MrzBeard1111

I couldn’t post on Monday. My heart wouldn’t let me.

That was supposed to be the day I shared something joyful—the official announcement of Coupled Cups Magazine and the November 11th launch. But the truth is, I couldn’t pretend.

On May 21st at 10:32 a.m., four of six board members from my last role sat across from me and—one by one—told me I wasn’t enough.

Not strategic enough. Not collaborative enough. Not “executive” enough.

Never mind the sacrifices. Never mind the sleepless nights, the grants secured, the brand rebuilt, the team restored. Never mind the fact that I walked away from a six-figure consulting firm to lead that organization because I believed in the mission. I gave them my brilliance, my body, and some days, my belief in myself. And I was terminated. Effective immediately.

The last time I felt pain that raw was when my sister called to say our father had passed.

What broke me more? Sitting in a meeting weeks earlier and hearing one of those same board members say:

"If I didn’t care about you, I wouldn’t have sent flowers to your father’s funeral."

She meant it—with her whole heart.

So if you’ve seen me quiet, I haven’t been okay. I’ve been grieving. I’ve been unlearning. I’ve been sitting in silence long enough to hear what my body has been screaming for months:

Stop performing. Stop shrinking. Stop carrying broken systems on your back.

But here’s what’s rising from the ashes:

📣 I’m launching Phoenix Arts & Advocacy Consulting—because broken boards are breaking organizations, and I’m tired. Tired of watching visionaries get gutted by poorly-formed boards and ill-prepared leadership.

Before you apply for 501(c)(3) status, before you build a budget, come build your board. Let’s get it right the first time.

📣 And yes—Coupled Cups Magazine is still coming. Our first digital issue drops 11.11.25. Ad space opens this August.

Because when God gives an assignment, He also gives rest. And strategy. And divine timing.

I’m not here to drag anyone. But I will tell the truth. Because too many of us are suffering in silence under the weight of toxic philanthropy and nonprofit martyrdom. I love my people too much to stay quiet.

So no, I didn’t lose my job.

I left a system that could no longer hold the fullness of who I am.

And now, I’m building something better.

For the work and the why.

What. A. Weekend.

Last Friday marked the start of my Female Empowerment, Star-Studded Weekend Wrap-Up—and I’m still carrying the joy in my spirit.

I kicked things off at Cheryl Polote Williamson’s Women of Influence Luncheon, surrounded by some of the fiercest, most faith-filled women I’ve ever encountered. Their stories, resilience, and grace reminded me just how powerful women truly are when we lead with purpose and pour into one another.

Then I stepped onto the red carpet for the Broadway production of Othello—and it was nothing short of legendary. To stand among icons and changemakers, to witness a Black-led production claim space on a Broadway stage, and to know that Jubilee Theatre was a proud investor in it… that was a moment I’ll never forget.

Throughout the weekend, I met some of life’s biggest superheroes—women who have shattered ceilings, lifted others, and led boldly. My heart is full, my soul is fed, and my faith in our collective brilliance is stronger than ever.

Here’s to every woman using her light to brighten someone else’s path. I see you. I celebrate you.

My stylist talked me into trying honey gold instead of one of the bold, vivid colors I rocked during most of my first season as Managing Director at Jubilee Theatre. At first, I thought, “This is too safe… too expected.”

But what I didn’t see coming was how perfect it would be for this new season.

The honey gold paired with a bold red lip has become my power look—just right for the fundraising streets I’m about to hit. I’ve got a $75K goal over the next 4 months, and that means meetings, strategic partnerships, and showing up with purpose and polish.

First stop: New York City.
Othello opening weekend as an investor.

Stay tuned for red carpet moments. We’re just getting started.