Today we’d like to introduce you to Xaviar Battle-Wallace – Senior Events Coordinator at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, I moved to Atlanta in the summer of 2017. I spent my entire life in Mobile and felt like I was ready for a change, or so I thought. Upon moving here I immediately began my job search and after 6 long months I found a new job opportunity. In all honesty, it was definitely not the position I wanted or the path I had planned out for myself but little did I know this would be the beginning of the wildest roller coaster ride that life has ever taken me on.
Shortly after securing my first opportunity (that started as a part-time position), I decided it was time for a 2nd job. I applied for another part time position at an organization very close to my then current job and was called for an interview but ultimately I didn’t make the cut…the first time. I continued to apply with several companies but had no luck. Over time my position at that time turned into a full time opportunity (I still kept an eye out for a second job) and just as that happened the position I interviewed for opened back up and I applied again. I received another invite to interview. When I arrived the HR Manager immediately said “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
After my interview I was offered the position on the spot.
The entire year of 2018 I worked 2 jobs, 7 days a week for almost the entire year. This was not an ideal situation for me because I had never been put in that position to have to work two jobs but it was a humbling situation for me to be in. Towards the end of 2018, I decided it was time to relocate downtown since I was commuting to that side of town every day anyway.
In December 2018, I applied for an apartment and was approved fairly quickly. Once again, I made a plan but what I didn’t plan for was when God was about to turn my world upside down.
I listen to a lot of inspirational podcasts but I found one lead by Pastor Toure’ Roberts and Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts. What I didn’t realize is how one podcast episode would bring me to such a pivotal point in my life. The episode titled “Promotion has a Process” was so touching and brought me to tears the very first time I listened but I felt like I was listening to a narration of my life. One thing that stuck with me was –“My faith has an end. The end is: victory, healing, provision and breakthrough. My faith is not blind or empty faith.”
This hit me hard because this was the reminder I needed. My faith had been all over the place in 2018 and in 2017 I even remember sitting in the driveway one day on the phone with my mom balling my eyes out because I was sure I made the wrong decision in moving to Atlanta as nothing was panning out for me ….for a while.
In January of 2018, I was settled into my new place and making progress but of course I was beyond burnt out on working multiple jobs. At the end of January, I met with my boss at my newest job not knowing what the meeting was about. On that particular day I was promoted to the Senior Events Coordinator and in that one moment, I felt like my entire journey of struggling at times and trying to figure life out was worth it all. I was able to quit the first job opportunity I was given when I moved here and transition into my newest job as a full time employee. Since my promotion, I have been so blessed in my new role and have learned so much about the event industry in Atlanta, the non-profit world here in the city but most importantly I learned so much more about myself.
Has it been a smooth road?
From June 2017 to January 2019, my faith was tested, my emotions were tested, my patience was tested, my mental health was tested. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when I packed up my life and moved but I was wrong. I thought I had somewhat of a plan but I really was wrong. My only plan was to be diligent in the application process and remain level headed throughout it all….God took my world and turned it upside down. He gave me one choice, to choose Him and trust Him with it all without knowing what was happening next.
I can admit that I struggled with depression and secluded myself from friends and family with hopes of coming out on the other side much stronger and…. here I am.
This journey opened my eyes to the severity of mental health. My depression was my responsibility.
Over time I’ve experience moments that I already knew to be true:
1. It’s ok to NOT be ok.
2. It’s ok to take a moment and step away.
3. It’s ok to NOT make myself available to people.
4. I have to not only choose me first but also show up for myself every single day.
For so long, I didn’t trust joy because I was use to being met with disappointment right after. I constantly relived moments from the past and to prepare myself for the disappointment, I stopped accepting joy altogether. I eventually came to terms with reality in understanding, disappointment I experienced before was an isolated situation that has come and gone. I had to stop the replay. I had to accept that, that moment wasn’t coming anymore and it’s ok for me to bask in joy. This isn’t to say that I won’t experience disappointment again because I will, that’s life. It’s to say that when I am met with it, I now recognize that even in disappointment I will focus on the joy instead.
In 2017, I moved here with no solid idea of what to do next.
In 2018, I went on the biggest emotional roller coaster life could possibly take me on.
When January 2019 was just around the corner, God had set me up with a life I never imagined having.
For anyone that needs it, STAY DOWN UNTIL YOU COME UP. Keep your expectations eye level with God’s promises. He’s not leaving you or letting you down.
Tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I work for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights as the Senior Events Coordinator. Not only do I focus on the planning and execution of events I also push sales. I have worked with some of the most amazing clients ever and some of them I never, in a million years thought I would come in contact with.
Working at the Center, I am most proud of what we stand for. We stand for Civil AND Human Rights. Everyone deserves the same opportunities and I am honored to be apart of a team that has made it their mission to reflect, inspire and transform society around us by starting right here in Atlanta.
I feel like my determination sets me apart but I also think the level of transparency I now have sets me apart as well. I am no longer afraid to tell my story.
The most important thing for me in my new role is to remain teachable because what better way to make it to the top? Especially when you have a great teacher.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Atlanta! I wasn’t a total stranger to the city when I moved so it wasn’t too hard to make my way around. I love the hustle of the city but also the tight knit communities throughout as well, it gives it an even balance.
The only thing I don’t care for here is the traffic but to be fair, I don’t have to commute anywhere other than walking across the street from home to work. 🙂
Overall, the city is a great place for people to jump off the porch. The opportunity is here but you have to be driven. Being here has shown me I got this; with the faith I have in myself & God and the ambition I’m carrying with me, I’m doing this.
