Meet Stephanie Strickland | Author/Speaker/Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Strickland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what do you want people to remember about you?
Maya Angelou once said, “We have no idea what our legacy will be because our legacy is every life you touch.” She emphasized that our legacy is not just about what we say or do, but how we make people feel. My prayer is that the people who read my books especially women will be inspired to walk in their purpose and not be afraid to use their voice to change the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My love for writing started at an early age, and for years I dreamed about being an author who inspired women. I yearned to be like Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Nikki Giovanni. But life had different plans for me. At the age of 14 I became pregnant with my first son and by the age of 21, I had 3 sons, and I found myself in an abusive marriage for 26 years. It was not until I was in my forties, divorced that I found the courage to pursue my dream. In March of 2022 I released my debut book “Finding Peace With.” In this book I shared my story of overcoming and surviving abuse. In March of 2023, I was received Christian Literary award, for my book. Since receiving this award, I have been a guest speaker at women conferences, and on podcasts. I currently work with domestic violence centers as an advocate. This has not been an easy journey; domestic violence is not something people like to talk about; however, I feel God has placed this call on my life to be the voice for those who don’t have a voice. The lessons I have learned along the way, is to stay true to who I am. To not be afraid to speak up for what I feel is right. What I want the world to know about me is that I am not perfect, but each day I strive to do what is right. I want other victims and survivors of domestic violence, to know that you deserve a life free of abuse and full of love. There is life after abuse.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Dallas, and there are so many places to see and things to do. Some of the places we would definitely visit is Klyde Warren Park, Dallas Museum of Art, and the African American Museum. We would attend the Texas State Fair if their visit was in the month of October. Shopping we would go to NorthPark Mall. We would dine at Vegan Food House, True Food Kitchen and Casa Del Vegano. On Sunday we would attend church at Community Missionary Baptist Church in DeSoto, Texas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my aunt, Eunice High. She bought me my first composition notebook. She encouraged me to write down my thoughts and my feelings. She taught me to brave. She showed me what faith looks like. She was a beautiful, petite woman who was fierce. She was very comfortable and confident with who she was. My aunt instilled me a courageous spirit.

Website: https://stephaniedstrickland.com/

Instagram: @iamsdstrickland

Facebook: @StephanieDStrick

Image Credits
Photo – Sharise Hadnot
Cover Design – Good Ground Literary Services