Finding Your Voice

For much of my life post conviction, my voice felt muted. I carried a heavy load of shame and fear. I questioned my worth, my place in the world, and my ability to lead. I thought silence would protect me.

But silence doesn’t heal.

It took gentle but firm pushes from mentors and the unwavering belief of my closest friends to remind me that my story wasn’t something to hide—it was part of my expertise. What I had lived through gave me perspective, empathy, and a strength I didn’t recognize at the time.

Finding my voice didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t a light switch that suddenly turned on. It was a slow, intentional process—one step at a time—of rebuilding courage, reclaiming belief in myself, and daring to speak my truth.

Even now, I am a work in progress. But I stand a little taller, speak a little louder, and fight a whole lot harder. Not just for myself, but for everyone who has walked through the system and had their voices silenced.

Everything I do now is a love song for them. So that we can all stand in our power, lift our voices, and create a world where the ones coming behind us are free to rise without fear.

If you’re struggling to find your voice, I want you to know this: you are not alone. Your story matters. Your voice matters. And when you speak, you light the way for others.