How to be Resilient in the Face of Adversity
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
Release Date: 03/26/2025
How to be Resilient in the Face of Adversity
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
In this powerful and heart-stirring episode, Sonja Keeve sits down with the remarkable Minister Alma Collins Thomas—a woman of faith, resilience, and purpose. Alma is an ordained minister, educator, motivational speaker, playwright, and author who has turned personal tragedy into a testimony that uplifts others. Alma shares her journey of overcoming incredible adversity, including the devastating loss of her son Tysean in 2009 and surviving a major stroke just two years ago. Now, even from her hospital bed, she continues to inspire others with her unwavering faith and commitment to...
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The Confidence of Self-Value Through Self-Allying
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
In this powerful episode of Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve, I sit down with the incredible Samantha Harris to explore the journey of self-value and confidence through the practice of self-allying. Samantha shares her personal experiences and insights on overcoming self-doubt, embracing personal growth, and stepping into her full potential. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The true meaning of self-allying and how it impacts confidence ✔️ Strategies to overcome self-doubt and reclaim personal power ✔️ How to cultivate self-value in both personal and professional spaces...
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From Adversity to Triumph
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
In this powerful episode of Inspiring Nations, we welcome Danielle Duncan, a dynamic motivational speaker and creative powerhouse from Saint Louis, Missouri. Danielle's journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the courage to pivot toward purpose. With over 20 years of captivating audiences as a Spoken Word Artist and three years as an innovative Event Promoter in music, poetry, and comedy, Danielle surprised many when she announced her retirement from the arts in March 2021. Her new chapter as a motivational speaker focuses on empowering HBCU college students and uplifting...
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Bridging Cultural Divides: An Inspiring Journey with Amma Gatty
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
In this episode of Inspiring Nations, host Sonja Keeve sits down with Amma Gatty, the visionary founder of Culture Encounters, to explore her journey from Ghana to the United States and her commitment to fostering cultural understanding. Amma shares the origin story of Culture Encounters, a nonprofit in Richmond, Virginia, which she established in 2015 to promote unity and celebrate diversity within her community. Originally an arts program for underserved children, Culture Encounters has now blossomed into a multifaceted organization that builds bridges through arts, food, and engaging...
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Transcended Forgiveness
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
In this powerful episode of Inspiring Nations, host Sonja Keeve sits down with emotional intelligence trainer and motivational speaker, Rodney C. Burris. From the tough neighborhoods of Baltimore to becoming one of America's leading voices on emotional intelligence, Rodney shares his personal journey of resilience, growth, and the profound impact of transcendent forgiveness. The conversation explores how forgiveness isn’t just about others—it’s about freeing yourself to heal and grow. Rodney introduces the concept of "reparenting" to love the wounded parts of ourselves and delves into...
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Embracing Authenticity and Deepening Self-Awareness
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Norma Hollis, Hon. Ph.D., a renowned change agent and expert in human development. Norma shares her wisdom on the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in both personal and professional settings. With decades of experience in writing programs focused on 'Authenticity,' she explains how these training processes can deepen self-awareness and expand consciousness, helping individuals and organizations thrive. Tune in to discover how living authentically can transform your life and enhance your connection to others. Topics Covered: ...
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Building Schools of Hope in the South for Black Youth (1914-1932)
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
Deborah Hanson is an independent researcher and historian uncovering hidden stories and documenting oral testimonies of the Black family's educational and entrepreneurial experiences in the early 1900s. In sharing these stories, Ms. Hanson’s goal is to provide encouragement and inspiration on how the faith and determination of our ancestors can be the driving force for us to pursue our highest dreams. In this episode, we explore the powerful and often untold story of the movement to build schools for Black youth in the Southern United States between 1914 and 1932. Deborah Hanson, an...
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How to Show Up and Build an Authentic Brand
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
Welcome to "Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve." Today, we have Tshepo Tselayakgosi, an international speaker from Botswana and an impact-driven global citizen. Tshepo is a business development consultant and brand strategist with over 14 years of experience. She is the co-founder of Innovative Instigation Enterprise (IIE) and the Managing Director of Tshepo Kutlo Tselayakgosi Consulting. Tshepo's mission is to help individuals, groups, and organizations start, build, and expand enterprises that generate multiple income streams and make a significant impact. In this...
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The Power of Strategic Storytelling
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
Jasmine (Jae) Hermann is an award-winning storyteller, content strategist & editor, and community hype gal. She partners with wellness providers, marketing agencies, and nonprofit managers to help them clarify and perfect their digital marketing. Jae also passionately advocates for women entrepreneurs to boldly embrace their creative confidence by offering mentoring, blogging support, community, and content creation resources. Tune in as Jae shares the Power of Strategic Storytelling.
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Introducing RR Distinctive Bedding
Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve
Ruby Russell is the Founder of RR Distinctive Beddings LLC. She invented Stayput Beddings, a self-centering one-tuck top bed sheet that is guaranteed to stay put in 2013 after her partner injured his back and found it challenging to make the bed. Something she hated herself but could no longer avoid. Several months later she had eye surgery that left her legally blind in her left eye and led to an extensive research on the challenges the blind have in making a bed. That was the birth of Befitted Bedding, which was later named “accessible beddings” by The American Council of the Blind....
info_outlineIn this powerful and heart-stirring episode, Sonja Keeve sits down with the remarkable Minister Alma Collins Thomas—a woman of faith, resilience, and purpose. Alma is an ordained minister, educator, motivational speaker, playwright, and author who has turned personal tragedy into a testimony that uplifts others.
Alma shares her journey of overcoming incredible adversity, including the devastating loss of her son Tysean in 2009 and surviving a major stroke just two years ago. Now, even from her hospital bed, she continues to inspire others with her unwavering faith and commitment to purpose.
Listeners will hear firsthand how Alma leaned into her spiritual foundation, found strength in community, and continues to empower others through her writing, teaching, and ministry.
Key Takeaways:
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How faith played a central role in Alma’s healing and resilience
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The importance of purpose when navigating loss and hardship
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What it means to truly trust God during life’s darkest seasons
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How Alma continues to motivate others despite physical limitations
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Advice for anyone currently in their own “waiting room” of life
About Minister Alma Thomas:
Alma Collins Thomas is a multifaceted woman with a deep calling to serve. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees—one in Human Services (Children and Families) and the other in Christian Studies. As a Bible school teacher, speaker, and author, she uses her voice to speak truth and healing. Alma is a member of Sisters with Purpose and co-author of Love, Marriage, and Divorce. Her debut books, Dream Killers and From the Waiting Room to the Recovery Room, share messages of hope and restoration.
She is a proud mother to her daughter, Sabria, and continues to honor the memory of her son, Tysean, through her life and legacy.
Connect with Minister Alma Thomas:
📚 Check out her books: Dream Killers | From the Waiting Room to the Recovery Room
📖 Follow her journey with Sisters with Purpose