From Reluctant Speaker to Advocate: My Journey of Empowerment Through Storytelling
When I first started Neechie Gear, I never imagined that public speaking would become such a significant part of my journey. Yet, one invitation changed everything. “Kendal, come and speak. We’d love to have you at our college, our campus,” they said. Despite my initial discomfort, I accepted. Speaking in front of an audience was not something I was comfortable with at the time, so I often sought a way to blend my new role with my familiar one. “Can I go sell some T-shirts in the back?” I asked. They welcomed the idea, and thus began my journey as a speaker and advocate.
Finding My Voice
At these events, I would share my story—how my best friend from South Africa and his family profoundly impacted my life by paying for my soccer fees and giving us our first family vehicle. This generosity sparked a desire within me to help others from similar backgrounds, and thus, Neechie Gear was born.
Through these speaking engagements, I began to realize the power of storytelling. My narrative resonated with many, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by Indigenous communities. I spoke about how many of us face significant challenges daily, from health disparities to educational inequities and beyond. Statistics only scratch the surface of the deep-rooted issues affecting our communities.
Two Worlds, One Mission
Growing up in these circumstances and continuing to navigate them while building Neechie Gear has given me a unique perspective. I often talk about living in “two worlds”—the world I come from, filled with struggle and resilience, and the world of entrepreneurship and advocacy I navigate today. These worlds are vastly different, and moving between them highlights the disparities and the urgent need for change.
The Turning Point
The turning point for me was not a single moment but a series of events and realizations. Each speaking opportunity allowed me to share my story and the mission of Neechie Gear with a broader audience. More importantly, it helped me understand the importance of raising awareness about the struggles faced by my community. It wasn’t just about selling T-shirts; it was about using my platform to advocate for change and inspire others to take action.
Empowering Through Action
As I continued to speak and sell T-shirts at the back of the room, I saw the impact of my words and actions. People were moved by the story of my best friend’s generosity and how it inspired the creation of Neechie Gear. They began to understand the importance of supporting underprivileged youth and the broader issues affecting Indigenous communities.
This realization empowered me to embrace my role as a speaker and advocate fully. I started to focus not just on the business side of Neechie Gear but also on its mission to empower and uplift. Every T-shirt sold became a symbol of hope and support for those who needed it most.
Looking Ahead
Today, I am more comfortable sharing my story and speaking out about the issues that matter. Neechie Gear has grown, but our mission remains the same: to empower youth through sport and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
My journey from a reluctant speaker to a passionate advocate is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of having a support system that believes in your mission. By sharing our stories, we can bridge the gap between different worlds and work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The turning point event that brought me here today was realizing that my voice could make a difference. It was understanding that by sharing my experiences, I could inspire others to join me in creating positive change. And that is a mission I will continue to pursue, one story, one T-shirt, and one speech at a time.
Do this:
1. Embrace Your Voice: Just like Kendal, you may not feel comfortable at first, but remember that your story holds power. Take a deep breath and embrace the opportunity to speak up.
2. Sell Your Message: Even if doubt creeps in, remember the impact you can create by sharing your truth. Don’t be afraid to step back momentarily and regroup, but always return to share your message with passion and conviction.
3. Illuminate the Shadows: Shed light on the struggles and obstacles faced by you and your community. Challenge the norms and misconceptions by exposing the harsh realities many are living through every day.
4. Educate and Empower: Use your platform to educate others about the issues that might not be in the spotlight. Empower those around you to take action and make a positive change for the betterment of society.
5. Bridge the Worlds: Just like Kendal navigated between two different worlds, use your experiences to bridge the gap and create understanding among diverse communities. Embrace the differences and find common ground to uplift each other.
6. Turning Point: Reflect on the events that have shaped your journey and brought you to this moment. Identify your turning point and let it be the driving force behind your mission to create a better future for yourself and others.
7. Your Call to Action: It’s time to step up and share your story, to spark change and inspire others to join you on this transformative path. Your voice matters, and your story can make a difference.
So, stand tall, speak up, and ignite the flames of change with your powerful narrative. The world is waiting to hear your story and be moved by your passion for creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let’s make a difference, one story at a time.
hiy hiy
