Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadine Desanges.
Bernadine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since my adolescent years, I was told that I have a welcoming personality, a perceived passion for justice and advocacy, and that I was a talented and versatile public speaker. As a result, I grew up speaking in public and private spaces by invitation and I loved everything about the experiences I had undergone. Within all of my speaking opportunities growing up however, the ones that pulled at my heart strings the most were the opportunities to share my voice through spoken word poetry. As a teenager, I was molested and through sexual education courses, I realized that what happened and was happening to me was not ok. I found an outlet in poetry and performing around Boston with the “Street Theater” team of a woman’s empowerment organization called Reflect & Strengthen. I then grew older and took my voice, rage, passion, and sadness to college. I performed spoken word as an undergrad at Emmanuel College-speaking about sexual assault, racial injustice, relationships, friendship, love, etc. As an undergrad, I was also invited to perform spoken word at local college events and was asked to speak with local Boston high school students about the college experience and life lessons learned regarding persistence. Continuing forward, during the first couple of years post my undergraduate college career; invitations to speak continued and I spoke with college students and high school students about a number of life transition topics and I shared a bit about my personal story. I then attended graduate school at Northeastern University and through and post graduate school, I was invited to speak to students of all ages regarding the topics previously listed, in addition to racial battle fatigue, persisting and excelling in predominately white spaces, and the importance of building one’s self-confidence to list a few. I have always enjoyed expressing myself through my writing and speaking engagements and I ALWAYS kept it raw and honest; speaking openly about topics that many-including myself were advised not to or to shy away from certain details. But I always felt that we needed to talk about what made us most uncomfortable in this journey towards growth.
As a proud, Black, Boston Native, Caribbean, Educator, and Woman empowered by my intersectionality’s today; my life’s journey into adulthood has not always been one full of positivity. I have come to wear my acquired battle scars as a sexual assault and rape survivor, previous cutter, a product of a single-family household from the low-socioeconomic financial bracket, and first-generation college student who is constantly persisting through cultural clashes and systemic levels of societal oppression personally and professionally as a badge of honor. The highs and lows of my life led to the birth of my company, Know Your Truths. Speak Your Truths.™ which was launched September, 2017. I founded my company as a response to societal norms, cultural expectations, and stereotypes silencing others and myself to live in and share our truths too many times.
Having had reflected on conversations held amongst individuals both older and younger than I pertaining to life’s journey and as I listened/read about life’s journey from my ancestors and celebrities (many of which were considered role-models by the every-day person), I was tired of watching and hearing people express living in fear with regard to who they really are, how they really feel about a matter, and be in positions where they cannot really express the impact particular hardships and successes have had on their lives. Even I, a woman who speaks openly about her story was in the same predicament at times as I reflected deeply and was called out by a loved one. There were moments when living in fear was holding me back. Because of fear, I did not always want to recognize, accept, and address certain hardships in my life; which prevented me from tapping into and truly addressing certain insecurities that I possessed. Because I was too afraid of sharing how I really felt at times about particular matters, I was “forced” to agree or disagree with decisions/opinions differing from my own. Because I was too afraid at times of losing loved ones, I did not hold some people accountable for their actions. Because of fear, the list went on and on-yet, I was adulting and wanting to be a woman who stood in her truths. I knew I couldn’t wait for others to stand in their truths without standing in my truths as well, and there became the creation of, Know Your Truths. Speak Your Truths.™ John 8:32 in the Bible states “. . . the truth shall set you free.” I truly believe that and I don’t think one is ever too young to start living their lives in truth; even if fear is present. I believe that acknowledging one’s truth, in spite of fear, when done with the best intentions; can lead to undeniably meaningful personal growth and meaningful opportunities to build with others. For more information and to book me for a speaking engagement visit: BernadineTruth.com
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe every company/organization faces challenges. Within my company, I would say my sole struggle thus far has been very rewarding as well! As a one-woman business as of now; I keep track of my personal and professional calendar, book my speaking engagements, discuss fees with clients, discuss my clients’ vision with them, create original presentations or speeches for my clients, manage my social media accounts, and much more! However, I have an amazing support system that I am not afraid to call on, so in times of need, I am truly blessed and grateful to not be alone. Nonetheless, it can be tough when I feel like there are not enough hours in the day or my energy is not where I would like it to be, so it’s hard for me to follow through on my plans the way I initially envisioned they would be. Regardless, my clients are and always will be my priority, and it is my responsibility to give them what they want and need as guaranteed. During the moments when I feel stretched a bit too thin, I remind myself of the importance of being kind to me and adjust the schedules and deadlines that I have set for myself where possible and needed in order to manage my stress and maintain my life balance. Additionally, because I am my brand and my brand is me; as a company and brand that requires a level of vulnerability from my audience members and certainly full vulnerability and transparency from me; there were moments when I needed to be off. However, I struggled to be off and stay off. Though I can proudly say that I have gotten better with the balance, I am still a work in progress. It has been extremely helpful and fulfilling to surround myself with loved ones who understand me very well and who I respect very much, because they will remind me to turn off when I forget to do it myself and I listen instantly! To them, I say, thank you!
Know Your Truths. Speak Your Truths. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Know Your Truths. Speak Your Truths.™ is a consulting company and brand inspiring all to UNAPOLOGETICALLY own their personal narratives, never silence their voice, and engage in difficult conversations while developing the necessary tools to empower oneself and humanity-in truth; authentically and transparently! Through Motivational/Keynote Speaking, Blogging, Workshop Facilitation, and Spoken Word Poetry; I have addressed and will continue to address audience members as young as 6 years old-drawing on data, my passion and commitment to providing solutions to the educational and economic disparities plaguing the marginalized community; my dedication to normalizing mental health awareness; and my devotion to ensuring all possess the self-investment to value self-care and self-love.
I specialize in assisting others to develop the skills to not only identify and own their personal narratives but to incorporate it in all aspects of their identity and development. Some sessions/topics that I have addressed through different avenues of communication and bookings are: 1. Living as a Survivor and Not a Victim, 2. The Art of Mingling: Building & Maintaining Social and Cultural Capital, 3. Black Women: More Than Hashtags, Fads, And Fetishes, 4. 10 Messages to Daughters Without Fathers Learning to Love, 5 A Message of Love to Black Women, and 6. Girl Power Journey: Embracing the Girl You Are Today to Love the Woman You’ll Become Tomorrow.
I am known as Bernadine Truth within my line of work for my ability to be authentic, honest, transparent, reflective, and engaging as I discuss difficult aspects of life in a safe way that is necessary for sustainable growth. I am also known for being relatable, approachable, and for calling people out in the audience to speak up and speak out when appropriate! I will always believe in the whole human, not just parts.
My proudest moment with my company thus far is two-faceted: 1. The amount of organizations, groups, and individuals who have taken interest in my work and efforts for themselves and the people they serve thus far, and 2. My personal growth within and outside of the company as a person-which only propels my company forward. With an average of about 3 speaking engagements a month since my launch September, 2017; it has been an amazing time for Know Your Truths. Speak Your Truths.™ People within Massachusetts, out of state, and out of the region have contacted me to speak and have expressed true interest and support in my work and all that my company stands for. I believe we live in a time where there are true efforts to talk about the things that both uplift and tare us down as the human race transparently and I am beyond humbled by the level of support, encouragement, and commitment people have to my work and the safe space that it provides. Furthermore, I am moved by the amount of growth my company has allowed me to undergo personally. As I encourage and empower others, many more encourage and empower me-leading to my growth and development as a person as well. I am certainly a better Motivational Speaker, Blogger, Spoken Word Artist, and Workshop Facilitator because of my company; but most importantly, every day; I am a better woman to the people and to myself!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career thus far is my ability to watch the fruits of my labor unfold in all the spaces that I occupy-doing many of the things that I love; all while advocating, educating, and loving the people and myself. In addition to being the founder of Know Your Truths. Speak Your Truths.™ and delivering messages as a motivational speaker, blogger, spoken word artist, and workshop facilitator; I also work full-time as a Program Manager at mid-size research higher education institution in Boston, I serve on a couple of educational Boards, I am the First Lady of a new Boston based podcast called “The Urban Collective Show”, and I am working on a book that I would like to send out for publication one day. I certainly have my hands full, but I am committed to all that I do.
I am surrounded by people who encountered and continue to encounter hardships but still persist, Because of the platform that I have created, the risks I have taken, the chances people have taken on me, and my commitment to never silencing my voice again and assisting others in finding and sharing their voices; I have heard and worked with little girls as young as 6 years old. I have heard young and older girls say to themselves and others “I am empowered”, “I matter”, “Black Girl Magic”, “I am beautiful”, “I am smart” and “Sisterhood is among us” because they are learning that their girlhood & sisterhood can uplift them. I presented a workshop on social and cultural capital to a high school young men’s group where I had real conversations with the 50+ historically marginalized young men in attendance and we were able to reflect and discuss the elements of their identities that work for them and against them in today’s society. I assisted in helping them to understand how to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with mentors, community members, employers, and the likes to expand their support system and think of a world larger than what they see in their backyards. I have spoken with women’s groups where I have had women dig deep and assess the impact of silencing many aspects of their lives and realize it is not too late to start over and give their lives a second chance; whether that is forgiving a loved one, applying for a new job, earning that degree, or making time for self. I have spoken to sexual assault and rape survivors and allies and provided a space for women and men to build together and support each other-despite having life altered against their desires. Through different avenues, whether it be a podium, participating on a panel, delivering the keynote address, hosting my own event, posting a blog, facilitating a workshop, performing a piece; which ever-I have inspired and I have been inspired! How could I not be proud of creating and participating in spaces like that? I am beyond proud of identifying the pain I encountered and continue to work through and build strength from it-all while encouraging and assisting others to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bernadinetruth.com/
- Phone: 617-852-0281
- Email: info@bernadinetruth.com
Image credit:
1. Sam Moody Photography
2. Shot by Marv
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