We recently had the chance to connect with Renita Pagan and have shared our conversation below.
Renita , 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: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
The path I’m on is led solely by God. While I sometimes wander—often craving instant gratification and quick results—God consistently sits me down in stillness to realign me with His path and His assignment. I’ve wandered at times due to not trusting my own judgment, lacking confidence, and becoming distracted; these things can easily push you off your path. And while walking the path can come with many lessons, “no’s,” and moments of deep discomfort, I’ve come to understand that His assignment is my “why,” and it is what fuels my purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Renita, and I am a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, creative visionary, and the Advisory Board Chairwoman at Kindle Community. I’ve dedicated my career to supporting young people, strengthening communities, and breaking cycles—especially those tied to the school-to-prison pipeline. In my work as a middle school social worker and therapist, I create healing-centered spaces where students can explore their identities, build resilience, and feel genuinely seen and supported.
What makes my work unique is the way I blend creativity with clinical practice. My creative pieces work hand-in-hand with my therapeutic approach to help clients access healing in ways that feel natural, expressive, and empowering. I’ve written and self-published several works—including My Melanin (a children’s book celebrating identity and self-love), a gratitude journal for adults, and most recently I Am Me: A Self-Love Journal for Children. These tools are designed to guide individuals of all ages on their healing journeys, promoting affirmation, reflection, and emotional growth.
As a visionary and community leader, I’m committed to building programs, resources, and conversations that center healing, belonging, and purpose. My story is still unfolding, but each chapter is guided by faith, intention, and a deep belief in the transformative power of love, creativity, and community.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
From my perspective as a social worker, psychotherapist, and creative, the bonds between people are often broken by things we don’t talk about enough—unmet needs, unspoken pain, and unaddressed wounds. Distrust, fear, inconsistent communication, and the lingering effects of past trauma can slowly create distance. When people feel unheard, unseen, or unsupported, connection begins to fracture. And sometimes, bonds break simply because life moves fast, and we don’t always have the tools or emotional capacity to nurture relationships the way they deserve.
But I also believe deeply that what breaks can be restored. Healing starts with honesty—honesty with ourselves and with each other. Restoration happens through intentional communication, accountability, empathy, and a willingness to truly understand someone’s internal world. In therapy, I see every day how powerful vulnerability can be when it’s met with compassion instead of judgment. Creativity also plays a major role; journaling, storytelling, and expression allow people to reconnect with their emotions in ways that open doors to connection again.
Ultimately, bonds are restored when people choose to show up—with patience, consistency, and love. When we prioritize understanding over being right, healing over ego, and community over isolation, we create space for relationships to repair and grow stronger than they were before.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: You are worthy of healthy, balanced relationships in every part of your life. You don’t have to overcompensate to fill the void left by abandonment—you deserve to be met with the same energy, care, and love that you give others.
Choose yourself—no matter the relationship: family, friends, romantic, or professional. Prioritize your safety, protect your peace, and pour into cups that pour back into you. You never have to drain yourself or love from an empty cup to feel accepted.
People will love you simply for being you. Don’t dim your light or settle for unhealthy love just to feel chosen. The right people—in every corner of your life—will nurture you, honor your spirit, and show you what real, safe, and healthy connection truly feels like.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and valued. They know I care deeply about authentic connection, emotional wellness, and helping others heal—whether through conversation, creativity, or simply showing up with compassion.
They’d also say that loyalty is deeply important to me. For me, loyalty means consistency, trust, and standing by the people I care about—not just in words, but in action. I value relationships where commitment is mutual, respect is unwavering, and support is genuine. Alongside loyalty, integrity, purpose, and protecting my peace are non-negotiables. I’m intentional about nurturing relationships that pour back into me, honoring boundaries, and choosing love that feels healthy and reciprocal.
Above all, they know I’m committed to growth—my own and the growth of the people I care about—believing that strong, loyal relationships are built through self-awareness, accountability, and care.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was resilient. That despite the odds stacked against me and the narratives society tried to write for me, I chose a different path. Coming from a family where both my parents and grandparents struggled with untreated mental health challenges and addiction, I refused to let their battles define my future.
There was a time when I felt ashamed of their stories—but now I understand that their journeys shaped me. Their struggles became the foundation of my purpose, my compassion, and the work I do today. I hope people remember me as someone who turned pain into purpose, broke cycles, and created a new story for the generations coming after me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: mymelaninthebook @thehealingcirclenyc @renitanicolep
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renitapagan?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
