We were lucky to catch up with Ashanti Miranda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashanti, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Confidence and self-esteem have been a journey of growth for me, shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and my desire to serve others. As a Navy veteran, I had to develop resilience early on, facing situations that tested my strength and character. But one of the most transformative periods in my life came when I went through a divorce. I found myself in San Diego, alone, having lost many of my close friendships. It was a time of deep reflection and isolation, where I had to rebuild myself and my life from the ground up.
Through that process of rebuilding, I discovered a strength I didn’t realize I had. I leaned into my vulnerability, trusting that on the other side of pain was growth. It was during this time that I truly began to understand what confidence means—it’s not just about showing up when things are easy, but about rising even when everything falls apart. That journey gave me resilience and a newfound belief in myself. It was hard, but it also paved the way for me to trust my inner voice and follow my path with purpose.
As I stepped into the world of mental health and advocacy, I realized that my experiences allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level. Building Resilient Roots Therapy and Veterans of Hope has been a reflection of that confidence—trusting in my abilities, my purpose, and my vision to create change where it’s most needed. Ultimately, my confidence is rooted in authenticity. I’ve embraced every part of my story—the triumphs and the challenges—and I use that to fuel my growth, not just for myself but for the communities I serve. When you’re walking in your purpose, confidence follows naturally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I wear many hats, but at the heart of everything I do is a commitment to healing and empowerment. I’m the founder of Resilient Roots Therapy, a mental health practice focused on providing culturally competent, trauma-informed care to people of color, veterans, and those who have traditionally been overlooked in mainstream mental health care. My personal experiences as a Black woman and Navy veteran have shown me the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen and heard, and that’s what Resilient Roots Therapy is all about—honoring the stories, resilience, and healing journeys of every individual who walks through our doors.
In addition to my therapy practice, I also run Veterans of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to improving veteran mental health by offering services that go beyond traditional clinical care. We focus on holistic and community-based healing, recognizing the unique challenges that veterans, especially those from marginalized communities, face when trying to access support. One of the exciting initiatives we’re currently working on is the search for our 2025 cohort. This cohort will bring together a transformative group of veterans and individuals who are dedicated to mental health advocacy and community empowerment. Through Veterans of Hope, we are building spaces where veterans can access not only the care they need but the community support that empowers long-term healing.
Another aspect of my work that I’m particularly passionate about is creating healing retreats that incorporate ancestral practices and plant medicine, including psilocybin and cannabis. Currently, I’m finalizing the launch of psychedelic-assisted therapy retreats and groups specifically designed for BIPOC-identifying individuals. These retreats will offer a safe and supportive environment for people of the global majority to explore healing through plant medicine, reconnect with their heritage, and experience holistic wellness. I believe these retreats are not just about individual transformation but about creating healing opportunities for entire communities.
What’s most special about the work I do is that it’s not just about healing the individual—it’s about healing the collective. Whether it’s through therapy, nonprofit work, or my upcoming retreats, I strive to create spaces where people can reclaim their power, connect with their roots, and thrive in ways that feel true to who they are.
Everything I do, whether it’s through my businesses or my nonprofit, is deeply rooted in the idea of collective healing and empowerment. I want people to know that healing is possible, no matter how far they feel from it, and I’m committed to providing the tools and spaces for that transformation.
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?
Looking back on my journey, there are three key qualities that stand out as being particularly impactful: resilience, adaptability, and the ability to lead with empathy.
Resilience has been at the core of everything I’ve done. As a Navy veteran, and later in my personal life when I went through a divorce and had to rebuild myself from scratch, I learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about thriving through them. For anyone early in their journey, I would say the key to developing resilience is allowing yourself to grow through discomfort. Embrace the hard moments and know that they’re shaping you into a stronger version of yourself. Surround yourself with people and communities that uplift you, and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Adaptability has been equally essential. Life, business, and personal growth rarely go according to plan, so being able to pivot when things don’t go as expected has allowed me to keep moving forward. Whether it was navigating the mental health industry, building a nonprofit, or even shifting my focus to holistic healing practices, I’ve had to be flexible and open to change. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing the unknown and being willing to shift direction if necessary. The ability to adapt, especially in business and entrepreneurship, will set you apart and keep you moving toward your goals, even when the path looks different from what you originally imagined.
Finally, leading with empathy has been a guiding principle throughout my career. Whether in mental health, nonprofit work, or my healing retreats, my goal has always been to deeply understand and serve others. Empathy allows you to connect with people on a human level, which builds trust and loyalty, whether you’re working with clients, business partners, or your community. My advice for developing this skill is to listen more than you speak. Take time to truly hear the stories of those you’re serving and work on building relationships based on understanding and compassion. In the end, leading with empathy not only benefits those around you but also brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your own life.
By focusing on resilience, adaptability, and empathy, I’ve been able to grow personally and professionally while staying true to my mission of healing and empowerment. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to cultivate these qualities intentionally, knowing that they will serve you through every twist and turn along the way.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I’m always open to partnering and collaborating with individuals and organizations that share a passion for mental health, holistic healing, and community empowerment. Right now, I’m particularly interested in connecting with people who own creative spaces and those involved in alternative healing practices, such as sound baths, herbal medicine, and other holistic modalities. I believe these practices are essential for creating well-rounded healing experiences, especially for communities of color and veterans.
For Veterans of Hope, I’m looking for collaborators who are passionate about veteran mental health, holistic wellness, and community-based healing. This includes mental health advocates, healers, and professionals who align with our mission of serving veterans, particularly those from marginalized communities. We’re also interested in connecting with grant writers and fundraisers who can help us expand our programs and impact. If you are someone who’s willing to support or partner with Veterans of Hope’s mission, I’d love to hear from you.
Additionally, I’m seeking veterans who are looking for support services, whether it’s related to mental health, community integration, or holistic wellness. We’re building a strong network of individuals and organizations who are dedicated to serving those who have served.
Anyone interested in collaborating can connect with me via my website, social media, or email. I’m excited to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about healing, alternative therapies, and veteran support. Together, we can create powerful spaces where healing, growth, and empowerment can thrive.
We can be reached for VOH related things via email ([email protected]) or Ig (@vetshope)
For resilient roots therapy: our website ( www.therapyroots.org) IG: @Resilientroots.therapy and/or @the_uncommon_socialworker
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therapyroots.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientroots.therapy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantigriffin
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
