The Journey Behind Determined to Be Free™

My story began on the South Side of Chicago, where I grew up in low-income housing as the oldest of six children. My upbringing taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of family.

However, life did not always unfold the way I imagined.

Over the years, I experienced broken marriages, financial struggles, disappointments, and seasons of uncertainty. As a mother of five, I understood the challenges of balancing family responsibilities while trying to create a better future.

There were moments when I questioned what would come next, but even during those difficult seasons, I believed there was more for my life.

In 2001, after being away from school for nineteen years, I made a decision that would change the direction of my life. I returned to college.

I was not a traditional student. I was a mother with responsibilities, challenges, and dreams that I had placed on hold.

Returning to school required sacrifice, determination, and faith. Yet, I refused to allow my circumstances or my age to determine what I could accomplish.

By 2008, I had earned my associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. In 2019, I earned a second master’s degree in Christian Ministry Leadership from Liberty University.

Those degrees represented more than academic accomplishments. They were reminders that it is never too late to begin again.

I accepted Christ at the age of ten, and my faith has remained an important part of my journey.

There have been seasons when I did not understand what God was doing or why certain things were happening in my life. But I continued to hold on to His promises.

One Scripture that has guided me is Romans 8:28, which reminds me that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

I have learned that faith does not mean life will be without challenges. It means trusting God even when the road ahead is uncertain.

Looking back, I recognize that some of my most difficult experiences helped prepare me for the work I am doing today.

As an educator, minister, author, and empowerment coach, I have spent much of my life encouraging others.

I have encountered individuals who struggle with fear, discouragement, low confidence, and the daily pressures of life. In many of their experiences, I recognized parts of my own story.

I began to understand that my purpose was not simply to overcome my personal challenges but to use what I had learned to help others.

This realization led me to establish Break Free Empowerment Group, LLC.

Through Break Free Ministry, Break Free Academy, books, devotionals, and personal development opportunities, my vision is to encourage, educate, and empower individuals to recognize their God-given potential.

My mission is to help people break free from the daily pressures and struggles of life so they can walk in freedom, faith, and purpose.

Today, I am still learning, growing, and trusting God for the next chapter of my life.

I have learned that success is not simply measured by degrees, titles, or accomplishments. It is also measured by the lives we touch, the people we encourage, and our willingness to walk in the purpose God has given us.

I do not share my story because my life has been perfect. I share it because I believe someone needs to know that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.

If there is one thing I hope you take away from my journey, it is this: