EL’ona Kearney stands out as a force to be reckoned with. She is the epitome of perseverance, a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and an unequivocal power woman. Kearney’s is a story that weaves its way through valleys of deep traumas and peaks of triumphant victories; from being a victim of sexual abuse, bullying, addiction, and family secrets to journeying towards forgiveness and self-healing.
Kearney’s life narrative, encapsulated in her candid debut book, “Purely Unadulterated Me,” serves as an intimate testimony of her struggle and survival. Through its pages, she bravely shares insights into overcoming depression, abuse, addiction, and trauma while navigating single parenthood. This riveting narrative exposes the lessons Kearney learned about changing perceptions, taking ownership of her life, and refusing to remain a victim.
Ever since her early years in Philadelphia, Kearney was clear about one thing: she wanted to serve her community. Her leadership journey began in high school where she led its spirit club. It progressed further when she served in the military. As a young mother, she prioritized raising her children, putting her educational aspirations on hold. Today, Kearney is a proud, self-published author of five books, all clear testament to her unyielding devotion to community care and service.
The challenges that Kearney faced have contributed significantly to the woman she has become. Born into a time when interracial marriages were less accepted, Kearney’s biracial identity led to feelings of rejection and an intense need for perfection from both the black and white communities. This struggle, which triggered deep-seated depression, lasted well into her adulthood. But, when Kearney became a mother, she decided to change her perspective, refusing to let her children endure the pain that she once did.
Having experienced transformative healing from her depression through journaling, Kearney firmly believes in the power of thoughts. She stresses the notion that a change in thinking can produce changed results, and pushing past fear is the key to achieving one’s dreams.
Similar to her personal journey, Kearney’s parenting style defies conventional norms. She advocates setting boundaries for her children instead of enforcing the concept of sharing. She also imbued in her children the notion of failure as stepping stones or “small wins,” teaching them to embrace their dreams with unwavering courage and self-belief.
Kearney’s military journey taught her the value of character. Her obstinate nature and need to defend herself at all times transformed with the guidance of her first sergeant, leading her to understand that consistency in character was the best defense.
Bringing this same vigor and resilience with her when she transitioned into civilian life, Kearney, undeterred by her single motherhood, decided to homeschool her kids when faced with childcare obstacles. Eventually, when her children went to college, she resumed her education, working towards her AA degree in Business Administration at Renton Technical College. Here, she aimed to break the family cycle of limited education and smash stereotypes associated with black communities.
At The Evergreen State College, she championed a new cause, advocating for better childcare facilities for parents who wish to attend school. Her tireless efforts resulted in her winning the Student Veterans Fellowship 2021, where she presented a policy titled Student Veteran Childcare Vouchers that is now being sponsored by two members of Congress.
EL’ona Kearney’s story isn’t just about overcoming adversity; it goes beyond that. It’s about turning pain into power and helping others do the same. It’s about breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making an indelible mark on society. Through her, we learn that no matter our circumstances, we all have the power to shape our destiny and make a difference in our communities. One of Kearney’s slogans, UNITING COMMUNITIES – REMOVING LABELS, emphasizes her extraordinary resilience, her persistent desire to bring positive change, and her powerful advocacy for a community that undermines barriers and uplifts everyone.
Learn more about her at https://www.elonakearney.com/
