I AM WOMAN 2

07/30/2026

I Am Woman2 Alumni Typhanie Winfield-Alexander is hosting another fabulous, intentional event. Check it out.

07/30/2026

I Am Woman2 Alumnis Nzima Hutchings, T’challa Williams will be hosting their 8th Hartford’s L.I.T BOOK Festival.

07/24/2026

Recovery is possible. Healing is possible. Transformation is possible.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to pour back into a place that is such an important part of my own journey. Thank you, Connecticut Valley Hospital, for welcoming me home.
From surviving to serving. From brokenness to purpose. Blessed, not bitter. 💜

07/24/2026

This Disability Awareness Month, She Speaks is honored to welcome Natalie Knighton Barksdale—an amputee, advocate, and woman whose story reflects resilience, courage, and purpose.
Too often, we focus on what someone has lost instead of the strength they've gained. Natalie is changing that narrative by reminding us that disability does not define identity, limit potential, or diminish purpose.

07/04/2026

I Am Woman2 Alumni Nzima Hutchings ( Poet Laureate) will be performing today at Hartford Bonanza. Lets give her flowers NOW..

06/22/2026

PRIDE 2026 SPOTLIGHT: BODACIOUS BRANDON

As we continue the I AM Woman 2 Pride 2026 Project, we are excited to introduce our Day 10 featured participant, Bodacious Brandon.

Brandon's journey is a powerful reflection of resilience, authenticity, and transformation. He understands that Pride is not simply about being seen; it's about remaining true to yourself through every challenge, every setback, and every victory that shapes your story.

For Brandon, Pride means standing firmly in his truth and embracing the person he was created to be. His journey has taught him that authenticity is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. By choosing to live openly and unapologetically, he demonstrates the courage it takes to remain grounded in who you are, even when life presents obstacles along the way.

Brandon describes his power as being an alchemist, someone who can transform difficult experiences into opportunities for growth, healing, and beauty. Rather than allowing hardship to define him, he uses those experiences as fuel for personal transformation and inspiration. His story reminds us that strength is often born from adversity and that some of life's greatest lessons emerge from our most challenging moments.

His purpose is rooted in uplifting others. Through his presence, his story, and his resilience, Brandon encourages people to recognize their own worth, embrace their uniqueness, and continue moving forward no matter what they may be facing. He believes that when we remain authentic and refuse to give up on ourselves, we create space for others to do the same.

This Pride Month, we celebrate Brandon for his courage, his perseverance, and his commitment to helping others discover the beauty within their own journey.

Pride grounds us in identity.
Power reminds us of our strength.
Purpose directs us toward impact.
Transformation creates growth.
Pride Month is more than celebration—it is survival, visibility, resilience, and self-acceptance.

Thank you, Brandon, for sharing your story and reminding us that even in life's most difficult moments, there is beauty to be found, lessons to be learned, and strength waiting to be discovered.

06/18/2026

06/15/2026

PRIDE 2026 SPOTLIGHT: JAYCE

As we continue the I AM Woman 2 Pride 2026 Project, we are honored to introduce our Day 7 featured participant, Jayce Bell-Jonese.

Jayce's story is one of resilience, leadership, and unapologetic authenticity. As a Black transgender man, he has learned that Pride is not just something to celebrate during one month of the year, it's a daily commitment to living boldly in his truth, even while navigating systems and spaces that were not designed with him in mind.

For Jayce, power comes from embracing exactly who he is and refusing to shrink to fit others' expectations. His existence, his visibility, and his unwavering commitment to authenticity serve as reminders that there is strength in standing firm in your identity.

But Jayce's journey extends far beyond himself.

His purpose is rooted in service. He recognizes the importance of being a source of support for those who may not have it, offering guidance, consistency, understanding, and representation to those searching for hope and belonging. Through his presence, Jayce creates pathways for others to believe that they, too, deserve to live freely and authentically.

Jayce reminds us that true leadership is not always found in grand gestures. Sometimes, it is found in simply showing up, moving with intention, and being the person you once needed for someone else.

This Pride Month, we celebrate Jayce for his courage, his advocacy, and his commitment to living a life rooted in purpose and truth.

Pride grounds us in identity.
Power reminds us of our strength.
Purpose directs us toward impact.
Visibility creates possibility.
Self-acceptance creates freedom.

Thank you, Jayce, for sharing your story and for showing us what it means to lead with authenticity, compassion, and purpose.

06/08/2026

PRIDE 2026 SPOTLIGHT: TYRIL "Vo Sounds" ✨🌈

As we continue the I AM Woman 2 Pride 2026 Project, we are proud to introduce our Day 5 featured participant, Tyril, known professionally as Vo Sounds.

Tyril's story is one of courage, authenticity, and unwavering self-acceptance. Through every challenge, every lesson, and every moment of growth, Tyril has discovered that the greatest source of power comes from simply being true to oneself.

For Tyril, Pride is rooted in the understanding that living authentically—despite criticism, misunderstanding, or judgment—has always been a superpower. Choosing to stand confidently in one's truth is not an act of rebellion; it is an act of self-love, resilience, and personal freedom.

As an artist, creator, and advocate for authenticity, Tyril uses both voice and presence to encourage others to embrace who they are without apology. Through creativity, visibility, and self-expression, Tyril demonstrates the power of living openly and the impact that authenticity can have on those searching for the courage to do the same.

Tyril reminds us that when we stop hiding and start embracing our truth, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and connection—not only for ourselves but for those watching our journey.

This Pride Month, we celebrate Tyril's strength, creativity, and commitment to living boldly, visibly, and unapologetically.

💜 Pride grounds us in identity.
💪 Power reminds us of our strength.
✨ Purpose directs us toward impact.
🌈 Visibility creates understanding.
❤️ Self-acceptance creates freedom.

Thank you, Tyril, for sharing your story and for reminding us that authenticity is one of life's greatest gifts.

06/05/2026

PRIDE 2026 SPOTLIGHT: TREE & SHEEKEELA

Love. Commitment. Legacy. These are just a few of the words that come to mind as we proudly introduce our Day 4 featured participants, Tree and SheeKeela.

As a married couple, Tree and SheeKeela's story is a beautiful reflection of what Pride can look like when two people choose to build a life rooted in love, purpose, faith, and unwavering support for one another. Their journey is not only about celebrating who they are individually but also about honoring the strength they have found together.

For Tree, Pride means walking confidently in her identity as a Black stud, grounded by the love of her wife and the shared vision they have created. Together, they have transformed challenges into strength, dreams into action, and faith into forward movement. Their relationship stands as a testament to resilience, partnership, and the power of choosing to love every single day.

Tree and SheeKeela remind us that Pride is also about family, community, and legacy. It is about creating spaces where future generations can see healthy, authentic love reflected back to them. It is about honoring those who came before us while continuing to build a future where everyone can live openly and unapologetically.

Their story is one of devotion, perseverance, and purpose—a reminder that when love is rooted in authenticity, it becomes a force powerful enough to inspire change.

This Pride Month, we celebrate Tree and SheeKeela for their courage, their commitment to one another, and the example they set for their community and beyond.

Pride grounds us in identity.
Power reminds us of our strength.
Purpose directs us toward impact.
Love creates legacy.
Pride Month is more than celebration—it is survival, visibility, family, and self-acceptance.

Thank you, Tree and SheeKeela, for sharing your journey and showing us the beauty of building a life together rooted in love, faith, and purpose.