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

Hi Yovanna, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
This is such a great question! Like with everything I do in life I have been intentional about how I parent my children, especially being that we are a blended family and my oldest son has Autism. I am intentional about how I speak to them and the words I use. I’m intentional about how I teach them about my culture. Our intentionality (my husband and I) includes being honest with them about myself and the world around them, but also informing them of how they can level up. A lot of people say: A parent can’t give their children what they didn’t have, and I disagree with that. I believe that if we are courageous and creative we can be the types of parents that we WANT to be, even if no one taught us what that looks like!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
YovannaRocks is a multihyphenate: confidence coach, mental health professional, author, transformational speaker, model, wife, and mother. As a first-generation AfroLatina woman, I know firsthand how it feels to be a unicorn in most places- a beautiful, Black, R-rolling unicorn! My greatest goal in life is to help people heal and become the highest and best versions of themselves- it’s my divine assignment. To that end, I have been a certified personal trainer and Zumba instructor. Currently, I’m Mental Health First Aid Certified and am obtaining my Master’s in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University where I have a 4.0, and graduate in May 2023.  Despite all of those accomplishments, I’ve also been abused, abandoned, betrayed, homeless, addicted to drugs, and swindled. I have a child with intellectual disabilities. I have family members I’m estranged from- so while I’m extremely proud of my accomplishments, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, depression, anxiety, and extreme despair are also very real parts of my story.

That is why I have chosen my career path- I want women to know that their pain is NOT who they are; It’s just what has happened to them. I revolve my book “The many gems in your crown: 7 ways to shine brighter” around this work. Upcoming, I’m a featured panelist at Kiana Dancie’s Baggage Claim ATL event on 12/17, and a guest speaker at AtlantaGlow’s Vision Board Workshop on 1/7. Follow me @coachyovannarocks for more upcoming events!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My friends know I LOVE to eat, unwind, and dance- but they have to come during the summer because I love the warmth! First, we’d check into The Candler Hotel. To unwind, I’d take them to Jeju Spa for a wholistic relaxing time, then we’d go eat at the Iberian Pig or Ms. Icey’s. As a Panamanian, I love Caribbean vibes so, for dancing, we’d go to Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe. I’m still learning about Atlanta, so if there are other good places to go- teach me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I dedicate this shout-out to my inner little girl! Second, my husband and children for being my rock and loving, strong foundation. Third, my community of amazing women whose light keeps the path lit for me, and last but never least: the most humble and resounding shout out to my Higher Power- I’m doing YOUR work!

Instagram: @coachyovannarocks

Linkedin: linkedin.com/yovanna-madhere

Other: My book “The Many Gems in your Crown: 7 ways to shine brighter” is Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/iWpkAxq. Podcast: Funny thing about trauma is… https://spoti.fi/3iLc3TZ

Image Credits
Kiana Dancie, Sandra Madhere Foto

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