We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brielle Bucksell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brielle below.
Hi Brielle, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from the deep well of love & determination I have for my daughter. As a survivor of domestic violence, I am committed to using my voice to advocate for change and to ensure that my daughter grows up in a world free from the horrors I endured. Each day, she is my inspiration to continue pushing forward, despite the challenges I face.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
The mission of our nonprofit From Pain To Power is multifaceted. We educate individuals and communities on the dynamics of domestic violence, provide resources and assistance for those seeking to escape abusive relationships, and promote healing and empowerment for survivors. What makes our work particularly special is the transformative impact we’re able to make. From helping someone find the courage to leave, to witnessing the healing journey of survivors as they reclaim their lives, every step forward is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
In addition to our ongoing programs and services, we are thrilled to announce a couple of upcoming events that embody our commitment to empowerment, healing, and wellness. In May, we are partnering with the incredible yoga instructor Caren Plumer to host a yoga event aimed at promoting mindfulness and self-care. This event will provide survivors with a safe space to explore healing through movement and meditation.
Furthermore, in September, we are hosting our inaugural Healing & Wellness Retreat. This retreat will offer individuals a transformative experience focused on holistic healing modalities, therapeutic workshops, and community support. It’s an opportunity for us to come together, share our stories, and embark on a journey of healing and empowerment.
We are continually inspired by the resilience and strength of the individuals we serve, and we remain dedicated to creating spaces and opportunities for healing, growth, and empowerment.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Empathy- Having a deep understanding and compassion for the experiences of survivors is crucial in this role. It allows me to connect with those we serve on a personal level, providing them with the support and resources they need. To develop empathy, it’s essential to actively listen to survivors, learn from their experiences, and put oneself in their shoes. Engaging in training, workshops, or support groups focused on trauma-informed care and empathetic communication can further enhance this skill.
- Resilience- Dealing with the complexities of domestic violence and supporting survivors can be emotionally challenging. Resilience enables me to navigate difficult situations, setbacks, and burnout while maintaining focus on our mission. Building resilience involves practicing self-care, setting boundaries, seeking support from peers and mentors, and developing coping strategies such as mindfulness and stress management techniques.
- Strategic Leadership- As an executive director, strategic leadership is essential for guiding the organization towards its goals effectively. This includes long-term planning, resource allocation, partnership development, and advocacy efforts. Developing strategic leadership skills involves staying informed about best practices in nonprofit management, seeking professional development opportunities, networking with other leaders in the field, and continually evaluating and adjusting organizational strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to prioritize self-awareness, self-care, continuous learning, and collaboration. Take the time to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and values, and how they align with your role in supporting survivors. Seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through formal education, workshops, or mentorship programs. Surround yourself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and fellow advocates who can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement along the way. Lastly, remember to practice self-care and prioritize your well-being to sustain your passion and effectiveness in this important work.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho has been an instrumental book in my personal and professional development, especially considering my own journey as a survivor. Here are a few impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book:
- Following One’s Personal Legend- The concept of a “Personal Legend” resonates deeply with me. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and fulfilling one’s true purpose in life. For me, this has meant recognizing my passion for helping others who have experienced domestic violence and making it my life’s mission to provide support, resources, and advocacy for survivors.
- Embracing the Journey- The journey of Santiago, the protagonist in “The Alchemist,” teaches valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and embracing the unknown. Similarly, in my journey as a survivor and as an advocate, I’ve encountered numerous challenges and setbacks. However, like Santiago, I’ve learned to trust in the journey, to navigate obstacles with courage and determination, and to find meaning and growth in every experience.
- Listening to One’s Heart: Santiago’s journey is guided by his ability to listen to the whispers of his heart and intuition. Similarly, I have found strength and clarity by tuning into my inner voice and staying true to my convictions, even when faced with external pressures to pursue a different path. By listening to my heart and aligning my actions with my passion for supporting survivors, I have been able to cultivate resilience and drive in leading the nonprofit forward.
“The Alchemist” has provided me with invaluable wisdom and inspiration to stay true to my purpose, despite external pressures and doubts. It has reinforced the importance of following one’s heart and embracing the journey, ultimately guiding me in making the nonprofit my life’s mission and source of fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frompaintopowercorporation.org/
- Instagram: @frompain_topower
