Today we’d like to introduce you to Dez Howard.
Hi Dez, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I knew at the age of nine I was pre-destined to naturally pursue a desire to help others. I, unfortunately, lost a brother to suicide who was so young at the time himself. My brother was a sixteen-year-old high school starting football player and an academic scholar. The sudden and tragic loss to my entire family of eight( My mother, father, four brothers and myself) was a total and complete shock. At the time, I lacked the maturity and comprehensiveness to fully understand the changes evolving around the loss of my loved one. I was unaware of the depth and importance of mental health, self-care, wellness and or suicide. I was laying in bed data after his passing that I decided I was going to devote my life to helping other families and people find hope abc strength.
Ironic for a nine year old; but you know what they say: ” If you want to make God laugh; tell him your plans”.
However, it was in the moments and years to follow I decided that I wanted to become a Psychologist. Essentially, I decided not pursue a degree in Psychology and directed my energy into pursuing academia studies that encompassed a multi-faceted approach to mental health, substance abuse recovery, criminal justice reintegration and improving community relations.
I am the mother, daughter, sister, friend and business professional I am today because despite many uphill battles, I made a daily choice to refuse to allow trials, tribulations and tragedy to deter me. Instead, I utilized these barriers to fuel self-motivation in pursuit of dreams of transitioning from an independent activist to statewide public motivational speaker, entrepreneur, business owner and facilitator advocate. It’s important for me to remain rooted in the many pathways I had to take to get where I am today. I say that, because in doing so I remain teachable and so long as I remain in a spirit of humility and enlightenment; I will become a better person in our communities.
I desired to become a better version of myself and to become an inspiration and voice for a broader range of people. Many of whom based on demographic location, social economical status and environmental stimuli cultivated barriers to receive much needed services and many time’s just a voice. I speak for many who either fear to speak on behalf of themselves or can’t speak at all based on their circumstances. I’m the voice of many faces for whom I know and understand what they are experiencing.
I stand firmly on the principle of diversity, transparency and inclusion to internalize the concept of change. I encourage everyone to embrace the reframing thought process of “never giving up” to “refuse to give up”. I have remained focused on doing what I trust my purpose is in life, which is to be of self-less service within the community and to be the bridge that fills the gap between personal and societal needs.
The inspiration that has fostered my ongoing business success and business development is my daughter Alexandria Trinity. I never imagined that having a child would not only change the trajectory of my life, but also be the driving factor to be an inspiration and role model to her. I work diligently to foster and promote a legacy and dynamic that she too can pursue. My daughter is my number one cheerleader and mini-me home life business associate (at least that is what she believes). So instead of insisting she go play, I include her when I am listening to podcasts, reading books or studying something new myself.
The Mission Statement branded to my company is: “When challenges arise, we must meet each hurdle with Fortitude, Transparency and Positive Resistance.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I must admit that it was not always and at times remains to be an uphill journey for a smooth transition of pursuing a small business and professional success in the arena of motivational speaking, advocacy and community-based outreach. The sole basis of entrepreneurship is understanding the determination, focus driven mindset and tenacity to push forward amid any challenges that arise.
It is not uncommon when fulfilling commitments in the field of social work, substance abuse recovery treatment and working with survivors of extensive trauma that barriers present themselves. I find that I excel the most when improving the intrinsic link between an individual or group of people during workshops by avoiding the fear of public self-disclosure and vulnerability. I implement a safe approach to integrate personal life experiences meshed with my educational background to inspire growth and self-confidence within others.
The entire framework of Breaking Barriers Piece by Piece is geared towards a holistic approach that focuses on the unique need of the particularized group and/or individual and the everchanging public needs.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Breaking Barriers Piece by Piece?
I am the CEO and Founder of Breaking Barriers Piece by Piece. I have an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.S. in Criminology degree with a minor in Rehabilitation Studies from The University of North Texas. I have worked closely and extensively within a multi-disciplinary team throughout my career in the field of behavioral health, community corrections and substance abuse.
I am an activist and advocate for integral community change and criminal justice reform. My business services encompass techniques and strategies to promote individual personal development, improve community relations and enhance the overall quality of life directly or indirectly for client’s.
I implement educational models through group facilitation workshops, public speaking and individual one on one sessions and consultations. It is imperative to recognize the importance of connecting a client and/or their families with both the necessary and appropriate community resource support services to help them maintain long-term success and improvement.
Breaking Barriers Piece by Piece offers the following services: -Individual and Group Client Support Programs -Training Events and Workshops -Self-Advocacy and Pro Se Legal Consultations -Individualized Life Coaching & Mentoring Plans -Public Speaking/Motivational Speaker/Guest Speaking Appearances -Trauma Informed Care Workshops -Diversity and Inclusion Individual and Group Training -Peer Led Support Services
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely! I consider myself a lifelong learner. In conjunction with formal education, you can find me indulging in books, podcasts and conferring with colleagues. I am a proponent of advocating for the need to focus on self-care as we provide overall care and services to the community.
I read an array of subject matter written by various authors and educators; so I would prefer not to single out one in particular as the best or my favorite.
However, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis and Bell Hooks have all been cornerstones in my overall path of learning, personal insight and in pursuit of my business goals. I.e) Writing, speaking and advocating for client’s and communities I provide services to and as of recent presenting a legislative bill in 2023.
Among many others they are very powerful, educated, strong and influential women globally.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@dezhowardspeaks.org & BreakingBarriers.DezHoward@gmail.com
- Website: https://breaking-barriers-motivational-speaker-life-coach.business.site/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DezHowardSpeaks/
- Phone: (682) 999-8481
Image Credits
Jack M Brown A World At A Glance Photography (Dallas)
