Kendra Williams

HOINSERJ A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 E - BOOK SPECIAL EDITION Kendra Williams TOP Hoinser Personality HOINSER MEDIA GROUP / KENDRA WILLIAMS



Family Description Me I was a joyful child. They would describe me now as kind, humble, nurturing, caring, fun-loving, and witty. I can make a joke out of anything and is gifted at KENDRA impersonations. Family Traditions Cook together on Thanksgiving. WILLIAMS On Christmas Eve we drive, look at Christmas lights while listening to music, drinking hot chocolate, and eating cookies. Christmas day we read scripture about Jesus’s birth before opening Watch movies outdoors on the projector. Watch the presents. Pittsburgh Steelers play football and cook on Super Bowl Sunday. I watched her prepare meals for the family and Early Years decorate the house. She had then and still now an amazing work ethic that inspires me to this day. I was Born in Virginia and my earliest recollections was 4 years excited for my dad to come home from work to play old in North Carolina with my dad, mom, and older Barbie’s and have tea parties. My favorite dining sister. I grew up a military child as my dad was in the US experience was going eating at Chi Chi’s. Army. At 5 y.o. my family was stationed in GA. I started My earliest memories were spending time with my Kindergarten and I was more introverted back then. I mother who was a stay at home. also went to an afterschool program. My family joined the church on base, I sang in the choir, got saved and baptized there. After choir practices, I went shopping at the mall and eat pretzels, pizza, and candy.

BIOGRAPHY KENDRA School Blues First and second grade, I began to struggle in school academically. I had difficulty comprehending reading and math. I didn’t want to ask for help of fear and judgment. Because of this I felt left behind from classmates in progressing. I let my parents know about my challenges. They were very supportive and provided encouragement. They meet with my teacher to address their concerns. Childhood Interest (Some) During the summer, I developed new interest in dance and music. My favorite music growing up was R&B, Pop, and Gospel. I listened to the radio as I decorated posters in my room with fav artists. I enjoyed basketball player Allen Iverson. I watched Start of Middle S. soap operas with Mom and watched her cook the potato salad recipe from my late grandmother’s mom. The first year I was social and made new friends, but I watched my dad work outside and played board wasn’t a follower or needed to fit in. I joined the games with my sister. chorus and was selected for state chorus. At home, I journaled my hopes and dreams, attending Duke New school University and becoming a Meteorologist. I started third grade at a new school. I was often 8th grade (Last Middle S.) distracted in class when I didn’t comprehend the subject. I was quiet and didn’t want to raise my hand. I focused on academics and preparing for high school. I I dreaded having to bring home failing grades on my was given the Citizenship Award for my grade and progress reports. My parents encouraged me and team. My sister received the same award years prior instilled self-esteem in me and helped me with my too. homework, along with my sister. High School I did well in the 4th and 5th grade. I had supportive teachers who encouraged & recognized my struggles. I I barely knew anyone and did not like Algebra. My felt more comfortable asking for help, became parents wanted to assist and took Algebra classes for confident, and made friends. parents and were featured on the cover of the local paper. Summer before Middle S. I had my 1st bullying experience on the bus from 3 My 1st job was watering in my neighborhood. boys from my neighborhood.



KENDRA I never talked to them, and they felt I was an easy target. They talked about my appearance which (was a medium size build then). I called my mom every time it happened, and she provided support when I needed her. One day I stood up to them. They laughed at me, and I later told my dad. He went to the boy’s parent about it. The boy apologized to my dad, and the principal warned the other boys. The bullying stopped not long after and the next school year was better. Final HS Year During the summer I took classes to prepare for the graduation test. I failed the science portion twice the before and with God’s help on the third attempt. I decided to major in psychology in college instead of being a meteorologist. I would be attending CVCC in AL. Community College yr. 1/2 My college experience was different. I stayed at home and took ore classes equivalent to high school. The second year, I was placed on academic probation. I wrote a letter to be reinstated. In the letter, I expressed that I would work hard to improve my grades and ask for help when needed. I broke my old habit of not asking for help and was reinstated. My professors were very supportive. The next year, I graduated with my liberal arts degree and transferred to Troy to finish my bachelor’s degree.

KENDRA BIOGRAPHY Troy Undergrad I succeeded there and enjoyed having hybrid classes. I learned about psychology and completed group projects. I didn’t struggle academically and excelled in my courses with a high GPA. I recognized that I was able to comprehend in subjects of my interest. This was probably the cause of my earlier academic struggles throughout the years. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree. Graduate School I continued my education at Troy and majored in clinical mental health counseling. Even though a few classes were challenging, I did well in my Research Methodology class. An alumni stated it was the hardest class, so I waited to the end to take it. I completed a research proposal and chose a dating violence prevention program. My professor told my peers to use my paper as a guide to get an A. I was humbled and grateful considering how far I have come. I had to complete a practicum and internships before graduating. I had a difficult time finding a site, until one day my mom asked someone at work. My mom’s co-worker told her about Ultimate Support Services and the co-worker called there. Ultimate Support said I could start right away. I thanked God for his favor because I probably would have missed a semester of school. I interned at a girls group home and completed assessments and treatment plans. Counseling was challenging in the beginning, but I built great rapport with my clients. I reported to my counseling supervisor every week to approve my working hours. I failed the counseling exam to graduate twice. I had to pass on my third and last attempt. To prepare I studied with intern supervisor and internship friend. They lowered the passing score before I took my exam. I took the test and prayed to God I passed.

KENDRA WILLIAMS Hours later I received the news, I passed and was beyond grateful and cried tears of joy. I graduated with my Master’s in Counseling and Psychology. Postgraduate I passed my counseling licensing exam on my second attempt. I would have to be supervised for 3 years and obtain hours before becoming fully licensed. I started looking for jobs but wanted to have the right fit. I heard of a place called Cedar Tree Family and Children Services and was excited to apply. The interview went well, and I was hired shortly after. I went through trainings and got license for my current business Elevating Minds. I work with at risk youth in the community. Some of these children come from diverse backgrounds with many challenges, that affect their everyday lives. During COVID, I started telemental health counseling with them.



KENDRA 2023 BIOGRAPHY 2021 I contacted and advocated to US Senators Raphael Warnock & Jon Ossoff about mental health funding and legislation. I received letters back from them thanking me for supporting now current laws in my state. I was named on the top Healthcare Professionals of 2021-2022, by premier biographer Marquis Who’s Who in America. I participated in the film “My Brother’s Keeper” (2020) starring: TC Stallings, Keisha Knight Pulliam, & Joey Lawrence. About a soldier returning home from war battling with PTSD. 2022 I became licensed professional counselor in my state. Personal/Purpose My previous dating relationship after graduation made a significant impact in my life and was a catalyst to make the person I am today. Through my healing process, I turned my past pain into purpose starting my coaching business Worthy of Grace, LLC. “In my business I help single ambitious women heal from past relationships to rediscover confidence & become the best version of yourself”. I encourage them to see there worth & value comes from God. Future Continue coaching women and work with youth on confidence & relationships. Use my new title Goodwill Ambassador of Human Rights & Peace to bring awareness to more mental health funding, bullying, abuse, and human trafficking. Look forward to future speaking engagements and being a soon to be author in the future and my 1st book being published “AM I NOT WORTHY?” about my past relationship and how to feel worthy again in all areas of your life! Legacy Turn their pain into purpose, they are worthy and valuable. Inspire a generation of people & let them know with faith in God, patience, & perseverance anything is possible, and strive for greatness in all areas of their lives! ------------------------- -------------------------

KENDRA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 1. Tell us something about your career! What is the main reason? I am enjoying my career as a life coach and licensed professional counselor. When I was younger, I enjoyed helping people and was told by them I gave great advice. I would say my career as a counselor was a natural progression for me. Last year, I found my purpose was to help women heal from past relationships to rediscover confidence and become the best version of themselves. Being a life coach and helping women made since to me, because this is something I experienced myself. I decided to turn my pain into my purpose and to help women heal and rediscover their confidence. 2.What were your difficulties that showed the 3. Can you tell us about your current projects? projection power for the future? Right now, I am continuing to expand my brand as a Some difficulties I faced were overcoming fear in the life coach and business owner of Worthy of Grace, pursuit of my purpose. I knew my purpose was to be a LLC. I am conducting 1-on-1 and group coaching light to other people who have experiences setbacks in programs and recently launched my program “How to their lives. I wanted to encourage them and let them Enjoy the Holidays as A Single Woman”. know that there past doesn’t define their promising future. There were times, I had to push past my own I am also continuing to work with at risk youth in the fears and become a beacon of hope for myself. community as a licensed professional counselor.

4. What is your human mission that you think can affect people's lives? My mission is to inspire individuals that they can overcome any adversity the face in their lives. I hope to inspire them to see the value in themselves and others. Teaching the next generation about their worth and self-esteem will help them create healthy relationships with others. I want to inspire the youth and let them know their thoughts and voice matters. I want to encourage and let them know they don’t have conform to other people’s low expectations of them; and to be fearless in their pursuit of greatness in all areas of their lives! Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra 5. Please share your encouraging message to Hoinser Media Group readers globally! Whatever, you have experienced in life either good or bad use it to help other people. Someone needs the gift that you offer. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, start your business, or write that inspirational book. Push past fear and say yes to use your gifts. Step out on faith and with God all things are possible! Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra Kendra QUOTES BY KENDRA Quote 1: \"With faith, patience, and perseverance anything is possible.“ Quote 2: “Don’t let your past define your promising future and strive for greatness in all areas of your life”. Quote 3: “Don’t let people’s skewed perception of you determine your value or worth”.



ARTICLE BY KENDRA WILLIAMS DON’T LET REJECTION DISTURB YOUR PEACE In life we come across many obstacles that come our way. These obstacles and situations often determine how we view our esteem and how others see view our value. During our growth process, we may run into people who don’t understand who we are and where we are coming from. Nevertheless, in our everyday lives we face rejection. This often comes with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and self- doubt. It is important to remember the people we were before these obstacles and situations came into our lives. Its important ask yourself “how was your self-esteem before you were rejected from that person, that job, that acting role, that sports team”? Whatever has impacted you negatively in your life; ask yourself who you were, before this happened? Does another person’s perception of you truly define your worth? DON’T LET REJECTION PLAGUE YOU FROM REACHING YOUR DESTINY! KEEP KNOCKING ON THE DOOR NO ONE WANTS TO OPEN FOR YOU! HAVE FAITH YOU WILL REACH THE RIGHT DOOR, AND IF IT’S OPEN FOR YOU DON’T SETTLE FOR THE FIRST YES TO COME YOUR WAY! KEEP KNOCKING UNTIL THE NEXT PERSON SEES YOUR VALUE AND ADD’S TAX! DON’T BE AFRAID TO CREATE YOUR OWN! KNOW YOUR VALUE AND SET YOUR PRICE! YOUR ALREADY WORTH MORE THAN RUBIES!