Rise Up Conference

Kendra Tankersley-Davis
Kendra Tankersley-Davis
MS
Crittenton Services for Children and Families
Kendra Tankersley-Davis
Kendra Tankersley-Davis has worked with at risk children, adolescents and families, who as a result of complex trauma are involved in the child welfare, juvenile justice or mental health systems for nineteen years. She has worked within the area of Human Trafficking supporting survivors in transitioning out of the life, educating communities, teaching preventative methods and providing advocacy for over sixteen years. Kendra also provides trainings, presentations and participated in course and program development within the areas of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Parenting, Working with At Risk Youth, Working with Unaccompanied Minors and The Impact of Family Violence. Kendra has presented, provided trainings and paneled for various organizations including, Charles Drew University, Cal State Long Beach, Vanguard University, The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, The Department of Children and Family Services, Waymakers, The Orange County Human Trafficking Tasks Force, Ensure Justice, Ensure Justice Arizona for the Native American Community and various school districts, faith based communities and nonprofit organizations. Kendra has a Master’s Degree in Family and Human Development; she is currently Vice President of Development and Community Relations at Crittenton Services for Children and Families, where she is also responsible for overseeing the Justice. Equality. Diversity. Inclusion. (J.E.D.I.) Committee. Kendra is also an adjunct professor at Vanguard University.

SESSION OVERVIEW

Who Writes Your Story
Often we move through life not realizing that we are living with a story that is not ours. A story about who we are, how we behave, how we resolve situations, how we live life and what we are capable of doing. These stories are often contrived based on myths, stereotypes and unfair judgement. For example, how many times have we heard about the “Angry Black Women,” or the “Dumb Blonde,” these stereotypes can often change how you as a Black Women or a Beautiful Blonde, move through the world without you even realizing it. How many times has a Black Women been wronged or followed in a store and she has to control her temper to ensure she is not labeled “Angry.” How often has a Blonde Women, been in a business situation and not taken seriously because of assumptions? Stereotypes about men, fearing someone based on the color of their skin or assuming those who migrant from other countries are impeding on our freedoms and are here to cause harm. In this presentation we will discuss stories that are not ours, that do not belong to us and how they often unwillingly shape our lives, how we can take charge and change the narrative creating our own story and how we can reflect our story to others. By changing the narrative, we can change the world.