Today we’d like to introduce you to Shondale Wilhite.
Shondale, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a survivor/thriver of sexual and domestic abuse. I decided to write a memoir about myself in an effort to break the cycle of domestic violence in my family and help others to do so as well. I started feeling unfulfilled like I should have been doing something more purposeful in life. In October of 2018, I gave myself permission to leave corporate America (FedEx) and pursue life to coach, speak and serve. I wanted to be able to share my story with others impacted by sexual and domestic abuse to give them hope. I went LIVE on Facebook often and took my followers on my journey with me. I started networking and getting exposure. In just under (2) years I have been blessed to be awarded many opportunities from casting in a domestic violence stage play (Scarred for Life) to being a three time nominee for my book (The Reality Behind The Illusion), appearing on TV shows and radio shows to having my own radio talk show S.H.I.N.E. with Shondale. I love what I do with my advocacy. I mentor women globally to support them through their trauma. I have dedicated my life to helping women impacted by domestic violence to heal and take back control over their lives. That is my legacy for generations to come.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been an easy path. There were times that I thought I would lose everything because of my finances. I left corporate without an exit plan. It has been a FAITH walk for me. There is nothing easy about being a solopreneur, but I learned the value of collaboration. I would drive for rideshare companies as an independent contractor to make money when I was not speaking or coaching. I loved that I was flexible and free. It became a part of my purpose, as I was making connections and making an inspiring impact on my passengers. Profoundly, it was no coincidence that several of my passengers were escaping a life of domestic violence, and I got the opportunity to help them. Then I lost my car in accident; I was alone and blessed to still be here. Thank God for restoration and parents.The impact of COVID 19 has been a challenge as well because of social distancing, and events being cancelled, but technology is very powerful. I am still thriving through all of the endless challenges, BUT GOD always provides!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My focus is to provide education, awareness and training on domestic and sexual abuse. I’m currently creating an online course to help women impacted by domestic and sexual violence to heal and take back control over their lives. In my effort to reduce/eradicate these behaviors/crimes, I volunteered to be a part of the African American Domestic Violence Council headed by the Family Place Womens Shelter. I am very passionate about this subject matter.
My brand is S.H.I.N.E. which is an acronym that means:
(S)peak Out
(H)elp Yourself
(I)gnite Your Fire
(N)ever Look Back
(E)volve
What I am most proud of is the transformation of lives; from victimization to victorious. What I believe sets me apart is that this is not something that I studied and received a degree, but I lived and survived a life of trauma and now I get to help someone else.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When I received that first message from someone saying, “thank you for sharing your story.”
Contact Info:
- Website: about.me/shondale
- Email: shondalewilhite@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shondalewilhite/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shondalewilhite/
- Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shondale-wilhite-b0405947/
Image Credit:
Kendra Pipkin
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
