Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keysha Darby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Keysha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Owning my space! That has not come easy. Overcoming being the only one who looks like me in the room requires resilience, self-confidence, believing in myself, Having the mentality that when I walk in a room know and trust that God sent me there. Carrying my strengths and bold personality, facing fears head on in each step I take. Trusting the process, reminding myself to activate my faith. If this is the one shot, I have to fulfill Gods purpose, I need to take it, own it, and do what it is God has called me to do.
Recognizing the empowerment provided by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me,” and cherishing the legacy of my late grandmother’s love and the conviction that she is watching over me with pride, is how I have learned to be effective and successful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the Founder and Owner of Mae’s Pace. my passion is to create a place where inner city kids and adults can develop human connections through positive reinforcement and psychoeducation skills. Provided by Licensed Community Health Worker and Life Coach, these skills consist of but not limited to support in Body Image, Healthy vs unhealthy relationships, Internet Safety, Hygiene, Self-Esteem, Crisis Support, support to children of incarcerated parents, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Hair care support to girls of ethnic background and more depending on the need.
What is most exciting, special and sets me aside in what I do, is my ability to connect with clients, meeting them at their level of struggle, easy rapport building, allowing clients the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings while advocating their needs, helping to support future focused goals. Collaborating and supporting clients of complex traumas and trafficked survivors. These skills have helped in building resilience, community connections and empowerment.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, though still in the beginning stages. I feel the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge for me thus far have been.
1 Being a good person, a person of integrity, of good character and having a heart to do what is right even after the initial feelings fade.
2, Staying humble. Never feel like you know too much to learn, allow people the opportunity to feel how they feel even if you do not agree. When you are humble and can continue to grow welcoming other’s viewpoints it helps to bridge gaps with open-mindedness.
3. Continuing education, never stop learning, times are changing and there is always more to learn. Embrace change and welcome innovative ideas.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I am feeling overwhelmed, I look to God. I want God to meet me where I am. It may be hard for some to understand or grasp this concept, but when I am going through challenges or struggles, I need to hear Gods voice. I want to fall in awe with what it is He has for me. I want to sit in silence and seek guidance and direction. (In my war room /my secret place).
Another thing that has supported me with being overwhelmed is spending time with family, remembering my Why. This helps me realign and regain focus, it reminds me this journey is about me, but it’s not about me, it’s about the purpose behind the drive, the people who are waiting for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maesplace.org
- Facebook: Maes Place
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