A Word From Our Executive Director, Dr. Jacquelyn Wilson

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!!!

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Wilson

We meet the people where they are…PERIOD.

December 11, 2017

Surprise The Struggling Receives Blessing Bags to Support Their Endeavors

December 9, 2017, New York—Surprise The Struggling was the honored recipient of over fifty Blessings Bags that was raised during a recent fundraiser.

Poyed By Velvette’s, B2BAB quarterly fundraiser chose Surprise The Struggling for its winter fundraising initiative. Over forty women pledged to donate, purchase products, and raise funds to fill fifty large bags with items to help aid #STS mission in helping homeless women and teen girls globally. Among the many items donated to fill each bag was an array of toiletries, including items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary and feminine products, lotions, soaps, body washes, socks, hair grooming and shaving kits, makeup bags, slippers, water, protein bars, detergent, flashlights, and a host of other items that would help those in need.

Blessed to Be a Blessing “B2BAB” is a series of quarterly fundraiser initiatives by Poyed By Velvette, that support various causes by raising funds, collecting donated items and bringing awareness to issues that impact young girls, teenage girls, and women living in our communities.

The fifty bags donated to Surprise The Struggling enabled the organization to reach more homeless women and teen girls this Holiday season than anticipated. Immediately, #STS was able to reach out to some women in need, earlier than expected this Holiday season, due to the dedicated and philanthropic endeavors of Poyed by Velvette’s B2BAB initiative.

November 18, 2017

December’s Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle to Feature Dr. Natacha Aurelien

First Wednesdays Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle

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!

November 4, 2017

Resiliency Moving Beyond the Baggage: Women of Color Empowerment Conference

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

April 6, 2017

Upcoming Bags & Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch

Our very own, Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Jacquelyn Wilson will be a special speaker at this year’s Bags & Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch.

On Saturday, April 29th, 2017 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 PM, guests will enjoy a beautiful afternoon of activities that include brunch and drinks, and special speakers for the afternoon. In addition to Dr. Wilson, guest will be honored with another special speaker, LaTonya Smiley, Founder and CEO of Eve’s Roses http://2liveunbroken.com

The event will take place in South Amboy, New Jersey, hosted by the lovely Miss Tracey Hamilton.

Guests are encouraged to R.S.V.P as soon as possible to, Blessintra@yahoo.com/347.295.8970. If you cannot attend, but still would like to donate, please visit our Giving Back page and click on the link to make a donation. No amount is too small.

Looking forward to seeing you!

March 30, 2017

Celebrating Women’s History Month…Tonikwa “Precious” Johnson!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

We 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!

March 29, 2017

Celebrating Women’s History Month…Jewell Flint!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s twenty-ninth highlight this month is the uncompromising and incomparable PR maven Jewell Flint—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporter and friend beginning with our sister organization, The Stop Bullying Project®. Jewell has witnessed our growth and development as organizations and brand. She reminds us of how important it is to project who we are and what we stand for with honesty and integrity through her actions as an individual.

When you think of the kind of people, you want to surround yourself with; the kind of people who can add to who you are as a human being, Jewell comes to mind. Many people say who they are and what they can do for you. Often, their actions do not match what they speak. More times than not, what they are trying to offer you are something they have not mastered in their own lives. This cannot be said of Jewell.

Authenticity is what you receive from Jewell. Her spirit and heart are transparent in the work that she does. Her business and personal ethics are above reproach because she lives what she speaks, and she is the kind of person that you want in your corner and on your team. You know exactly where you stand and what you are getting with Jewell—whether it is friendship, business, or advice. There are no smoke and mirrors. What you see is what you get, and it is 100% authentic.

Jewell wholeheartedly embodies the spirit and mission of #STSGlobal. Her work ethic, her commitment, her dedication, her drive; are all something that we watch and strive to emulate when working with others—no matter who they are or their socio-economic status. YOU are your brand. What you present represents who you are. We thank Jewell for her support, encouragement and the opportunities to be our authentic selves while reaching out and changing lives for the better.

Jewell Flint—Brand Strategist, Marketing/Public Relations Manager, Resource Queen, Information Specialist, Communications Strategist—is Marketing and Public Relations manager at Everything Girls Love, Brand Strategist & Integrated marketing manager at Bond Brand Management, and Brand Manager at Gemini Virgin Hair Co.

Everything Girls Love is a place where femininity rules. They personify the phrase Girl Power, striving to be that special place women can come to for fashion, information, comfort, and empowerment. Check out their website for more information. http://everythinggirlslove.com/ Be certain to follow Jewell on her journey as Brand Strategist and Public Relations Maven, https://www.facebook.com/jewell.flint IG: https://www.instagram.com/jewell_flint/

We salute you, Jewell Flint! Your light, business acumen, ethics, and stellar personality inspire us always to be our best and to put our very best forward. We stand with a humbled heart, proud to have you as part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!

March 21, 2017

Celebrating Women’s History Month…Theresa Vivian Moila!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

We’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!

March 20, 2017

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!

March 19, 2017

Celebrating Women’s History Month…Lucinda Cross-Otiti!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

We’re continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s nineteenth highlight this month is the visionary and our forever Queen Boss Lucinda Cross-Otiti—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s number one Chief Activating Officer holds a very special place in the hearts of the #STSGlobal family. After some intimate time with Lucinda and some other very special women, the vision for #SurpriseTheStruggling was activated.

There are times in your life when you have a dream and a vision but you may not know what to do next. What steps you should take to make the visions of your heart manifest. When you are ready, God will send in someone(s) to get you to the next level and introduce you to a completely new way of thinking and seeing things. Some are switch activators. You have the dream and vision in you but you need someone to switch the power on, allowing your light to come forth. Our dear Lucinda was that switch activator. That person that God used to help get the power going for #STSGlobal.

We show much gratitude towards Lucinda today, and honor her for her love, continued support, encouragement, and words of wisdom for our organization. Lucinda most certainly embodies the spirit and mission of #STSGlobal. It is an honor to celebrate and acknowledge this phenomenal woman on her Birthday! To recognize her as a woman who is not only making history but is creating a trailblazing legacy of greatness for so many other women to follow!

Lucinda Cross-Otiti—Chief Activating Officer, Celebrity Life Coach, Author, TEDx Speaker—is the Founder of Activate World Wide Inc. Lucinda teaches entrepreneurial women and at-risk youth the foundations of living an extraordinary life against all odds. Her company is a boutique leadership services firm that specializes in the delivery of personal and professional development enrichment programs, such as: Adversity, Communication, Creativity, Goal-Setting, Productivity, Time Management, and Leadership.

Lucinda creates and delivers products and services such as seminars, workshops, and training that’s designed for entrepreneurial women, millennials and at-risk youth. Her programs are also captured to enriching the lives of professional women and re-entry citizens seeking personal growth. http://lucindacross.com

Get to know the Queen Boss who is changing lives by teaching people to activate the visions that are already in them. We salute you, Lucinda Cross-Otiti! You encourage us to walk in our visions! May this year of life be filled with answered prayers and continued manifestations of blessings! We are humbled to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!