Today we’d like to introduce you to Terena Hodge.
Hi Terena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been shaped by loss, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to truth and justice. Long before my professional career began, I experienced the tragic loss of my brother, followed by other significant family losses. Those early experiences introduced me to grief at a young age and instilled a deep sense of responsibility, awareness, and purpose. What once felt like unbearable pain quietly became the foundation for the work I would later dedicate my life to.
I went on to build a career spanning more than two decades as a paralegal, working across civil litigation, family law, criminal matters, and investigative work. Behind the scenes, I learned how legal systems truly function and where they often fail. I saw how preparation, strategy, and persistence can change outcomes, especially for people who feel overwhelmed or unheard. That foundation led me to create Hodge Legal Support & Private Investigations, where I support attorneys and individuals through strategic litigation assistance and investigative services rooted in integrity, precision, and accountability.
Everything changed with the tragic loss of my son. His death transformed my pain into purpose. In his honor, I founded the nonprofit Stolen Fathers, Inc., an organization dedicated to raising awareness about violence against men and supporting children who have lost their fathers to tragedy. Too often, violence against men is minimized or dismissed , particularly when the harm is inflicted by women, or when the victim is a Black man. These cases are frequently downplayed, mischaracterized, or quietly overlooked, with devastating consequences. My mission is to challenge that silence, confront uncomfortable truths, and advocate for justice, accountability, and healing for families left behind.
Alongside this work, I am developing creative and educational projects designed to inform, empower, and heal. My forthcoming book explores abusive dynamics involving men, the failures within systems meant to protect them, and the dangerous belief that endurance equals strength. I am also building a culturally focused, educational project that celebrates history, identity, and representation. Though still in development, these initiatives reflect my belief that storytelling, in any form, can raise awareness, shift perspectives, and save lives.
Looking ahead, I aspire to continue expanding my role as an advocate, investigator, and voice for those too often overlooked. My story is not simply one of survival, but of transformation. I believe purpose is often born from pain, and when we choose to speak where silence once lived, we create space for truth, healing, and lasting change.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road, not professionally, and certainly not personally. Building a career in a male-dominated field as a woman has come with real challenges. I’ve had to work harder to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to assert my credibility in spaces where authority is often assumed rather than earned. There were moments when my knowledge was questioned and my perseverance tested, but those experiences ultimately strengthened my confidence and sharpened my purpose.
Alongside those professional challenges, my personal life has been marked by profound loss. I have endured the tragic deaths of my son, my sister, and two of my nephews, losses that reshaped my world in ways words can barely capture. At the same time, I’ve taken on the role of caregiver for my mother, who was always the strength of our family, the backbone, the safe place, the one everyone leaned on. Today, she is battling a devastating illness that requires around-the-clock care. Walking beside her through this season has been one of the hardest and most humbling experiences of my life, yet one I would choose again and again without hesitation.
Balancing grief, caregiving, and leadership has not been easy. There were moments when continuing forward required more faith than strength. But these experiences deepened my compassion, sharpened my resolve, and clarified my purpose. They have shaped how I show up, not just as a professional, but as a human being who understands loss, responsibility, and resilience firsthand.
The road has been uneven, heavy at times, and undeniably hard. But it has also been meaningful. Every obstacle has reinforced my commitment to speak up, to create space where silence once lived, and to advocate for those who feel unseen or unheard. I didn’t arrive here untouched by struggle, I arrived here transformed by it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hodge Legal Support & Private Investigations . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the heart of everything I do is a genuine love for helping people and a constant desire to keep learning, growing, and improving. My work lives at the intersection of service, advocacy, and education, and that philosophy shapes every part of my business and nonprofit efforts.
Through Hodge Legal Support & Private Investigations, I provide strategic litigation support and investigative services for attorneys, firms, and individuals who need reliable, detail-driven assistance. My work spans civil litigation, family and criminal matters, case development, investigations, and trial preparation. I’m known for digging deep, asking the right questions, and helping bring clarity to complex situations. I approach every case with precision, integrity, and respect, understanding that behind every file is a real person navigating something difficult.
What sets me apart is not just experience, but perspective. With more than two decades in the legal field, I understand how systems work, and where they fall short. I’ve spent years behind the scenes learning strategy, procedure, and structure, while also staying rooted in compassion. I take the time to educate clients, explain processes, and empower them to understand what’s happening rather than feel lost inside it. I truly believe knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we can give people.
I am also the founder of Stolen Fathers, Inc., a nonprofit created in honor of my son. The organization focuses on raising awareness about violence against men, supporting children who have lost their fathers to tragedy, and advocating for accountability in cases that are often overlooked or minimized. This work reflects my belief that advocacy and education go hand in hand, and that real change begins when uncomfortable conversations are allowed to happen.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that everything I build is rooted in authenticity, service, and purpose. I don’t separate my values from my work. Whether I’m assisting with a legal matter, supporting a grieving family, or developing educational and creative projects, my goal is always the same: to help people feel seen, informed, and supported.
I want readers to know that my brand is about more than services, it’s about impact. It’s about meeting people where they are, helping them navigate complex systems with clarity, and using knowledge as a tool for empowerment. I’m committed to continuing to learn, grow, and evolve so I can better serve others, amplify overlooked voices, and contribute to meaningful,
What’s next?
Right now, my focus is on growth that feels intentional and grounded. I’m considering law school, working toward finishing my book, and expanding my nonprofit through community-centered initiatives like annual awareness events. These next steps feel like natural extensions of the work and advocacy I’ve already committed myself to.
At the same time, my greatest priority is family. Caring for my mother and being present for my daughter, my grandchildren, which are my son’s children matters deeply to me. This season has taught me that ambition and devotion don’t have to compete , they can coexist.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about building thoughtfully, learning continuously, and creating impact that’s both meaningful and sustainable. The future, for me, is about purpose, presence, and progress , in equal measure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hodgelegalservices.com
- Instagram: @Terenaroc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARjyZXqBr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terena-hodge-70a11235
- Youtube: @terenahodge6878
