Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayonna Harrison. They and their team shared their story with us below:
The incredible achievements and inspiring journey of Ayonna Harrison, a remarkable college student and public speaker. Ayonna’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity, making her an exceptional individual deserving of media recognition.
Ayonna recently won first place in the state of Georgia for extemporaneous speaking and second place for impromptu speaking. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her the opportunity to represent her state at the national level, where she placed an impressive sixth and seventh in the nation for impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speaking, respectively. These achievements alone are a testament to Ayonna’s exceptional public speaking skills and her ability to thrive under pressure.
What makes Ayonna’s story even more extraordinary is the fact that she accomplished all of this while battling domestic violence and homelessness with her two children. Despite facing these immense challenges, Ayonna’s unwavering determination allowed her to participate in these competitions and excel. Her tenacity and courage make her an exemplary role model for others, demonstrating that no obstacle is insurmountable.
Ayonna’s accomplishments extend beyond her speech competitions. Within her college, she was recognized as Club President of the Year, a testament to her leadership skills and dedication to the organizations she is involved in. Additionally, she received eight honor cords for her upcoming graduation in May, a clear demonstration of her commitment to academic excellence.
Now, Ayonna has embarked on a new journey as a public speaker, sharing her experiences as a foster youth within the foster care system, advocating for education and mental health, and discussing her aspirations in the business world. Her daily grind is working with businesses and individuals to form strategic partnerships and provide business development strategies involving social media audits, branding audits, organizational behavior, employee training, performance management, and developing the company’s Corporate social responsibilities and campaigns promoting their CSR, etc.
In her own personal endeavors, she has founded a startup L3C business called Transportation Benefits Elite Group Corporation, with a vision to provide resources and strategic solutions to individuals in the transportation industry. Ayonna’s personal experiences in the transportation and logistics sector have exposed her to various challenges, and she aims to drive meaningful change through her endeavors.
With her speaking engagements, Ayonna hopes to inspire and empower others while raising awareness of the importance of strategic partnerships in business and crucial topics such as driver safety and health, leadership, domestic violence, fostercare, etc. Her unique perspective, coupled with her determination to implement positive change, make her an ideal subject for a compelling and impactful segment.
Ayonna’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, and sharing it would contribute to fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my professional journey, I must acknowledge that it has not been a smooth road. Throughout the process, I have experienced significant highs and lows, encountering various challenges along the way. One of the most prominent obstacles has been balancing the responsibilities of being a single mother while simultaneously dealing with the complexities of domestic violence. These personal challenges added considerable stress to my efforts of building businesses and completing my education.
Moreover, I faced the difficulty of lacking familial support for my endeavors. Some family members were unable to comprehend or appreciate my vision, which led to a lack of encouragement and understanding. This situation often made me feel like I was on my own, without the crucial backing that one might hope for from their loved ones. Unfortunately, there were instances where jealousy and animosity arose due to my achievements, which strained relationships.
Navigating through such circumstances proved emotionally taxing, as it involved overcoming the negativity and judgment of others. Many individuals felt entitled to share their opinions about my actions, yet rarely offered constructive solutions or genuine support. This forced me to recognize the importance of distinguishing between those who truly wished for my success and those who merely sought personal gain or opportunism.
As a result of these challenges, I underwent a process of personal growth and self-realization. I learned to prioritize forging meaningful bonds with like-minded individuals and establishing strategic partnerships with those who shared my vision. It became evident that blood relations did not necessarily guarantee support or shared aspirations. Thus, I made conscious decisions to surround myself with individuals who embraced my goals and supported my journey.
In summary, my professional path has been marked by significant hurdles, including the trials of being a single mother facing domestic violence, the lack of family support, and the need to discern genuine supporters from opportunists. Nonetheless, these challenges have facilitated personal growth and led me to form invaluable connections with those who believe in my vision and contribute to my continued success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Ayonna Harrison is an entrepreneur and specializes in developing strategic partnerships with business owners and entrepreneurs.
I am known for my public speaking skill, placing first place in the state of Georgia for extemporaneous speaking and second place for impromptu speaking. And coming in 6th and 7th place Nationally.
What sets me apart from others is that I am unapologetically me. My upbringing and experiences in poverty and adversity helped shape who I am. I am not afraid to speak on situations. I understand that code-switching is an important talent and I can relate to those who come from poverty and my education allows me to converse with people who are opposite and have a greater intellectual capacity.
Ayonna Harrison is the brand. I am a 6’3 tall and I embrace everything about myself. I am confident and I know I have a voice that people want to hear. I see great things in my future. I love everyone and want to empower everyone in every way that I can.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I must state that while there is no single specific book, app, podcast, or blog that I rely on exclusively to do my best, I employ various methods and strategies to enhance my performance and well-being. In my daily life, I leverage the vast resources available on the World Wide Web, seeking inspiration and knowledge to continuously learn and create.
My approach involves exercising discernment to make well-informed decisions, taking into account both practical and intuitive factors. Additionally, I remain attentive to signs and cues from both the physical and spiritual realms, finding guidance and wisdom in the world around me.
Furthermore, I consider my own inner dialogue and thoughts as a valuable resource. I recognize the power of self-talk, ensuring that I maintain a positive and constructive mindset, not only toward myself but also towards others. This attitude of positivity fosters a conducive environment for growth and progress.
In summary, my journey toward achieving my best self involves a multifaceted approach that draws inspiration from the digital landscape, intuition, and self-affirming communication. This holistic approach empowers me to continuously strive for excellence and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: AyonnaHarrison.com
- Instagram: Ayonnaharrison
- Facebook: Ayonna Harrison
- Linkedin: Ayonna Harrison
- Twitter: Ayonna_Harrison
- Youtube: Ayonna Harrison
Image Credits
Jonathan Simmon with Shutter Simmons Photography Ke’nosha Swinney with Shots by Ke’nosha
