Today we’d like to introduce you to Toshia Shaw.
Toshia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m in the business of helping people, professionally and personally.
I like to say that, I’m a Spiritual Girl in a Clinical World. By day, I work as a trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker Intern (CSW-I) in Las Vegas, Nevada. My expertise hails in trauma specifically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and crisis intervention.
As a human services professional I specialize in behavioral health, holistic mental health, energy mind-body healing, and social justice. I help those experiencing emotional trauma to move on and heal permanently and completely.
In the year 2020, I founded an emergency housing program for gxrls ages 16-20 who were victimized by commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC) and human trafficking in Las Vegas, Nevada. But prior to that in the year 2010 I created, Purple W.I.N.G.S., (Women Inspire Noble Girls Successfully) or simply, PWs. PWs is a gender-specific and focused program, that works with gxrls and LGBTQI+ teens ages 12-18.
From its beginnings, the program has focused on serving under-resourced teens (lacking economic resources, family support, and opportunities), gxrls of color, who are looking for a positive role model in their lives to achieve personal, academic, and professional goals.
One of the main goals of the program is to close the gap on disparities, correct negative behaviors, address generational and racial trauma, begin the healing process, and prevent gxrls from entering or re-entering the juvenile justice system. Both programs currently operate underneath a national non-profit agency.
As a transformational spiritual and life coach, I use group/one-on-one mentoring, and retreats. and e-courses to help people from all over the world cultivate a new way of living that will enable them to attract the kind of relationships, success, and happiness that they truly deserve.
As a certified Reiki Master and energy healer, I use my intuition using the five senses to locate and correct imbalances in the energy flow within the body. I do this by focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness through reiki, sound healing, pranayama, breath alignment, and meditation classes.
My work has been showcased nationally at local events and worldwide festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). EDC is a globally renowned dance music festival and the largest brand in Insomniac’s scope of events and productions.
As a motivational and keynote speaker, I inspire people who have experienced traumatic events in their lives to overcome their past painful ordeals never give up, transform their lives, and help heal the world. I have graced countless college stages and presented to employees of major corporations such as Microsoft, and organizations around the country.
I have been a media commentator participating in television segments such as TEDx Fremont East Women, PBS’ Surviving Sin City, Trafficked No More, Red Light, Green Light; and countless online podcasts, blogs, and newspapers.
I grew up with the written word being my first love therefore, I authored The Green Light of Forgiveness: A meditation on forgiveness to take total control over your life after trauma (Purple Wings Publishing, 2016) and The Re-Awakening: A Workbook to Get Unstuck and Awaken to Your Life’s Purpose (Purple Wings Publishing, 2017).
As a Memphis native, I always stick close to my Southern roots, no matter how far life takes me. I’m a mother, grandmother, and activist for social justice and I have dedicated my life to eradicating violence against wxmen and gxrls worldwide.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having overcome my own personal encounters as a triumphant survivor of some of the most horrific crimes against humanity I am able to understand and empower others in a very unique and personal way.
Unfortunately, I’ve suffered the most right there in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Yet, I’ve learned the art of forgiveness, and redemption. Because of these two, my struggles became my foundation which helped me transform into the woman I am today. Strong, yet soft, compassionate, and above all a servant of God.
It felt wonderful to be invited to speak for the Memphis, TN Links, Inc., in 2020 to bring Human Trafficking awareness to the community. Having the ability to speak about something I am so passionate about and doing it in my hometown is something I am grateful for,
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a licensed therapist, life coach, spiritual leader, and motivational speaker.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
People can find me online at toshiashaw.com, or follow me online with a quick search of my name!
Contact Info:
- Website: toshiashaw.com
- Instagram: @ToshiaShaw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToshiaShaw1
- Twitter: @Toshia_Shaw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKVK06BovozbvE3Rv6UdyqQ
