Meet Jocelyn Willis of Sisters with Stories in Dallas-Fort Worth

Jocelyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The blueprint for my destiny surfaced after I experienced sexual assault. I was a victim of child sexual assault at the hands of my ex-step-dad, I was only six years old! During a time span of six years, I was emotionally and sexually abused in my home. During my season of anguish, I searched for an outlet. The abuse didn’t hinder me from getting help for myself. I needed a place of substance.

My voice was shackled but I still had a desire to speak. Through my silence, I was crying for help. I was in search of something specific that would lead me toward true liberty. I connected with The Chosen Vessel Cathedral Church where I received spiritual counsel under the leadership of Bishop Richard E. Young. I later received professional counseling at The Women’s Center of Tarrant County. I believe that there was one more step left for me to take. On September 22, 2011, I founded SISTERS WITH STORIES INC, a 501c3 Non-Profit. We primarily exist to provide individuals with awareness about sexual assault by aiding them with holistic and professional resources. I also added branches to my organization by feeding and serving the homeless community. I have a desire to empower young people. We also pay it forward by giving back to single mothers. I now lead women survivors towards the same freedom I so desperately needed. Others have started to back and support my cause. I’ve worked with Heaven 97 KHVN Dareia Tolbert-Jacobs, Mary Evans Williams, Robert Sanders of  Team-Revv4 Kids, Kia D, We Talk Radio, Rachel Carey, Laura Delgado, Jazz Singer/Songwriter Tatiana “Lady May” Mayfield, Katrice Reed of Katrice Reed Ministries, Kristian Rainbow-Poitier, Dr. Jackie Walton, Debra Rainbow, Arthurlyn Morgan, Bobby & Valerie Hatcher, Deacon Cooper & Family, and Eboni Ellerson.

Nikki G. Productions, Cratina Webb of Girl Talk Salon & Spa, Dr. Regina Spellmon of Ambassadors Today Church, Apostle John Jackson, Elizabeth N. Savage, Toni Busby Peters, Cat Eye Photography, Dr. Catrina, The Chain Breaker, Reggie Marcel, One Touch Hair Studios, Shel Hair Diva Pinson, Fashion Designer Linda Rowe Thomas, and former NFL player Trent Shelton.

I teamed up with WFAA Channel 8 News Reporter Rebecca Lopez and former NFL Dallas Cowboys player Jesse Holley.

Singer and songwriters, Hakim Abdulsamad of The Boys, SHANICE, Steven Russell Harts of the R&B group TROOP, LaTavia Roberson formerly of Destiny Child.

I was fortunate to have my hands in freelance media as well. Interviews include, businesswoman, Curls Hair Care Founder, and Oprah Winfrey Network Mind Your Business with Mahisha Dellinger. Women Called Moses Founder, Debra Nixon Bowles. Interviewees: Author and businessman Benjamin Raymond, singer-songwriter, Kirk and Tammy Franklin, actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, football great Emmitt Smith and a host of others at Minnie’s Food Pantry Gala. I launched a campaign with Rodrick Conner of Epic Photo Images entitled I Overcame & Conquered. Campaign Supporters for Makeup, Tavia Whitlowe of For Beauty Sake, LeTitia Owens of Where Are You?, Makeup by Sherie Nicole, Jeremy Hendrix, The Life Giver, Laila Monet Makeup Artistry LLC. Venue Supporter: The Hair Lounge in Dallas & GlamourRX.

The campaign featured eight ladies and one gentleman who suffered through homelessness, drug abuse, sexual assault, and low self-esteem.  I want to reach humanity by using my story and through philanthropy efforts.

During our seven years of community outreach, we’ve served the homeless with catered food by Felicia Guimont of Southern Best Catering & OMG Cakes, and Faith Walkers Charities. Sisters with Stories Inc. has fed the masses with the help of Freedom in Worship Church. Our history consists of youth field trips to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, single mother make-overs, purse drives for ladies housed in shelters, surprising single mothers and their families with food, clothing, and toys. We’ve lavished in the essence of children during our movie day inside of a local shelter. My team and I have spoken to the youth in detention facilities. S.W.S.I. helped a single mom of 6 children. I rallied together with the help of The L.O.V.E Ministry, Courtney’s Closet Outreach Inc, Rock My Beauty God’s Way, She received a memorable surprise Christmas party just for her and the children. I host prayer & conference calls through my organization where singer & Pastor Dave Hollister, Food Network, Grocery Games Winner Chef Tam of The Underground Cafe, Deiondra Sanders and Dallas locals have graced my conference line. I’m on my way towards becoming a four-time published author. I have truly served my purpose in the Dallas-Fort Worth Community!

Amazingly, I also served in the Bay Area community with Tanicia Currie of Branches of Community Services Non-Profit. Looking forward to serving more in Pittsburg, California. I was raised out there where I endured a majority of the sexual assault.

I’ll make my mark there too! It’s home..

Has it been a smooth road?
My journey hasn’t always been pleasant. It’s been filled with self-doubt and shame. At a very early age, I was introduced to bullying. My first encounter was in grade school that proceeded into junior high. I recall a time when I was told, “When you get older, you’re going to be beautiful”. In that very moment, it felt as if my heart sank to the pit of my stomach. Fast forward to my teen years, I later received words from my birth dad of how I wasn’t smart enough. All of these words complied themselves together and I started to believe them. I didn’t see myself in a positive light. I was convinced that I was ugly and couldn’t accomplish anything. I was  abandoned and because of it, I was ushered down a road of destruction. During my years of sexual assault, caused me from truly focusing in school.  My mind always took me back to the reoccurring words of your not smart enough. I decided to push my education and my goals to the back burner. I turned to drinking, and hanging in the club. I believe that these struggles crippled me for years. I didn’t get to embrace what life had to offer me. I needed guidance and what I truly wanted out of life was taken from me. I was told by my spiritual dad, Richard Young, “I expect great things from you”. He spoke these words after I interviewed him, he mentioned daughter, that was awesome have you ever thought about getting into broadcasting? I smiled and pondered about that question. God was holistically and lovingly building me in that moment and I began working on those great things. I later discovered through my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ that, I AM WORTHY, fearfully and wonderfully made!

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
SISTERS WITH STORIES INC, a 501c3 Non-Profit. We primarily exist to provide individuals with awareness about sexual assault by aiding them with holistic and professional resources. My organization is established to be the voice to the voiceless. We advocate against sexual assault. Our goal is to break down the shackles of the silent by encouraging humanity to speak up. S.W.S.I uses educational forums to bring awareness about sexual assault. I’m proud of being a thriving and growing organization. We have a lot of work ahead of us but with God all things are possible. I’m a living witness to that! I believe that the masses shall be set free. I declare that each and every rape survivor will join with us in the fight against sexual violence. Our platform will grow massively because we are here to truly serve humanity! I’m truly grateful for each and every partner who has joined me in the community to help others. I’m fortunate because, I didn’t give up on myself. I am living proof that others can heal and be loved beyond sexual assault.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Dallas is a great place to start a business. It is a wonderful place to start and grow your brand. There are countless opportunities that are here that will cause a business to thrive.