Meet Monika Thornton | Founder & Tech Professional

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

Hi Monika, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Powerful Beginnings was a vision that came from wanting women to see that there is life after trauma and after leaving an abusive relationship. I shared my story of abuse on social media in 2014 and received an outpouring of support and stories of other women going through similar relationships while feeling alone. As a survivor of Domestic Violence, you lose so much of yourself in the process of trying to leave the relationship so having proper resources that help victims navigate the next steps in their life will provide a renewed focus on self-love and personal goals. I am passionate about helping others discover their best self, regain their self awareness, and understand how to emotionally heal from things that have kept them from showing up as their best self and a big part of Powerful Beginnings’ mission is to work on the internal impact abuse has created and ensure victims are able to live free of guilt and shame. Founding an organization that is dedicated to addressing the impact of Domestic Violence on women and men in different communities was a goal that I didn’t completely know how to navigate but I knew that we had so many community partnerships and networks that could all come together to address a growing issue in numerous communities.

What should our readers know about your business?
Powerful Beginnings advocates on behalf of victims of Domestic Violence as they chart a new beginning in their life. We work with survivors that come from very different backgrounds and each situation is never the same. Our biggest challenges were helping each client create a safety plan that is tailored to their situation during the most critical and dangerous time in an abusive relationship which is when the victim decides to leave the relationship for good. This service is developed on a 1 on 1 basis and building a foundation of trust with each client takes time and proper communication. We set ourselves apart by connecting and equipping client with proper skills, transitional resources, and employments opportunities through partnerships with tech companies that offer “Returnship” programs that supports adults who have taken time away from their careers and are interested in re-entering the workforce. The organization provides transitional services such as counseling, resume building, interview skills, job training, housing placement, temporary housing assistance that will provide a foundation for victims and survivors to rebuild the necessary tools needed to live free of abuse and build financial freedom.
Through strategic community partnerships, Powerful Beginnings raises awareness, provides transitional services, and educates community members about ways to address Domestic Violence and Teen Dating Violence. We advocate to help the community identify the signs of abuse which will help survivors receive referrals and supportive assistance to use both the civil and criminal justice system. Advocacy within the legal and human services systems is provided for any client or resident in need of such support.

Through my own personal story, experience, and organizational work done we want to inspire other victims and survivors that you are not alone and that we understand the necessary tools needed to break the cycle of Domestic Violence. We understand that intimate partner relationships that result in abuse cause damage emotionally, mentally, and physically to the victim and as an organization our focus is to create change in communities and eliminate the stigma around speaking out against Domestic Violence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Transitioning from Georgia to Seattle, WA two years ago has provided me a great opportunity to get to know a city that has so many misconceptions about it. The state of Washington as a whole is beautiful and has so many majestic views so its a no brainer that its so many amazing things to do and see while you are here. I love great art so the first stop would be the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle. The museum celebrates Black experiences in America while highlighting the amazing work of artists located in the Pacific Northwest. You can’t come to Seattle and not try some of the amazing food. Seattle is the home of the first Starbucks location so we would visit the Seattle Starbucks Reserve Roastery which is such a immersive experience on how the coffee is crafted. With a little caffeine in our system we would go to Communion Seattle, a black owned restaurant that provides innovative soul food and a vibe that feels like home. One of the things I was missing from Georgia was a great Sunday brunch and Communion Seattle delivered exactly what I needed. Seattle is known for its amazing views so next up would be the Seattle Space Needle where we would get a 360 degree view of Seattle from their 605 feet tall observation decks. We would be able to see the beautiful bodies water and hopefully on a clear day get a view of the magnificent Mt. Rainier.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Starting a business whether for profit or nonprofit there is a level of sacrifice that it takes to build the foundation and establish a consistent focus on growing the business. I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to my board members Lacey Varnell and La’Quita Robinson. As the organization grew year after year, these amazing women dedicated their time, resources, and funds to ensuring we created a footprint in our local community. They were a vital part of the organization’s growth, reach, and day to day functions. Working with victims that have went through traumatic events is triggering at times and during those overwhelming moments they allowed me the space to navigate my emotions while showing up for the clients that needed the organization in their most vulnerable times. We would not be where we are as an organization without their leadership, commitment, and heart for others.

Website: www.PowerfulBeginnings.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/believeinurpower?utm_medium=copy_link

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/monikathornton

Twitter: http://twitter.com/monikathorton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monika.thornton

Other: Powerful Beginnings Instagram : https://instagram.com/powerful_beginnings?utm_medium=copy_link

Image Credits
Henry Eiland Photography