Meet Diana N. Patterson, M.Ed.

We were lucky to catch up with Diana N. Patterson, M.Ed. recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana N., really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

This is a compelling question. I don’t believe we necessarily find our purpose, what I have concluded is that God so intricately designed the universe that the planets will align with circumstances that will ignite our passion and cultivate our purpose.

As a child, I remember always feeling like an anomaly. I never really fit into any groups or clicks. I was authentically Diana. My friends were always those individuals that everyone else overlooked. I had an innate capacity to see the beauty in everyone. I always looked so much deeper than the surface when engaging with others.

I could not sit back and watch an injustice without getting involved and advocating for others, especially the voiceless. This characteristic has remained entrenched in the very essence of my spirit and shapes the strong woman and queen I am today. My purpose has always been to serve humanity in every aspect of my life.

Image description

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a best-selling author, award-winning playwright, award-winning executive producer, screenwriter, certified life coach, educator/trainer, public speaker, and child advocate however if someone were to ask me how I identify myself, I would say I am a physical manifestation of “love in action”.

Regarding my professional skills, education, and expertise, I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Education Policy and Community Studies and my Master of Science degree in Administrative Leadership/Adult Continuing Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I am passionate about empowering children and families through education, the arts, motivational seminars, and workshops. I aspire to continue to cultivate programs that enrich communities by empowering families through collaborations with at-risk school districts and Community-Based Organizations. My philosophy is simple, if you want to empower a child, empower their parent, if you want to empower a parent, empower their community; if you want to empower communities, begin with empowering yourself.

I am also the CEO and Founder of my 501c3 nonprofit organization “DNP Life Foundation”. Through my foundation I created a movement, Care Baskets for Cancer “You Can-CerVive” where I donate beautiful Cancer Baskets to cancer patients.

What is most exciting about what I do is the incredibly amazing connections that are organically cultivated simply by doing the work that I do. Connecting with other like-minded creatives and advocates is a beautiful experience. I am extremely passionate and intentional about utilizing my platform in a way that directly aligns with my purpose so that I leave this world knowing I made a difference.

DNP Life Consulting and Management and DNP Productions, LLC are both platforms that support my mission to positively impact and transform our society. What I want my audience to know about my brand is that I value nurturing relationships with my clients and my audience.

DNP Life Consulting and Management is a company that I created to assist individuals who are facing obstacles that seem paralyzing. I assist them with creating strategies that give them a blueprint to identify and overcome all blockages and obstructions that interfere with their capacity to elevate. I specialize in helping my clients get out of their own way. Within each of us is an innate desire to obtain the realization or fulfillment of our talents and potentialities. Together I assist my clients in reaching their journey to self-actualization.

DNP Productions, LLC is an entertainment company I created to utilize my gift in creative arts. My platform was produced to empower, inspire, and educate a society that heals brokenness by consciously engaging in its transformation through artistic expression. My motto is “Performance with a Purpose”.

I have been honored to have been presented with a host of awards which include President Joseph Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 and 2022, the 2022 29th Annual MLK Grande Parade Drum Majors for the Dream Honoree Community Award, the 2022 City of Houston Honoree and Award as Playwright and Producer of “Everything Grows in the Valley a Few Good Men”, and the 2022 River Awards “Author of the Year” Award.

Currently, I am completing my second literary composition “Love Grows in the Valley, which will be launched in October 2024 and my second large stage production Everything Grows in the Valley “Ascension from the Valley” which will begin production in 2025.

Image description

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?

I think my three most important skills and/or areas of knowledge are my resilience, compassion, and my innate ability to meet people where they are. My advice to anyone who is on a journey to develop or enhance their skills is to look within. I believe that God has placed within each of us every gift we need to realize our dreams and aspirations. Shut out the noise, pace yourself, and never allow another person’s perception of you to impede your capacity to embrace your self-worth. I would like to end with my following quote:

“My secret to success is simple, instead of leaning into the multiple reasons why I may not succeed, I lean into the one reason that says I will.”

~Diana N. Patterson, M.Ed.

Image description

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Wellness is key. When I feel overwhelmed I focus on wellness practices such as meditation, journaling, and physical exercise such as walking, dancing, etc. I recently started my journey to a plant-based lifestyle. Knowing that our health truly is our wealth puts everything into perspective. I can’t do the work if I’m not here or I’m facing severe health challenges.

I am also extremely intentional about ensuring that I keep toxic, low-vibrational individuals away from me. We must protect our energy and our peace at all costs. There is no price for our peace. Lastly, I suggest that you pace yourself and trust the process. If you are working on several projects at once I can assure you that only one project is actually getting the majority of your attention. All other projects will likely lack the depth that you desire, and trust me it will reflect in your final outcomes.

Contact Info:

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image Credits

Ferrell E. Phelps

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,