Today we’d like to introduce you to Simene’ Walden.
Hi Simene’, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I grew up in Conway, NC with a population of 745 residents where I lived in the home with my mother and two older brothers. My mom worked a lot to take care of us and made sure we had everything we needed. She stressed education so I made sure I earned good grades because I knew that was my way to leave my hometown and go off to college. I went to Fayetteville State University, an HBCU in Fayetteville, North Carolina where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English & Literature. I taught Middle School English and Language Arts for 16 years in the states of North Carolina and Maryland. I obtained a Master’s Degree in Christian Studies Focusing on Youth Ministry tens years after completing my undergraduate degree. Today, I am a full-time entrepreneur. I am a Speaker for Schools and Organization delivering presentations and workshops on Trauma-Informed Care and Social-Emotional Learning. I am also a book publisher helping educators and leaders tell their stories unapologetically after years of being silent.
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?
This road not taken has had a few bumps, breakdowns, flat tires, and accidents on it, but it was the road I had to travel. Along this road, I faced abandonment issues, secondhand fear, guilt, shame, perversion, lack, and self-doubt. I was sexually violated in 8th grade and I never shared that with my mother until I was 35. Because of that, I had a lot of insecurities and trauma that led me to substance abuse, an abusive relationship, as well as developing unhealthy habits. I had trust issues that kept me from really opening up to those God sent me for a very long time. It stagnated my growth, deliverance, and blessings. Keeping secrets was something I learned at a very young age and it walked with me well into my adulthood. It was not until I reached my thirties that I had to divorce and cancel that assignment off of my life. All of this has taught me that tenacity, wit, skill, gifts, and talents can never be your source of come back. Your resilience to never quit and never give up will win for you each time. Those things just make your testimony that more interesting. The road less traveled by was the road that has led me to success, victory, peace, and joy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a speaker, book publisher, and spoken word artist. As a speaker, I specialize in Social Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Care. I help establish and maintain positive professional working relationships between school leaders, principals, assistant principals, colleagues, students, and families. My presentations and workshops are targeted to increase retention rate among staff, improve attendance and behavior among students, and boost the culture and morale of schools and organizations. I provide students and staff with strategies and tips based on my iMatter method in order to overcome any traumatic incident or situation in order to live a healthy life making global impact in their sphere of influence. I understand the power of your words and thought life so I use spoken word to empower others to live out their God-given talents and to glorify God.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people do not know I have a love for photography and capturing memories through film. Most people do not know I have a devotedness to those incarcerated as well as those who society has written off and no longer want to interact with or give another chance. The transformation of their lives is priceless to watch and the rewards of walking with them through it all strengthens you as it helps them. The God that I serve has given me many chances and it does my heart good when I see someone who was cast off be given another chance and they use it for good.
Contact Info:
- Email: simene@simenewalden.com
- Website: www.prettyhealed.com/shop
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/simenewalden
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simene
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimeneWalden
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXUNf9eMndm5uVx-eqVIMg
- Other: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/thestudentteacher
