with Tiffany. Her character is above reproach, and that is the kind of person that you want to be connected to. Tiffany embodies the spirit and mission of #STSGlobal. Her desire to make a difference, and to give, children especially, another chance to make their mark in this world is admirable.
Tiffany Robertson CEO & Founder of C.H.A.N.C.E.S and Founder of I Am Really D.O.P.E
Tiffany has exhibited an open heart and open mind when it comes to her support of #SurpriseTheStruggling and our mission to reach and touch as many lives as possible. We are grateful to have crossed paths with the dynamic woman who is creating a blazing trail of success and changes in the lives of children; enabling them to have a fighting chance and opportunity to become anything and all that they can be.
Tiffany Robertson—Educator, Motivator, Inspiration, CEO, Scholar—is CEO and Founder of C.H.A.N.C.E.S (Children Have A New Concept of Education & Success). C.H.A.N.C.E.S Inc. was created with the theory that “it takes a village to raise a child”. Ms. Robertson spent years of researching various career fields so she could provide expertise advice to students about the right career path for their future. She partners with various organizations, schools, and community leaders to continue the mission of inspiring the youth so they can maximize their full potential of being whoever they want to be with the proper tools, education, and guidance to conquer the world of being Today’s Success Stories. FB: http://bit.ly/CHANCESINC
Tiffany is also the founder of, I AM REALLY D.O.P.E. DOPE is an acronym for Determined, Outstanding, Powerfully Empowered. DOPE is an empowerment organization to encourage and empower women not to allow fear keeps them from maximizing their life. FB: http://bit.ly/IAMREALLYDOPE
We encourage you to get to know the DOPE Tiffany Robertson who is not afraid to take CHANCES. Be inspired and motivated by her passion and drive. We salute you, Tiffany Robertson! You inspire us to move without fear! We are honored to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
In continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month, #SurpriseTheStruggling’s seventeenth highlight this month is the incredible and invaluable Shawn Headley—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s reason for being able to do what we do legally! We owe a profound debt of gratitude to Shawn for taking us under her wing and offering her wisdom and direction when we decided to take our vision and make it official. She mentored us through the entire process of bringing our vision to fruition; making the entire process of becoming an official nonprofit 501 c 3 organization much easier. She understood the mission of #STSGlobal and determined that she could help us take our vision further.
When you are starting out, Shawn is the person that you want on your side. Her selflessness and determination to help others attain the goals they have set for themselves and others are what set Shawn apart from so many others. Shawn’s dedication to her clients and passion for what she does inspires us to do all that we can to give back and to pay all the kindness and love she has shown us, forward.
Shawn Headley Ceo & Founder of Each One Teach One Mentoring Services Inc.
Shawn’s compassion is contagious. Her support of #SupriseTheStruggling has made her an integral part of our continued success. Her example of dedication and professionalism has given us a standard we hope we are reflecting in our services.
Shawn Headley—CEO, Director, Mentor, Consultant, Game-changer, Life-Influencer—is the CEO and Founder of Each one Teach one Mentoring Service Inc., Director/Provider at Happy Hearts Daycare and Aftercare program and Executive director at A Stairway To Hope Children & Family Services Inc.
Each One Teach One began with a vision in 2013 to help givers in the nonprofit industry achieve what they deserve. EOTO takes all the guesswork out of getting started. Through a variety of services, EOTO will help from the beginning stages all the way to running and maintaining a nonprofit like a pro; working through all federal and state paperwork, and offering a NonProfit 101 class that will further one’s vision in a nonprofit world. http://eachoneteachonementoring.com
Bar-none; Shawn is someone you want to get to know. Be inspired and motivated by her passion and dedication to make positive changes in the lives of others. We salute you, Shawn Headley! You show us every day what sincere dedication and concern look like. We are grateful to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
We are continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s eleventh highlight this month is the selfless and devoted humanitarian ShonTe Smith—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporter and New Jersey Ambassador. Meeting ShonTe was like meeting an angel—an angel on a mission to make a difference in this world globally. ShonTe fully embraces the mission of #STSGlobal and from the beginning gave her support and love to our organization’s efforts in making a difference in the lives of those homeless and less fortunate.
ShonTe Smith The When I Grow Up Project Books4Ghana
ShonTe is a fearless young woman who is not ashamed to speak, walk, and talk her truth—living it each day with a passion that is contagious and having a profound effect on the lives of many globally. Her drive, passion, and compassion inspire #SurpriseTheStruggling to not only continue our work with diligence but to also reach out far beyond our own comfort zones; to take daring steps to help those globally, as well as locally. ShonTe’s drive and commitment remind us each day that life is a gift that we get to share with others, and that many people in this world need people to show them that they are a gift also.
ShonTe Smith—Entrepreneur, Filmmaker, Trailblazer, Student, CEO, Humanitarian—is CEO and the director of The When I Grow up Project. The When I Grow up Project is a motivational documentary that focuses on inspiring and encouraging children to follow their dreams despite the obstacles they may face. In 2013, ShonTe directed the documentary with the production of Shangosoul Entertainment and support of Plainfield New Jersey Community Television Network. The vision was to expose role models in the community for children to become inspired. The group of twenty students and ShonTe went around Plainfield asking community members and professionals to describe their occupations and their motivation. All interactions were recorded and became the foundation for the film. Throughout the summer, the film aired on Plainfield Television Network.
After two years of researching and networking, ShonTe realized this project could encourage children around the world and become a motivational movement. This thought gave birth to the Follow your Dreams Tour. This global journey has ShonTe traveling to different countries to enhance the short film to a complete documentary by gaining a global perspective, interviewing international volunteers, and understanding how the environment affects opportunities. To learn more about this project, watch the video on YouTube- https://youtu.be/L2tAm7suYk4 or
We encourage you to get to know this Global Trailblazing Angel—be inspired by her altruistic and humanitarian endeavors. We salute you, ShonTe Smith! We are humbled and ingratiated to you for being that inspiration that inspires us to reach further. We are blessed to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
Nothing tops being entrusted with a facility housing 380 residents to do a surprise holiday dinner for the less fortunate. Thank you, for allowing us to do what we do. It takes a village and we are the VILLAGE. Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, chiefs; it’s because of you, that we were able to make a difference. We meet the people where they are…PERIOD!
💜, my children, my family, and my GOD—we did it!!!! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH A TEAM! Looking forward to an even greater 2018!!!! LET’S DO THIS!!!
