Positive Sister: Monica Steele-Taylor

Monica Steele-Taylor was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and Camden, New Jersey. She is the oldest of five children.  She is a student of “LIFE.” She likes to travel, spend quality time with family, watch movies, go to plays, read & write poetry and exercise occasionally! She is a wife, mother, grandmother, career woman & domestic violence advocate. 

We interviewed Monica for the Positive Sisters edition of www.shalenadiva.com and here are her answers on life and her work with domestic violence advocacy.

Please list a quote or motto you live by and state why.

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” 

If a woman knows her value, her self worth (what she means to herself and what she means to others) her self esteem will radiate and exude with confidence in anything and everything that she does. To be of value is to be cherished and respected.

Describe your platform: what issues are you passionate about and why? Who is your target audience?

My passion and purpose in life is to spread awareness on domestic violence. I desire to help women get out of abusive relationships safely. I educate women by sharing the resources that are out there because many of them do not have the resources available to make informed decisions on how to safely get out abusive situations. I have a special interest in Teen Dating Abuse because it needs to be exposed and the educational system needs to implement programs and resources in the schools to educate teachers and faculty as well as the students.

What motivated you to help this group of people?  Do any of your own life experiences play a role? 

I have a special burden to help young women in the age range of 17-23 years of age. I was physically & emotionally abused by my daughter’s father, but I got out of that relationship. I am a proud “SURVIVOR” of domestic violence. My daughter is a “SURVIVOR” of domestic violence, too. And I thank GOD for delivering us every day! “GOD” is my motivator because He has led me to this point in my life where I have the desire and passion to reach out to other women that are in abusive relationships and need to get out of them. I also want to reach out to other “SURVIVORS” to empower, encourage, motivate and educate each other. I want victims and “SURVIVORS” of domestic violence to know that they are not alone.

How do you serve your target market? Do you have a website, radio show, television show, business, organization, etc?

I am a volunteer Domestic Violence Responder in Burlington County, NJ. (Click here for details on how to become a dv responder.) I have a Domestic Violence Awareness page on Face Book. I am also an active volunteer with the “Love Yourself Campaign” in Philadelphia, Pa. My future dream & plans are to have a domestic violence foundation and to open up a shelter for women & children of domestic violence.

Motivational work is not one size fits all. How did you develop your unique way of serving? What makes your work different?

My motivation comes from “GOD” who lives in my heart. It’s called passion and my purpose in life. Besides loving my husband, children, grandchildren, mother & sisters, I also love “MYSELF.” and I also love to help people. I want to make a difference in someone’s life and I will do anything I can to get them there.

Did you have any initial fears or concerns that you had to overcome when pursuing your passion?

My fear was stepping outside of the box, out of my comfort zone, and telling my story.  I didn’t know how people would respond to my story. I initially feared that they would judge me. To be honest, I used to be ashamed and embarrassed about my domestic violence experience, but I’m overcome that instantly because no one can judge me, but GOD! I can proudly say I have gone through struggles in my life to get where I am now and I wouldn’t trade that for the world. Because of that boldness, I don’t mind sacrificing my time to help others to overcome what GOD blessed me to overcome. 

If your motivational work is a business also, how much money did you need to get started? Did you use any creative funding sources? Did you need any certifications or licenses?

I am a certified Domestic Violence Responder.

How can people reach you to learn more about what you do? Are you or your business on Facebook? Twitter? Linked In? Please list.

Face Book:  www.facebook.com/silenttearsenddv 
Twitter:  @SilentTears84  
Website:  (under construction) www.silenttearsdv.com  
Email:  [email protected]

What brings you the most joy from your work? Any struggles?

Knowing that I can save someone’ life! You never know what kind of impact you have in someone’s life.

Any advice you’d like to offer to anyone interested in your line of work?

Listen to “GOD” and follow your heart!  You will know when you are called to do his work! 🙂

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