An Inspired Chat with Leah Forney of Waldorf, MD

Leah Forney shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Leah, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I typically wake up between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., and I spend the first 30 minutes of my day in prayer, studying the Bible, and journaling. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, after I’ve prayed, studied, and journaled, I usually head to the gym for a 30- to 45-minute workout. Once I come home, I get dressed and begin my day. I run my business from home, so these first 90 minutes are essential for setting the tone for focus, clarity, and productivity for the rest of my day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Leah M. Forney, also known as the Culture Doctor, a sexual assault survivor, advocate, and activist dedicated to supporting survivors of color and transforming the way communities and organizations approach sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery. My work is deeply rooted in my own lived experience as a survivor of color, which gives me a unique perspective on the barriers survivors face and the culturally responsive solutions they need to heal and thrive.

I provide education, training, and consulting for service providers, organizations, and communities focused on sexual violence, sexual health, and survivor support. I also create resources and experiences designed to empower survivors directly, including immersive events like the Courage Couture Gala, which builds community, celebrates resilience, and provides survivors of color and allies with safe spaces to connect and be seen.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine lived experience with professional expertise in culturally informed, trauma-sensitive approaches. I help organizations and communities rethink traditional models of support and advocacy, prioritizing equity, accessibility, and empowerment. I’m most proud of creating spaces and programs where survivors feel heard, validated, and supported, while also equipping organizations and professionals with tools to better serve marginalized communities.

For anyone connecting with my work, I want them to know that my mission is rooted in courage, action, and cultural relevance. I help people and organizations move beyond awareness to meaningful impact, ensuring survivors feel empowered to reclaim their voice, heal, and thrive.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was fearless. Little girl Leah was a risk-taker who dreamed big and refused to play it safe. She would jump off swings at high speed, leap from monkey bars, and embrace experiences that built her courage and boldness. That fearless part of me didn’t disappear, but it became buried under societal and familial pressures; pressures to get good grades, go to college, and make everyone proud. For a long time, I played it safe, following the expectations set for me rather than honoring the boldness I was born with. But now, as an adult, I’m reclaiming that fearlessness. I’m reconnecting with the little girl who dreamed big, took risks, and refused to settle and I refuse to play it safe anymore.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me two things that success never could: determination and resilience. Growing up as the daughter of two addicts, and being born addicted to drugs myself, I experienced suffering from the very beginning. Watching my parents cycle in and out of my life due to substance use and incarceration, I made a conscious decision early on that I would choose a different path. I tapped into what I call my resilience factor, committing to education, personal responsibility, and building a life that differed from the patterns I saw around me. Suffering taught me how to bounce back, to persevere, and to create life on my own terms. One of my favorite sayings is that when life hands you lemons, make sweet tea and leave them wondering how you did it. My experiences showed me that even after trauma, you can cultivate resilience, demonstrate determination, and create a life that defies the circumstances you were given.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is peace and solitude. I need moments of quiet and disconnection to recharge, reflect, and refocus. In fact, I intentionally schedule “do-nothing” days on my calendar, and I take the last quarter of every year off from social media to unplug, clear mental clutter, and plan for the year ahead. Beyond peace, they would also say that impact matters deeply to me. I care more about transforming lives than generating income whether it’s the clients I serve, the survivors I work with, or the communities I engage. For me, cultivating inner peace and creating meaningful impact go hand in hand.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was here. I want them to remember that I showed up, was consistent, and made a tangible impact by creating safe spaces and disrupting systems to ensure that survivors of sexual violence and all forms of gender-based violence were seen, heard, and validated. I stood firmly in my truth, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it was, refusing to hide behind shame or guilt. As a survivor of color, an advocate, and an activist, I embraced the calling to challenge broken systems while also working to rebuild them. I wasn’t afraid to have tough conversations or confront the status quo, and I hope that people remember my life as one lived boldly, publicly, and unapologetically. A life that made it clear I was here, and I mattered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leahmforney.com
• Instagram: @leah_m_forney
• Linkedin: @leahforney
• Facebook: @leahmforney
• Youtube: @saavememovement