Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Nicole Stokes.
Hi Tracy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am Tracy Nicole Stokes, AKA TraSpeaks, in these streets. (If you listen to my Podcast More Than a Single Story- UnScripted, you will understand the reference!).
I am from Dayton, Ohio (also known as the Gem City). I graduated from Wright State University with a B.A. in Sociology- in 2001 and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration- in 2004. After graduating with my master’s degree, I worked as an academic advisor at my alma mater for six years. There, I was able to give back and inspire others to create intentional plans to reach their personal and academic goals. After working at Wright State, I was employed at Northern Kentucky University and Gateway Community and Technical College, working with students of color as they navigated their academic journey. I have also worked in the nonprofit space as the Manager for Education at Cincinnati Youth Collaborative and Director of the Fatherhood Program at Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.
I am energized by the connections I have made in my 18 years as an educator and diversity and inclusion administrator. I serve as a Sr. Consultant for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, one of the largest employers in the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky region. In my work at the hospital, I work to create measurable and focused educational opportunities that make a meaningful dialogue about equitable access to healthcare. I have also had the chance to be a graduate of community programs that focus on leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion: Leadership Northern Kentucky (2015), Higher Education Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati’s Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), and MORTAR Cincinnati – an accelerator program for entrepreneurs of color.
My entrepreneurial journey began when I started a nonprofit group called Young P.E.A.R.L.S. (Purposely Educating and Responsibly Leading Sisters) in 2011. YP was an organization founded to assist young women ages 13-21 to realize their potential by maintaining a focus on leadership, community involvement, and college readiness. Our signature event, “The Showcase of Excellence Debutante Ball,” allowed young women to learn about goal setting, etiquette, and college preparation. The young women also used the skills they learned to present a formal presentation for their family and friends that included a traditional waltz with their escort, a scholarship presentation, and dinner to demonstrate the etiquette skills learned. Seeing these young women grow during the 6-month program was so wonderful. The program worked with high schools in the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area to find participants for the program. Each young woman was assigned a mentor who worked with them as they completed the program. Though the program is on hiatus, I am working to create a team that can continue the work in the future!
When I moved, to the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky region, I started TraSpeaks/The Tracy Nicole Brand (TNB). My team and I assist women with learning about self-discovery through reflection, journaling, and becoming published authors. My signature phrase, “Your story has the power to break barriers and inspire others to hope,” is my life mantra because it reminds me that other people could benefit from my journey in life. I am also the creator of the More Than a Single Story (MTSS) Writing Collaborative, a space for women to connect, dream, and heal through writing. There are three books in the MTSS series to date: MTSS Vol.1; MTSS: Rise Up- Vol. 2; MTSS: The Legacy Project- Vol. 3. To date, MTSS has helped over 40 writers accomplish their goal of becoming published authors. I am working on a new writing project to share the signature frameworks that will teach readers to tell their stories! (Look for the release in December 2022) Many of my clients, and those who have collaborated with MTSS book projects, are women who want to share their stories. I am honored that I get the opportunity to champion women as they work towards reaching their goals. It is important to me to make a difference in my community and eventually globally, and I know that I cannot do that if I don’t share my story with those around me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been difficult times in my life, but I have not let those struggles stop me. The inspiration for everything I do is for my family, especially my children, Alexis-24, Miles-19, Justin-18, and my husband, Richard. I want to be sure that they are proud of the work that I have done professionally, personally, and educationally. I know I am not a perfect mother and wife, but I work hard. I strive to achieve my dreams so that they can see how hard work translates into being proud of who you are and what you have done. I always tell my children and those I work with that when you know who you are, know what you want, and know how to articulate those two things, you will succeed! PERIOD. (In the words of my daughter Alexis! LOL)
I became a mother in 1997 as a junior in college. I remember many people telling me my life was ruined because I would have a child and no degree (I took off a year and a half from school). This fueled me to prove them wrong. I not only graduated and earned my undergraduate degree, but I also went on to earn my Masters’s degree. I was so hurt that instead of speaking life into me and my situation, I was made to feel as though I could not succeed. I use this time in my life to demonstrate how important it is to tell your story. Not only does it inspire others to tell their own, but it also reminds them to keep moving forward as life changes!
I don’t let difficult situations hold me down; I use them as fuel to move forward!
I also believe in cultivating a network of people who support and love you. I know that without the support of my family, friends, and colleagues who spoke life into me, I would not have made past hurdles in my life. To describe the impact of having a network of folks who will support and hold space for you, I often teach others about the humanist African philosophy of “Ubuntu,” which means I am because you are, and you are because I am. This concept is crucial because it reminds me that I have to have a network of people in my circle who will push me and challenge me to be the best I can be. This is also a concept that I also use in the work I do in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space. Our collective stories can assist us with creating awareness and a global and sustainable change that will continue to move forward long after we leave this earth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always been called a woman of many talents! LOLOL
Though I have many interests, in everything I do, from being a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion educator and champion to working and serving in my business, my work leads back to my mantra: ” Your Story has the power to break barriers and inspire others to dream.” When working to champion DEI efforts in my professional life and the community, I work to teach others to value and acknowledge the lived experiences of others. I aim to increase cultural competency in others so no matter if they are in the community or workplace, they feel valued and feel as though they belong! When working with clients in the community, I teach them to tell their stories by assisting them with increasing their confidence, shifting their mindset, determining their purpose and talents, and identifying their support network. Many clients I work with demonstrate what they have learned by writing their books or participating in the More Than a Single Story (MTSS Writing Collaborative) I discussed earlier.
I also love using my podcast and social media platforms (Linked In, Instagram, and Facebook) to encourage my followers to use their stories to facilitate healing in their lives and the lives of others. I believe connection is the key to a healthy and healed community.
I am proud that I can be a Light in the lives and journeys of those I serve.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am working on booking speaking engagements for the rest of 2022 and working to fill my schedule for 2023. I would love to connect with organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to speak about my expertise! You should follow me on social media or email me if you want to be added to my email list.
I speak a lot in the community in a professional and entrepreneurial capacity. I am a passionate, energetic speaker and facilitator who LOVES empowering others to RISE! I come ALIVE when speaking on stage, in a classroom, or even doing a virtual presentation. I love to meet other people and expand my network. I think people would be surprised to know that I am an introvert! In many situations, I observe more than speak, value my alone time, and process before I chime in. I love learning about and meeting new people but have also learned to honor my feelings over the years. When my social battery is low, I create space to reenergize and come out of the box ready to go, honey! LOL
People might also be surprised to know that I am a poet, and many of the poems in my speeches and presentations are my own! I love finding ways to catch my audience’s attention before speaking. (You might also be singing a quick verse to a song to shake things up.)
Thank you for this opportunity to share a little about myself. I had a blast!
Pricing:
- MTSS Vol 1- 3- $20 each
- Speaking (keynote, facilitation) $5K and above
- Life/ Writing Coaching – make an appointment
- Youth Programming- Make an appointment
- I AM Shirt- $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tracynicolebrand.com
- Instagram: @traspeaks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamtracynicole
- Twitter: @traspeaks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPM-0Ejsm1oOb_stfp0CbJw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6V9tJOLFGmyXR4g8w9ljbn
