WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH#SurprisethestrugglingWe continue our celebration of Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s thirtieth highlight this month is the most caring and dedicated Tonikwa “Precious” Johnson—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporter, friend, family and number one Staten Island Ambassador. Tonikwa has been a long supporter of ours beginning with The Stop Bullying Project®. She has shown dedication, love, and a willingness to go above and beyond to support #STSGlobal mission to meet people where they’re at, surprising them in the midst of their struggles, letting them know that there are people who care about them and are not seeking to take from them, but only to give. From the very onset of birthing #Surprisethestruggling, Tonikwa has been right there. She has been a major part of the success and reason for one of our most wonderful programs, #Surprisethestruggling Baby Shower. With Tonikwa’s dedication and foresight, we were able to implement a successful program that allows us to go into a woman’s shelter for mother and children—some who may have been the victim of domestic violence—and surprise them with a Baby Shower. Thanks to Tonikwa’s efforts and commitment, we are able not only to bestow the essentials upon these mothers for their newborn but also for the mothers themselves. ![]() Many people begin with you and are excited to be a part of the beginning stages of what seems like a good idea. They may even stay through the first couple of hurdles, but soon their involvement and dedication wane and you find yourself standing alone. Tonikwa has shown that she embodies the spirit and mission of #STSGlobal wholeheartedly and is with us for the long haul. As our number one Staten Island Chief Ambassador, Tonikwa has made herself an invaluable part of the #STSGlobal family. She is an example of the kind of woman who is building a legacy of greatness, selflessness, and kindness. Truly, there really are no words that can aptly convey, what we feel in our hearts for this beautiful young woman who is making a difference in so many lives. We are excited to see what other great things come from our “Precious” Ambassador. We not only honor Tonikwa today, we also celebrate her Birthday! It is with profound gratitude that we thank God for Tonikwa. For allowing us to share the gift that she is to so many. We are humbled by her dedication and commitment and ask that God will bless her in every endeavor that He has ordained for her life. Tonikwa deserves the moon and the stars, and we are believing that she will receive a hundred times over the love and generosity she has given to us. Tonikwa “Precious” Johnson—Daughter, Sister, Friend, Teacher, Volunteer, Chief Ambassador—is a woman of dedication who gives selflessly to her family and friends. Tonikwa is a teacher’s assistant at United Cerebral Palsy and is currently studying for her degree in Early Childhood Education. Be certain to connect with her on FB: https://www.facebook.com/tonikwa.p.johnson We salute you, Tonikwa Johnson! Your light shines brightly and inspires us each day to give and be our best. We stand with a heart full of love and gratitude, proud and grateful to have you as part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family! |
Celebrating Women’s History Month…LaShawn Lukes!
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH#Surprisethestruggling
In continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month, #SurpriseTheStruggling’s twenty-eighth highlight this month is the enterprising and unforgettable radio personality LaShawn Lukes—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s host with the most supporter from Long Island, New York. LaShawn has been a friend to both #STSGlobal and our sister organization, The Stop Bullying Project®. Our slogan at #STSGlobal is simple: “We Meet The People Where They’re At…Period!” Not only does LaShawn embody the spirit of our mission, but also the essence of our slogan. When you have gone through some tough times in your life and you survive? You make the most of each day that God grants you. Lashawn has taken advantage of each day that she is blessed to see, and has given her time to uplift, support, and make a positive change and impact in her community. She is a champion for the people and an Activist ready to make a change in the lives she encounters. ![]() This is what LaShawn brings and offers to the #Surprisethestruggling family. Her support and willingness to bring our mission and cause to the forefront enabled us to reach an even broader audience. She has honored the work that we do by affording us a new platform in which to speak from, making people aware of who and what we are about at #STSGlobal. It is not uncommon to see the philanthropic side of Lashawn, in addition to her business savvy. She is a businessperson that gives back in various ways. By giving voice and a spotlight to many who may never have been heard of, she allows individuals, organizations, and businesses an opportunity to promote who they are. We thank Lashawn for being a part of the #STSGlobal mission and helping us to shine like diamonds, and for being a part of the reason we are able to do what we do, and touch the many lives that we have and will continue to. LaShawn Lukes— Co-founder, Radio Personality, Empowerment Activist, Blogger, Director of Bag Lady the Photo Experience, Production Coordinator, Public Speaker—is Owner-operator at Exclusive NYC the Blog and Co-Founder and Partner at Long Island Edge Radio. Exclusive NYC the Blog connects you to the Elite New York Life Style from Food and spirits to the trendiest fashion—the hip Chronicle of NYC. https://exclusivenyc.wordpress.com/ Follow LaShawn on IG, https://www.instagram.com/sweetlifeofla/ Long Island Edge Radio—The most anticipated full functional radio station in Long Island, NY bringing you talk, hip hop, reggae, kompa, gospel, current events and so much more. The future of internet radio, Long Island Edge Radio is a long Island New York based adult contemporary online station and media production powerhouse directly connecting the people to music, media, current events, news, fashion, lifestyle, and what’s trending. They pay close attention to the community and provide a platform for all to be heard. LONG ISLAND EDGE RADIO is the voice of the people. http://longislandedgeradio.com/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/longislandedgeradio/ We salute you, Lashawn Lukes! Your spirit, activism, and work in the community inspire us every day to walk in our greatness. We stand with a heart of gratitude and graciousness to have you as part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family! |
Celebrating Women’s History Month…Janine Smalls-Gueye & Lanise Herman-Thomas!
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH#Surprisethestruggling
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. ![]() 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: 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! |
Celebrating Women’s History Month…Theresa Vivian Moila!
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH#SurprisethestrugglingWe’re continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s twenty-first highlight this month is the inspirational and selfless Advocate Theresa Vivian Moila—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporter, promoter, and our South African Chief Ambassador. Theresa has jumped in wholly to support and promote the work of not only #STSGlobal but also as an Ambassador for our sister organization, The Stop Bullying Project®. Theresa embodies the spirit of the mission of both organizations and continues to promote and share our mission and work with many others, near and far. ![]() It is at times difficult to convey accurately with words what you hold in your heart for someone. The words do not always justify the depths of love and gratitude that you feel in your heart towards someone who means so much to you. That is how #STSGlobal feels towards Theresa. There are not enough words to justly describe how profoundly grateful we are to have Theresa as part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling family. From the beginning, Theresa has been an invaluable part of #STSGlobal. She has gone out of her way to represent our mission in such a way that it has brought together like-minded people to share in our mission and to help aid us in reaching our goals of helping others. Because of her selflessness and continued support, we are able to do what we do and help not only surprise many homeless women and teen girls, but also those who may be struggling, and to bring awareness, as well to those who have suffered from bullying in any shape or form. Theresa is an asset to our organization, and we are forever grateful that she chose us to lend her support, love, and dedication. We are and are able to do what we do because of beautiful souls like Theresa. Theresa Vivian Moila—Chief Ambassador, Motivator, Educator, Activist, Humanitarian—is the Champion for many causes. She lends her voice and support to various organizations that have an impact on the way we live our lives, see the world, and treat one another in this world. Theresa puts forth efforts to encourage others in the fight to bring awareness to the severity of violence against children. She is also an advocate for quality and accessible education. She fights to change the world one person; one life at a time. Please follow our dear Queen on her IG and FB pages to learn more about her and the awesome work she does and the organizations she supports. https://www.instagram.com/theresamoila/ https://www.facebook.com/Viv.moila We salute you, Theresa Vivian Moila! Your compassionate heart and dedication inspire us to be the best version of who we can be. Because of you, we are! We are grateful to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family! |
Celebrating Women’s History Month…Dawana Smith!
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH#Surprisethestruggling
We are continuing to celebrate Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s twentieth highlight this month is the phenomenal and incomparable Dawana Smith—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporter and valuable member of the team. Dawana is instrumental is promoting #STSGlobal’s mission and procuring opportunities to bring awareness and generate funds for our organization. As one of our first team members, Dawana took the initiative to expand our “Sip & Drop/Purses & Pearls” Fundraisers by hosting an event in North Carolina. Due to its success, Ambassadors from other states outside the tristate area began hosting events, as well, increasing our global reach and expanding our number of Ambassadors. ![]() Dawana is a team player who has shown her dedication and love to the mission of #SurpriseTheStruggling and continues to assist our Director and staff in any capacity needed. Her devotion, determination, drive, and representation of #STSGlobal has made her an indispensable and invaluable part of the team. We are grateful and humbled to work with Dawana. Dawana Smith—Mother, Sister, Friend, Team Captain, Ambassador, Supporter—is a devoted part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling family. In addition to the work that she does for #STSGlobal, Dawana works full time and supports various other organizations, while raising a family. Dawana is creating a legacy that her family can be proud of. We are profoundly grateful that Dawana finds time to be a part of #STSGlobal considering her busy work schedule and ethic. She has proven to be a woman that is determined, loyal, and inventive. We could not ask for a better representative of our organization and mission. Dawana is also an integral part of the success, and continued initiative of our sister organization, The Stop Bullying Project. Please be sure to follow Dawana on FB: https://www.facebook.com/dsstanley and IG: https://www.instagram.com/soreal75 Get to know the Queen whose dedication and loyalty are above reproach. We salute you, Dawana Smith! Your love and support inspire us. Because of you, we are! We are profoundly blessed to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family! |