Thank you so much for tuning into By Their Side, my friends! Joining me today is Cordelia Cranshaw! Cordelia is a coach, therapist, storyteller, and the founder of From Survivor to Thriver, an organization that is committed to empowering youth in foster care. Cordelia’s journey is truly nothing short of inspiring. She grew up in the foster care system and experienced generational trauma, but she overcame personal struggles and is now a beacon of strength for others facing similar challenges.

Listen in as Cordelia and I discuss her powerful transition from a foster youth to a social worker, where her experiences gave her the ability to connect with and help others in the system. Through her work, Cordelia has worked so hard to help ensure that children in care not only receive the support that they need but also understand the system. Cordelia reflects on how her own journey led her to compete in and win a pageant, representing D.C. at Miss USA 2019, an achievement which became a defining moment in her life and proved to her that with the right support and a boost in self-confidence, even the most difficult pasts can lead to extraordinary futures. We also discuss the importance of self-worth and how even the smallest gestures of support can make a world of difference in a child's life. Throughout our conversation, Cordelia shares with us what it’s like to be a social worker with actual lived experience, and she touches upon why it's so incredibly important to build upon confidence and how trauma impacts both children and the adults around them. You’ll hear about the work which she is doing to break cycles of trauma and how, via her advocacy, she is giving foster youth the tools to thrive. If you are someone who feels passionate about making a real difference and/or you are someone who is seeking inspiration, then this episode is definitely for you!

Highlights:

[1:45] - Cordelia uses her personal experiences with foster care to help others as a social worker.

[4:03] - Hear how Cordelia found empowerment in using her struggles to relate to and support others via social work.

[6:54] - After entering foster care at only five years old, Cordelia’s two foster families showed contrasting environments for her.

[8:35] - As a child in foster care, Cordelia struggled with uncertainty, which inspired her Survivor to Thriver program.

[11:10] - Hear how Survivor to Thriver teaches children about foster care and helps them understand their situation.

[14:46] - Cordelia recognizes that unresolved traumas and lack of resources often influence parents' ability to effectively nurture.

[17:50] - Hear how a supportive 7th-grade teacher helped Cordelia through a difficult time.

[20:04] - Cordelia's journey from foster care to winning a beauty pageant may help demonstrate the power of support and confidence.

[23:40] - Kids are very perceptive and intelligent, and negative comments from social workers can impact their perception.

[24:52] - Hear how pageantry at 16 helped Cordelia build self-worth and confidence.

[27:38] - For Cordelia, building upon confidence involved healthy habits, reflection, and surrounding herself with support.

[30:24] - Cordelia travels in order to inspire foster youth, working toward challenging the myth that they can't overcome their situations.

[32:09]  - Learn how, as a social worker, Cordelia fought to keep children in their original school for stability.

[35:26] - Cordelia encourages others to stay focused on their goals and to put forth real effort into shaping their future.

 

Links & Resources:

Cordelia’s LinkedIn PageCordelia’s Facebook PageSurvivor to Thriver Website