Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jummy Kirby of Philadelphia Region

Jummy Kirby shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Jummy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is full but very intentional. I start the morning with my kids, getting them ready for school, and then I transition into work. Some days I’m seeing clients, other days I’m networking, preparing for speaking engagements, or coordinating with my team on new projects and programs. I make it a priority to carve out time for movement and mindfulness—whether that’s exercising, walking in nature, or simply pausing to breathe and ground myself. Evenings are family time again with homework, dinner, and winding down together. It’s a busy rhythm, but I do my best to balance it with practices that keep me rooted and restored.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jummy Kirby, and I’m the founder and executive director of Relinquish & Transcend Counseling + Consulting as well as the nonprofit Beyond Transcendence. I’m a licensed professional counselor with specializations in perinatal mental health, ecotherapy, and mindfulness.

What makes my work unique is that I blend traditional therapy with holistic and nature-based approaches that center self-compassion, cultural healing, and accessibility. Relinquish & Transcend was created as the safe and affirming space I didn’t have during my own motherhood journey—especially for women and communities of color. Beyond Transcendence takes that mission further by offering therapy grants, healing circles, and community-based programs so that cost and systemic barriers don’t prevent people from getting the care they need.

Earlier this year, in February 2025, I published my book Healing the Hidden Wounds of Women and Mothers, which explores resilience, restoration, and rewriting your story. My work is deeply personal, rooted in both my lived experiences and my commitment to helping others feel heard, empowered, and whole.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often a mix of unspoken pain, unmet needs, and miscommunication. When trust is violated—through neglect, betrayal, judgment, or simply not feeling seen—connections begin to weaken. Silence, shame, and fear widen those cracks, leaving people feeling alone even when they’re together.

What restores bonds is presence and vulnerability. When we choose to listen with compassion, to honor each other’s stories, and to take accountability for harm, healing becomes possible. Bonds are restored through empathy, forgiveness, and consistent acts of care—small moments that say, “I see you, I hear you, you matter.” In truth, it’s love—practiced daily, not just spoken—that brings us back to one another.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: You don’t have to carry everything alone. The tenderness you’ve been protecting is not a weakness—it’s your greatest strength. One day, you’ll see how the very parts of you that felt too much or too different are the parts that will guide others toward healing.”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole story. What people see—my work, my voice, my passion for healing—is an authentic part of who I am. But there are also quieter parts, the pieces I keep for myself, my family, and my closest circle. I think of it less as a mask and more as layers: each one true, each one serving a purpose. The public version is me reaching outward; the private version is me replenishing inward.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in nature—walking under trees, sitting by water, or just breathing fresh air without rushing anywhere. Those moments quiet the noise and remind me who I am beyond my roles and responsibilities. I also feel deep peace when I’m with my children, fully present, or when I’m guiding someone through healing work and I can feel their relief. It’s in stillness and connection—both to the earth and to others—that peace finds me.

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