Meet Kendra Appling | Founder & Executive Director, Awaken Voices Domestic Violence Services, Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendra Appling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in purpose, not profit.
Everything I’ve built has come from identifying a gap between what people needed and what was actually being offered especially for women and survivors whose voices are often overlooked.

As a 16-year survivor of domestic violence, I knew firsthand that survival does not end when abuse stops. Too often, services focus on crisis alone, leaving survivors without long-term support, empowerment, or pathways to rebuild their lives. I didn’t want to create another organization that checked boxes I wanted to create something that understood.

Awaken Voices Domestic Violence Services, Inc. was born from lived experience, faith, and a deep calling to turn pain into purpose. My thought process was simple but intentional: if I needed this and couldn’t find it, others needed it too. I wanted to build a survivor led, trauma informed space that offered safety, dignity, and transformation not just resources, but restoration.

Across all of my ventures, whether in media, wellness, or advocacy, my mindset has been the same: create platforms that uplift, empower, and reflect authenticity. Starting my own business allowed me to lead with integrity, center community impact, and ensure that the voices of those often silenced are not just heard but honored.

What should our readers know about your business?
Awaken Voices Domestic Violence Services, Inc. was created from lived experience, purpose, and a commitment to transformation. What sets us apart is that we are survivor led and trauma informed at our core. This is not work I learned from a textbook it is work shaped by survival, healing, and a deep understanding of what survivors truly need beyond crisis intervention.

Our organization provides free, comprehensive services including emergency shelter access, safe housing navigation, counseling, education, and long-term empowerment programming. We focus not only on safety, but on restoration helping survivors rebuild confidence, stability, and a sense of self. We also prioritize prevention through community education, partnership, and advocacy to help break generational cycles of violence.

My path to building this work was not easy. As a 16 year survivor of domestic violence, I had to overcome trauma, self-doubt, and systemic barriers while learning to lead, advocate, and build sustainable programs. There were moments when resources were limited, doors were closed, and the emotional weight of the work felt heavy. What carried me through was faith, community support, and the belief that my story could become a source of hope for others.

Along the way, I learned that resilience is built through collaboration, not isolation. I learned the importance of trusting the process, setting boundaries, and leading with integrity even when progress feels slow. Most importantly, I learned that purpose driven work requires both compassion and courage.

What I want the world to know about Awaken Voices Domestic Violence Services, Inc. and about me is that healing is possible, leadership can come from lived experience, and community impact happens when we listen to those most affected. My story is not just about survival; it is about turning pain into purpose and creating pathways for others to rise, heal, and reclaim their voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d want them to experience the soul of the city not just the attractions. Atlanta is rich in culture, creativity, and community, so the itinerary would be a mix of history, wellness, food, and vibe.

We’d start with downtown and historic Atlanta a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park to ground the trip in the legacy and resilience that shape the city. From there, we’d spend time on the Atlanta BeltLine, walking, people watching, and stopping at local spots that reflect the city’s creative energy.

For food, I’d highlight Black-owned and locally loved restaurants places that feel like home and tell a story through flavor. Think brunch spots with soul, cozy cafés for conversation, and dinner locations that blend culture and creativity. Atlanta’s food scene is about experience just as much as taste.

Wellness and connection would be a must. I’d include time for a yoga or fitness class, a walk through Piedmont Park, and maybe a pop-up or community event that brings people together. Atlanta thrives on movement, expression, and shared space.

In the evenings, we’d explore art, live music, and community driven events from spoken word and creative showcases to intimate gatherings that highlight local talent and voices. Atlanta is full of innovators, artists, and change makers, and the most exciting experiences come from being where the community is.

By the end of the week, my goal would be for them to feel Atlanta not just visit it. This city is bold, resilient, expressive, and welcoming, and the best moments happen when you lean into its people, stories, and energy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout truly belongs to the community of women, survivors, partners, and grassroots leaders who believed in the mission before it had a name, a structure, or funding.

I want to recognize the survivor community those who trusted me with their stories, stood beside me in advocacy spaces, and reminded me that healing is not meant to be done in isolation. Their courage continues to shape the work and vision of Awaken Voices.

I also want to shout out the community partners, faith leaders, nonprofits, and women led organizations across metro Atlanta who chose collaboration over competition. Their willingness to open doors, share resources, and co create solutions has been essential in building a survivor led, trauma informed network of support.

Lastly, I dedicate this shoutout to the mentors and leaders who saw potential beyond my circumstances and encouraged me to lead boldly and authentically. Their guidance affirmed that community impact is strongest when we build together.

None of this work happens alone. Every step forward has been the result of collective effort, shared belief, and a commitment to uplifting voices that too often go unheard.

Website: https://www.awakenvoices.com

Instagram: awakenvoicesinc

Linkedin: Awaken Voices Domestic Violence Services, Inc.

Facebook: Awaken Voices DV Services

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