Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela D. Wharton.
Hi Angela D., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Baltimore City by a single Mother. My Mom did the very best that she could to raise my brother and me, who are nine years apart–I am the oldest. Although we didn’t have everything we wanted, Mom made sure we had everything we needed to thrive. There were times when Mom left us alone so that she could go to work, and one particular evening while she was working turned into a nightmare for me.
I am a Survivor of sexual assault at the age of 14 at the hands of the person my mother was dating at the time and rape at gunpoint in the woods at the age of 24. By the Grace of God, I was able to heal and reach back to empower others like me to do the same.
During my recovery phase from the second experience, I spent countless hours praying, studying scripture, and seeking God for answers. Since I was able to make it out alive, I knew that God had a plan for me—there was something that I had to do with this experience. During my nightly prayer, God revealed the vision of Phynyx Ministries to me from start to finish. God said you are the Phoenix rising from the ashes, and so are those you will help heal. He said you will be the Founder of Phynyx Ministries. I am going to heal you from sexual violence, and then you will go forth and help heal those who are suffering in silence.
You will be a light to those who are living in darkness as a result of rape, molestation, sexual abuse, sexual assault. You will help those who are living with the pain of their past that is manifested in their present.
In June 2011, I answered the call to birth Phynyx Ministries. We are a Christian-based sexual assault wellness ministry that provides a pathway to healing for women sexual assault survivors with love, support, advocacy, and education. We provide a safe space for women sexual assault survivors to break their silence, move toward healing, and thrive in God.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road by any stretch of the imagination. I had countless struggles along the way, such as depression, suicidal ideation, low self-worth, anger/rage issues, unhealthy relationships, and psychological issues. What I mean by psychological issues is that the last words the perpetrator said during the rape was that I better not scream, go to the police or tell anyone–he knows what kind of car I drove and that he would find me and kill me. I did everything he told me not to, so in my mind I thought he was waiting for a chance to “sniper” me from the rooftop of the building across the street. I was terrified and would not leave the house.
It’s only by the grace of God that I am still here on this side of Heaven to write my story in an effort to inspire and give hope to others who have been abused or raped.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
God has blessed me to become a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, and women’s advocate. I empower women sexual assault survivors to rise above their trauma and thrive in God. I specialize in providing safe spaces where survivors can break their silence without judgment, shame, or blame. I am known for being a powerful voice for survivors who are not yet ready to break their silence and for fighting for justice for us (survivors). I am most proud of sharing my story in support of the Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act of 2018, which was signed into law by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. And sharing my story in support of the Mandatory Rape Kit Testing Bill, which was signed into law by former Gov. Hogan in 2019. This testimony stemmed from being made aware that the local police department destroyed all of my rape evidence, including my untested rape kit. This lit a fire in me to fight to put a law in place so that this does not happen to survivors going forward. Both laws give survivors a better chance at obtaining justice after suffering such a horrible violation.
Down through the years, God has also blessed us to host multiple initiatives such as Bags of Blessings, Journals of Joy, Teal Sunday, The Red Tape Gala, and our Phynyx Prayer Breakfast. Each event or initiative benefitted survivors of sexual assault/abuse.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
As a Believer of Christ in my opinion, there’s no such thing as luck. The Bible records in Jeremiah 29:11 that, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Whether I’ve had wins or challenges in my life and business, God has been there. For example, during the rape at 24 years old. There was a point where God had taken my spirit out of my body and up with him where I had an aerial view of the devastation that was being done to my body. Some may refer to that as dissociation; however, I view it as my “God Encounter.”
Even in business, there have been times when financial, staff, and meeting space challenges arose, but I remained steadfast in my faith, and God saw me through those challenges, and the survivors were blessed. On the flip side, during times when we were winning in business and hitting all of our goals, God was there as well. I believe that God has orchestrated my life and that we encounter Him in so many ways; however, we must have a relationship with Him to take part in these experiences and not overlook them.
Contact Info:
- Website: angelawharton.com
- Instagram: @angela_empowers
- Facebook: angela.d.wharton
- Youtube: @angelad.wharton8312
Image Credits
Personal photo credit: Derek Chase of The Photo Chase, Inc.
