We recently had the chance to connect with Lorene Bromfield and have shared our conversation below.
Lorene, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of building a Legacy specifically for my children and grandchildren. Family is one of THE MOST important things to me.
I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. After loosing my parents at a very young age, I knew how important it was to me as a parent to be the best mother I knew how to be. In 2019, I released my Autobiography titled Laurel in the Evergreens: Lorene’s Story of Courage, Faith and Family. In my book I share what it was like growing up without my Mother and Father and how the love of God, my faith and family helped me to succeed and become the person I am today. It is a story of determination, encouragement, faith, family and love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello. My name is Lorene Bromfield. I am….as they say here in Atlanta,” a GEORGIA PEACH and GRADY baby.” That saying still stands today especially for those who were born in Atlanta.
I grew up on the west side of Atlanta in a community called Collier Heights. It is now registered as one of Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods filled with history and Atlanta natives who helped to build the city. From civil rights leaders, and the first African American Mayor and HBCU’s graduates who’ve made history, Atlanta is a city I am proud of and have grown to love. I attended grade school at Collier Heights Elementary School, and Frederick Douglass High School. After graduating from high school, I applied to colleges around the state of Georgia and was accepted to attend the historic HBCU, Clark Atlanta University where I majored in Journalism and Communications. Famously known for one of the longest running jazz stations in the country WCLK 91.9, it was there where I learned skills in communications and journalism as a news announcer and staff writer for our college newspaper, The Panther. I am proud to add that in 2024, I was among several HBCU alumni featured in the astounding book by Sheila Moses titled “African American and Educated. The Legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” a collection of achievements and stories highlighting African American alumni who attended HBCU’S.
I embarked on a career in journalism following graduation, but later became interested in becoming an Educator.
I furthered my education and studies at Mercer University, School of Education. While raising my children which was of-course my priority, I would later learn that through my maternal love for my own children, a career in education became a passion for me which I pursued.
It was during that time where I would lead students on educational travel programs during their summer breaks to more than 5 countries earning them high school credits in World Studies.
I was proud to share this experience with our students, as they furthered their studies in learning more about diversity, culture, travel and the world.
After working in education for more than 20 years, I retired. I became an author of my first book in 2019 titled “Laurel in the Evergreens” Lorene’s Story of Courage, Faith and Family. Currently, I work part-time as a Substitute in the DeKalb County School District and volunteer for various educational organizations such as The Global Village Project, and actively involved with my church in Decatur, Ga.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer. I often share my story of surviving early breast cancer to various women groups, and organizations that promote and advocate for early breast cancer and survivors.
Today, I am a survivor of early breast cancer. My testimony to others is my way of sharing information, support and encouragement to women and men surviving breast cancer.
My hobbies are traveling, spending qualify time with family and friends and volunteering. I am passionate about my faith, GOD, and the importance of helping others.
It is because of GOD who is the author and finisher of my life and his grace and love that I am here today.
I owe my story of victory to him for his love, mercy and grace.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. The Bible teaches us that without God we cannot do anything. With God all things are possible. Scriptures in Psalms 91:2 says “the Lord is my refuge and my fortress with whom I trust.” I lean on God and my faith to shape my character, how to live, love and treat others.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some defining wounds in my life and how I healed from there were loosing my parents at an early age and surviving breast cancer, eye surgery and back surgery. All of these things were painful wounds. Wounds that left both visible and invisible scars. There’s a saying that says”your scars are symbols of what you have experienced and SURVIVED, so I wear them mine with pride.
I never allowed fear and pain, nor sadness to overcome the joy that God is always with me through all of my challenges, trials and pains. He promised victory for those that believe in him, so it is because of my faith in those challenging situations that defined my hope through healing, my joy in pain, and peace in knowing that I made it through.
The victory belongs to GOD!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all cost is kindness and respect.
We are living in times where we see that no matter our political stands or opinions, we should always treat everyone with respect, integrity and dignity. What makes us one is our ability to be honest and truthful and to stand for what is right, and stand up for the things which do not serve humanity and the rights of its people.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people will tell about me when
I am gone is that I loved life, my family, and the Lord. That I spent my time well by helping and encouraging others, believing and trusting in Gods word and that I loved to travel and experience other cultures and that I was a disciple for the Lord!
One of my philosophies is “what makes us different, makes us the same.” Explore the world because life is not meant to be lived in just one place.” “CarpeDiem” – LIVE EVERY MOMENT.”🦋
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Lorene Bromfield
- Facebook: Lorene Bromfield
- Other: Amazon.com and BookBaby.com Book
Laurel in the Evergreens
By: Lorene Bromfield
