Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronika Ward.
Ronika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story started back when I was seven years old when I and my siblings were placed into child protective custody due to my mother’s drug addiction. My whole life changed going from a normal childhood to being placed in group homes until they find placement. Growing up in Baltimore, I watch the whole city turn upside down with drug addiction and crime. It wasn’t just my home it was the whole community that had fallen apart. The parents were fulltime drug addicts and losing their sons to the drug trade and crime. It left us without mothers and fathers and losing our brothers to the system. My social worker suggested that I start journaling my thoughts.
At this point, I couldn’t trust anyone my life had turned upside down. My mother was a full-time addict and turned her kids over to the state. It was four of us at the time and we all had different fathers, so we were all separated from each other. I completely change as a child when something so traumatic happen. I became angry and cold. Over the years, after being placed in group homes and shelter. I kept writing I had so much hurt and pain built up. After I lost my sister to gang violence, I published my first book “Something To Make A Bird Sing” it’s a memoir of my life. My testimony to help another woman to heal what I been through. I also started an organization called Our Sisters Project Inc. OSP is a 5013(c) non-profit where we Empower, Inspire and Educate young woman. We help with self-love and making positive healthy choices. We also promote freedom from violence.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This is road has been very challenging, but my passion for me making a difference is priceless. If I could just change one life my soul is satisfied. Through the workshops that we do and make an impact is the most rewarding. Funding for our programs has been challenging.
Our Sisters Project Inc. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our Sister’s Project (OSP) is a 501©3 nonprofit prevention organization designed to help the youth make positive and healthy choices through mentorship, self-esteem workshops, charter development and the promotion of entrepreneurship, training, and building sisterhood.
Ronika Ward, our Founder, and Executive Director bring real-life experience to OSP. Ronika comes from childhood and young adulthood beset with lack of parental involvement due to substance abuse, fluctuating through the foster care system, and gang violence that ultimately led to the untimely killing of her younger sister. The tragedy lost of her sister left a burning desire to help as many young women as possible to prevent mistakes and encourage wiser decisions by being a “sister.”
Her life serves as an example of God’s mercy and the ability to overcome and survive obstacles. She is now a successful businesswoman, Author, mother, and dedicated to giving back to youth. Her experiences give her a unique advantage to relate, speak candidly, and educate young women about the importance of making healthy life choices.
Our services include; seminars, vision board parties, healing workshops, and retreats throughout the state of Georgia and beyond.
OSP is dedicated to, “the butterfly effect”; the facilitation of growth in our program from caterpillars into beautiful butterflies.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
How do I find success? When you set a goal and you execute. I also define success as overcoming what you thought that was impossible.
Pricing:
- “Something to Make A Bird Sing ” is available on Amazon for $20
- Speaking Engagements range from $75-$1500
- OSP Program – $ 300-600
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oursistersproject.com
- Phone: 404-590-0677
- Email: makeabirdsing@gmail.com
- Instagram: Author Ronika Ward
- Facebook: Author Ronika Ward
- Twitter: Ronika ward
- Other: youtube. Ronika ward
Image Credit:
Derek White
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