Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Danielle Sisney
Bridget Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Muhammad Ali: “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”
I was born in the heart of Jackson, MS, with deep roots in the MS Delta. From an early age, my parents, along with my extended family, wove into my upbringing the core values of faith, family, education, and community service.
My journey has been shaped by diverse experiences that strengthened my confidence and shaped my character. So many of my childhood experiences equipped me with the soft skills that I rely on daily in both my professional and entrepreneurial roles. Whether it was delivering the weekly message at Sunday School, a responsibility that nurtured my public speaking and leadership abilities, participating in the Future Educators of America program in middle school, which ignited my passion for education, or taking on leadership roles such as student body president and cheer captain in high school, which honed my organizational and team-building skills. In college, I proudly served as a student body chaplain and National Pan-Hellenic president, experiences that further deepened my commitment to service and leadership.
These formative years were incredibly influential, laying the groundwork for the person I am today. They instilled in me resilience, empathy, and a profound sense of responsibility. The confidence and skills I developed during those early years have been pivotal in my professional and personal growth, enabling me to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with grace and determination.
For over three decades, I have dedicated myself to a life of continuous learning and impactful service. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from (HBCU) Dillard University, I moved to Memphis to teach science in the Memphis City Schools. My passion for community involvement led me to join civic organizations such as the Memphis Urban League Young Professionals and the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I also immersed myself in leadership development through programs like New Memphis Embark, Leadership Memphis FastTrack, and Nexus, and I am honored to serve as a Senior Fellow in global citizenship with the Melton Foundation.
My connection to the Memphis community deepened further when I embarked on yoga teacher training. This journey opened new avenues for me to serve, and today I lead community and private yoga classes, group sessions, workshops, and private sessions offering yoga, Pilates, and sound bath meditations. These practices not only enhance physical well-being but also foster mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Ultimately, I’ve discovered that my true calling lies in working alongside others to champion and advocate for the needs of my community. This realization fuels my passion and inspires me to continue making a positive impact every day. It’s a journey of growth, connection, and unwavering dedication that I am deeply grateful for.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There have been bumps and challenges along the way, but I’ve learned to embrace them as part of the process. From juggling responsibilities and managing setbacks to navigating the uncertainties of life, each challenge has been a valuable lesson in resilience and determination.
There were times when I felt overwhelmed and moments when I doubted my path. However, what keeps me going is the realization that my good days far outweigh the bad ones. This perspective is a constant reminder that there’s always a silver lining, even in the toughest times.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying positive and finding strength in adversity. This mindset encourages me to pay the positivity forward and help wherever I can. I’ve found that extending a helping hand not only uplifts others but also reinforces my own sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Each struggle has taught me empathy and the value of community. I’ve come to understand that we’re all in this together, and supporting each other can make a world of difference. My experiences have shaped me into a more compassionate and driven individual, always ready to lend a hand and make a positive impact.
So, while the road has had its rough patches, I’m grateful for the journey and the growth it has brought. It’s these experiences that inspire me to keep moving forward and to continue making a difference in the lives of those around me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Wow, what do I do?! That’s a big question. LOL I’ll do my best to share! Professionally, I’m honored to work at New Memphis, a dynamic leadership development nonprofit that’s dedicated to developing, activating, and retaining talent in Memphis. New Memphis’ unapologetic commitment to the talent of people and the importance of being a continuous learners drew me in- a decision I’m glad I’ve made. In my role as the Director of Leadership Programs, I have the privilege of spearheading our young professional program, Embark, supporting the incredible leader of our mid-career professional program, Fellows, and helping to grow our organization’s community activation efforts.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is that I get to focus on the very program that played a key role in making me a proud ‘Memphian by choice’ almost 10 years ago when I completed the Embark program myself. It’s a full-circle moment that continually inspires me and reinforces my passion for this work.
Before I joined New Memphis, my professional journey was deeply rooted in education and educational equity. I spent a rewarding decade working in various educational capacities- as a school teacher and later with the national nonprofit Teach for America. These experiences were profoundly transformative and continue to shape my approach to leadership and community engagement.
On the entrepreneurial front, I might be best recognized for my wellness company, which I founded eight years ago. It all began with me teaching yoga to my classroom students and fellow teachers, and it has since blossomed into a comprehensive wellness company. Today, I offer yoga, mindfulness, and Pilates services for both students and adults, along with coaching, workshops, and professional development for mindful leaders. My wellness work is a true labor of love and a testament to my commitment to holistic well-being.
In essence, I like to tell people that I wake up every day with a deep sense of purpose, using all my talents to serve and uplift my community. It’s really more than just work to me—it’s an honor, a calling, and a source of immense joy. I genuinely love every aspect of what I do!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Instead of attributing my journey to luck, I believe that my faith has been the guiding force in both my life and my business. I am incredibly grateful to have had so many remarkable mentors whose lives are deeply rooted in their faith. Whether they were pastors, Sunday School teachers, professors, bosses, friends, family, or any other title, these individuals have profoundly shaped my path and provided unwavering support at every turn. A true example of how God uses each of us to touch a life.
Their wisdom, compassion, and faith have been a constant source of inspiration. Each of them, in their unique way, has imparted invaluable lessons and offered guidance that has guided my journey. The presence of so many supportive people in my life has been a true blessing, and their prayers and encouragement have fortified my spirit, and do so daily.
Because of God’s grace and guidance, I am where I am today. My faith has been the foundation of my resilience and success, and it continues to inspire me to strive for excellence in all that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellnesswithbridget.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambridgetdanielle/ and https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithbridget_/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wellnesswithbridget/
