Today we’d like to introduce you to LeTesha Wheeler.
Hi LeTesha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
While my experience in the insurance industry for over 21 years placed me in multiple leadership positions, I really started to hone in as a speaker in 2017. However, it was the publishing of my book, Half Breed – Finding Unity in a Divided World, in 2019 that launched me into larger arenas as a speaker, author, and thought leader from conferences, retreats, podcasts, book chats, writing events, to living room conversations and even church events. The content of my book was a foreshadowing of what our nation would face in 2020 and really, an answer to the racial, political, and cultural unrest we all faced in light of the social and political climax around movements addressing oppression and injustice in our country. As a bi-racial woman with very diverse political, financial, cultural, religious, and geographical life experiences, I share keys to unity and building bridges with others who do not look like you, worship like you, vote like you, or live on your side of the tracks.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Specifically, around the publishing of my book, there were many obstacles. I was told from top literary agents in the country that the content was good, but ‘no one’ wanted talk about ‘it’ and therefore, top publishers would not touch my book. I was told to change the title of my book, or it would never see a day on a bookshelf in stores like Barnes & Nobles. That was 2019 during the publishing process. Then, 2020 struck. ‘It’ was the topic of every social media site, television station, workplace, and church house. Life before COVID included buying books at bookstores. Life post-COVID meant everything, … everything was purchased through Amazon. Guess who was no longer stopped from maximizing book sales? Consequently, days following the murder of George Floyd, my book sales on Amazon skyrocketed, and I was bombarded with requests to speak in schools, corporations, athletic departments, and churches. My publisher couldn’t ship books fast enough to Amazon whom had 8 books left for purchase! Reconciliation and unity is not an easy conversation nor a sprint; it is a journey. Everyone has an opinion or belief system. What I’ve learned is that if we can come to a safe place and share our life experiences without stones thrown; it gives space for compassion. Life has surrendered pain to all of humanity that we can relate to; rejection, abandonment, humiliation, oppression, etc. The difference is that my specific wounds of my pain may be different from your wounds. My wound could be rejection of skin color; your wound could be rejection of a father. But we all know pain, and if we can relate and share compassion for each other’s pain, we can find common ground to unify and reconcile our differences.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Speaker | Author | Though Leader While my life experiences and family heritage have fueled a voice for reconciliation, my greatest desire has always been to motivate others to walk in the fullness of their purpose, overcome fear, and stand strong in their faith despite life’s biggest obstacles. Whether through reading my book, participating in a living room conversation, or listening to a speaking event; you will be challenged and equipped to carry out healing and hope in relationships and your sphere of influence. My services have been requested for, but not limited to, Emcee, Book Chats, Podcasts, Blog posts, Writing Workshops, Living Room Conversations, Safe Conversations, and Guest speaker for Churches, Women’s Conferences, and Retreats.
What does success mean to you?
Obeying the call, purpose, and assignments on your life that God created you for.
Contact Info:
- Website: leteshawheeler.com
- Instagram: @leteshawheeler
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/letesha.wheeler
- Twitter: @LeteshaWheeler
Image Credits
Alex Stone
Kristal Jones
Kim Kisslo
