We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vonettia Calloway. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vonettia below.
Vonettia, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity comes from my heart. My Granny was the one in my life who taught me how to love people. It has been said that with upbringing children, “more is caught than taught.” I agree with this statement wholeheartedly. As the eldest granddaughter from 7 children, I had the gift of spending a lot of time with my grandparents. In fact, you couldn’t tell me at six years old that I wasn’t a senior citizen. My favorite childhood memories were sitting alongside my Granddaddy and Granny at Hardee’s sipping on their cold coffee and rummaging through peoples’ discarded treasures at community yard sales with them.
In the darkest of days when I would hear people speak ill will of my Granny or know they had taken something from her, I would see the same woman open her heart, her home and her pocketbook. My Granny taught me how to love people when it was not easy. She showed me what unconditional love meant. This is deepest level of generosity we could ever find in anyone…giving away your last without being asked. My Granny’s name was Judy Dale Johnson Jones. She labored in ministry for most of her adult life and did her best to spoil her grandchildren when our parents weren’t watching.
In my opinion, greed comes from a place of selfishness or competitiveness, whereas generosity comes from a place selflessness and gratitude. I believe I developed this skill just by watching my Granny’s actions and listening to her words with others…she was a master relationship builder, and it began with her generous heart. She showed me a different side of tenacity. She pressed her way through life with a persevering spirit and gracious heart.
As a schoolteacher, business owner, event organizer, mother…in every hat I have worn, my Grandmother challenged me to be the best by loving the hardest. Reaching the world in new ways is not easy. Loving people who don’t want to be loved or reaching those who withdraw can be a daunting task if one approaches with the wrong mindset, or heart posture. She taught me one of the most important qualities in this life…how to embody the Golden Rule.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Roanoke, VA. I am Teacher. Nonprofit Director, Event Organizer, Believer and Lover of People 
I am a mother of 4…although all my babies are grown-up now. My husband is a Disabled Veteran. I love to read, visit with family and friends, travel, and try new vegan food!
Within the realm of my organization, Committee of Consciousness, and during my individual endeavors, my purpose revolves around uplifting communities through service. The incredible facet of this mission is the tangible impact it brings – the genuine transformation that takes place. Every day, I have the privilege of leaving individuals in a better state than I found them, a notion that fills me with immense joy.
Undoubtedly, the heart of my work lies in the ability to ignite hope. There is something deeply special about kindling the flame of hope within the hearts of those I encounter. Through my actions and initiatives, I aim to infuse optimism, confidence, and a belief in positive change. This aspect of my work serves as a beacon that guides my efforts.
One of my most cherished endeavors is my branded event, The Black Vegan Experience. This unique convergence of a multicultural health conference and a vegan festival allows our dedicated team to not only celebrate life and diverse cultures, but also to disseminate valuable insights about the vegan lifestyle. With every gathering, we contribute to a global empowerment movement that extends its embrace to every corner of the world and all its inhabitants.
Our upcoming event, The Tulsa Vegan Experience, stands as a pivotal milestone in our journey of community upliftment, resource sharing, and hope generation for underserved communities, especially the BIPOC population. As we chart our path forward, it was imperative that we include Tulsa in our mission, considering its historic significance as Black Wall Street and the tragic events of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921.
Tulsa’s story, once hidden in the annals of history, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and strength. The citizens of this city have risen from the ashes of adversity, forging new lives and revitalizing their community. We recognize the importance of not only acknowledging this history but also igniting fresh hope and energy within Tulsa’s heart.
Our presence in Tulsa is a gesture of support, a cheer of encouragement for the individuals who have triumphed over adversity. By bringing The Tulsa Vegan Experience to this historic city, we aim to infuse it with renewed vigor, reminding its residents of their resilience and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
The journey doesn’t end in Tulsa. Upon completing this significant event, we are committed to carrying its essence across the United States, reaching out to US Territories, and extending our influence abroad. Our vision is to create a ripple effect of empowerment and hope, touching as many lives as possible and fostering positive change in communities far and wide.
As we embark on this journey, we do so with a sense of purpose, a heart full of hope, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. The Tulsa Vegan Experience is not just an event; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of communities, the power of unity, and the potential for change that resides within each of us. As we venture into new territories – whether it’s through launching novel events, unveiling groundbreaking products or services, or expanding our horizons – our goal remains steadfast: to spread positivity, foster hope, and inspire change. We are committed to stepping forward with creativity, passion, and a resolute dedication to enhancing the lives of others and our world at large.
In essence, the essence of my work lies in the profound satisfaction of touching lives, nurturing hope, and creating a legacy of positivity. It’s a journey that continually reminds me of the boundless potential for change that resides within us all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think the qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that were most impactful my journey was my ability to connect with others, possessing great communication skills, and a general knowledge base with some experience in a little pain.
Some tips to help others develop and enhance the qualities I’ve found impactful would include:
1. Cultivating Authentic Connections
2. Master Effective Communication
3. Build A Solid Knowledge Base
4. Embrace Experiences and Learn from Challenges
5. Practice Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
6. Seek Mentorship and Guidance
7. Stay Resilient and Open-Minded
8. Take Care of Yourself
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes I am…the proverbial doors of our organization are open lol! Nonprofits don’t make money, but we need money to run the organization. The short answer is we need major Funders who care about our causes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theblackveganexperience.net
- Instagram: @blackveganexperience
- Facebook: The Black Vegan Experience
- Twitter: @blackveganexp
- Youtube: The Black Vegan Experience
- Other: TikTok – @blackveganexperience
Image Credits
Two Hippies Photography (Logo Embedded)
