Finding Your Voice: The Power of Passion and Storytelling
Growing Up Invisible: Finding My Voice Through Journalism
For much of my early life, I felt invisible. Raised in a single-parent household, resources were tight, and my thoughts often felt like background noise in a world that wasn’t paying attention. My mother worked long hours, and I spent many of my days simply trying to get through—quietly.
That all changed in high school when I joined the school newspaper. Writing gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t known before. The first time I saw my name in print, something shifted. People were reading my words. Talking about my article. My voice was suddenly more than just a thought in my head—it had weight. It had power.
That’s when I fell in love with storytelling. And, in finding my passion for amplifying the voices of others, I found my own.
The Agony of an Untold Story
Maya Angelou once wrote, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” That sentiment has stayed with me.
For years, I was that untold story—full of thoughts, ideas, and perspectives that had never seen the light of day. But I learned something important: when we share our stories, we don’t just find our voices—we connect. We open doors. We create change.
Storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about expression. It’s about understanding. It’s about making sure that what matters doesn’t go unheard.
The Core Elements of Good Communication
Finding your voice is just the first step. The real challenge? Making sure people hear and understand it.
Over the years—whether reporting the news or coaching clients—I’ve found that truly effective communication boils down to a few essential elements:
Clarity – A clear message builds trust and leaves little room for misunderstanding.
Conciseness – Getting to the point keeps audiences engaged and ensures your message isn’t lost in the noise.
Active Listening – Communication is a two-way street. Listening strengthens your message and fosters real connection.
Empathy – Understanding your audience’s perspective makes your communication more relatable, more authentic, and more impactful.
Nonverbal Communication – Sometimes, how you say something speaks louder than words. Tone, facial expressions, and body language all play a role in making a message stick.
These principles shaped my work as a journalist. Now, they guide the way I help others share their stories.
From Journalism to Helping Others Communicate
For years, my job was to give a voice to other people’s stories. It was rewarding, thrilling, and endlessly interesting. But at a certain point, I realized my purpose wasn’t just in telling stories—it was in helping others tell their own.
Leaving the newsroom wasn’t easy. I loved chasing stories. I loved the adrenaline. But I knew I could make a more direct impact by working alongside people, helping them refine their messages and communicate with confidence.
Now, I work with business leaders, nonprofits, and organizations to sharpen their storytelling, clarify their messaging, and ensure their voices are heard. Watching a hesitant executive deliver a speech with newfound confidence, or seeing a nonprofit leader move an audience with their message—those moments remind me why I do this work.
Find Your Voice: A Call to Action
We all have a story to tell.
Maybe you’ve felt, as I once did, that your voice doesn’t matter. That your perspective isn’t important. That no one is listening.
But the truth is—your story matters. Your voice is powerful. And when you’re ready to use it, the impact can be remarkable.
Whether you’re leading an organization, shaping a movement, or pursuing a passion project, finding your voice is a journey. After all, the most powerful voices are the ones that dare to be heard.