We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Quontica Conley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Quontica, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Reflecting on the origins of my resilience, I am profoundly inspired by my grandmother, a remarkable woman who single-handedly raised not only her own children but also her grandchildren, including me. Balancing a full-time job with the demands of family, she exemplified unwavering strength and dedication.
Beyond her professional and familial responsibilities, my grandmother cultivated a community garden that not only provided nourishment but also served as a sanctuary for those in need. Her selflessness extended further as she opened her home as a safe haven, embodying the true spirit of community support.
Her battle against breast cancer, which she faced and overcame, stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit. Witnessing her navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination instilled in me the understanding that resilience is not merely about enduring hardships but also about embracing them as opportunities for growth and service to others.
In my journey as an entrepreneur and creative, I draw upon the lessons she imparted—balancing multiple roles, fostering community, and approaching obstacles with a mindset geared toward positive transformation. Her legacy is the foundation upon which I build my endeavors, continually striving to reflect the resilience she so effortlessly demonstrated.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a single mother of 11 children, including foster and adoptive, I have dedicated my life to service and empowerment. My journey encompasses roles as a pastor, author, motivational speaker, and community leader. I founded EB LYFE Community Services, a nonprofit organization committed to educating, equipping, and empowering at-risk individuals and families. Where we currently provide 1300 meals to k-12 youth in Cumberland County Schools that are experiencing food insecurities and homelessness.
In my professional capacity, I serve as the Chief Human Resources and Privacy Officer for a nonprofit organization, where I advocate for employee rights and organizational integrity. Additionally, I hold the position of President of the Democratic Women of Cumberland County, promoting civic engagement and political awareness.
My personal experiences as a domestic violence survivor have fueled my passion for advocacy and support for others facing similar challenges. This journey led me to author “I Am a Survivor: Stories of Tragedy & Triumph,” a powerful book encompassing the stories of several empowered women who have survived many forms of abuse.
Currently, I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of Evolving Gracefully: Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Network (EGWELN), a platform designed to inspire and mentor women in and aspiring to be in leadership roles. Additionally, EB LYFE is expanding to include EB LYFE Divinity School and EB LYFE Consulting and Business Solutions, furthering our mission to provide comprehensive support and resources to our community and businesses.
Through these initiatives, I aim to create lasting positive change, empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve their fullest potential.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal qualities have profoundly influenced my path:
Resilience: Navigating life’s challenges, from personal adversities to professional hurdles, has underscored the importance of resilience. This steadfastness has enabled me to persevere and transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Empathy: Serving as a pastor, author, and community leader, empathy has been central to understanding and addressing the needs of others. It fosters genuine connections and drives impactful initiatives.
Visionary Leadership: Establishing organizations like EB LYFE Community Services and the forthcoming Evolving Gracefully: Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Network (EGWELN) required a clear vision and the ability to inspire others toward shared goals.
For those embarking on their journeys, I offer this advice:
Cultivate Resilience: Embrace challenges as learning experiences. Develop coping strategies, seek support when needed, and maintain a forward-looking perspective.
Practice Empathy: Engage actively with diverse communities. Listen intently to understand varied perspectives, which will enrich your approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Develop Visionary Leadership: Articulate your goals clearly and inspire others by demonstrating passion and commitment. Encourage collaboration and remain open to new ideas to drive collective success.
By honing these qualities, you can navigate your path with purpose and make meaningful contributions to your community and beyond.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has been in visionary leadership. This development has been instrumental in expanding my initiatives and fostering community engagement.
A notable example is the successful hosting of the “Transforming Communities Through Economic Development” Open House during Economic Development Week. As Chair of the Economic and Redevelopment Commission, I collaborated with partner agencies, elected officials, and business leaders to highlight community resources and promote economic growth.
Additionally, I have been preparing to launch the Evolving Gracefully: Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Network (EGWELN), a platform dedicated to inspiring and mentoring women in leadership roles. This initiative reflects my commitment to empowering others and fostering leadership development.
These experiences have deepened my understanding of strategic planning, community collaboration, and the importance of empowering others. They have reinforced my belief in the power of collective effort and the transformative impact of visionary leadership.
Furthermore, I have achieved significant personal and professional milestones, including graduating with a degree in Human Resources, Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance, and Accounting, as well as earning my Doctorate in Theology. I was honored to be installed as the Congregational Pastor at United Ministries in Christ, where I continue to serve my community. Overcoming personal challenges, such as surviving divorce, has also contributed to my growth and resilience.
These accomplishments have enriched my perspective and enhanced my ability to lead with empathy and vision. They have equipped me to better serve my community and to inspire others to overcome adversity and pursue their goals with determination.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: gracefully_evolving_quontica
- Facebook: Gracefully Evolving Quontica
- Linkedin: quontica-conley
Image Credits
Mela Jay Photography
Rochelle J. Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
