Dr. Sweetie: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

Born in Pensacola, Florida, and one of eleven children, Dr. Sweetie grew up in an environment where higher education was seldom discussed. She faced early challenges with speech and often struggled to complete a sentence. Despite these difficulties, she found solace in teaching her teddy bears, aspiring to one day become an educator. However, when she shared her dream with a teacher, she was discouraged and advised instead to pursue a career in art, given her drawing talents, with a suggestion to work at Disney World in Orlando.

Undeterred, Dr. Sweetie confided in her mother, who instilled in her the belief that no obstacle could define her future. Fueled by this encouragement, she persevered and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Florida A&M University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a Doctorate in Ministry and Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary.

Today, Dr. Sweetie is dedicated to empowering young people through education and the arts. She leads an after-school program that fosters confidence and self-belief in children, utilizing a diverse range of creative disciplines—including acting, dance, drama, etiquette, courtroom simulations, improvisation, poetry, singing, and songwriting—to help students discover and develop their unique talents. Her mission is to build self-esteem, encourage positive thinking, and instill essential life skills such as self-discipline, responsibility, and decision-making.

A passionate advocate against human trafficking, Dr. Sweetie has written Innocent Can't You See, a song and play00 designed to educate students on the dangers of child and sex trafficking. Through the Born to Be Free curriculum, she equips young people with the knowledge and awareness needed to protect themselves and others from exploitation.

As a playwright, educator, and director, Dr. Sweetie has profoundly impacted countless children and families. She is committed to advocating for the innocence and dignity of all individuals, using her platform to amplify the voices of those affected by trafficking and adversity. Her work seeks to restore hope, inspire resilience, and empower individuals to reclaim their lives and fulfill their God-given purpose.