Author, poetess, activist ...screaming from the soul!
"Once I learned how to write, I learned how to live. Putting hurt into lines,
life into rhymes, finding my potential through pen. Letting my pencil release all my sins."
Many would describe Stephanie as
a pioneer for women. Her vision of empowerment energizes her movement as she seeks to change destinies.
"I believe that God
put me on this earth to be a leader, guiding his people to make positive changes. I have found my niche, my purpose in life. Right
now I am living to perfect it!"
Raised in a military family, her time was divided, born in
Surrounded by a huge family she was blessed
with history lessons, coated with wisdom. Her families' stern lectures and loving arms gave her a solid foundation that she
has passed on to her children.
The loss of her great grandmother and grandmother pushed her to pick up a pen, releasing her pain on
paper by writing down the humorous stories that her elders shared with her throughout the years.
An avid writer of poetry, short stories
and plays, a high school teacher prompted her to broaden her horizon and share her talent by writing for the school newspaper. After
winning numerous poetry contests, writing articles and writing and directing several plays for her local church, she introduced her
thoughts to the mic and ventured into the arena of spoken word and slams in 2005. "It became addictive" and after performing in several
spoken word venues around the city, she quickly became a favorite among the crowd.
She adopted the stage name, Virtuous, due to her
desire to become the ideal woman. She consistently aspires to do God's will in her life. Her ability to represent femininity with
God's flavor, sharing inspirational words and motivating souls propelled her to greatness.
Her messages are filled with passion, emotion
and triumph. Having battled with depression, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts, she fully grasps the struggles of women
and seeks to resurrect their spiritual consciousness to mend souls and spirits. Saving lives is her quest, whether through the
written or spoken word. "One person who digests my words, comprehends the message and refreshes their soul, satisfies my goal."
She
retired from the United States Air Force in Februrary 2009, after serving her country faithfully for over 20 years. Her works
are sprinkled with the humorous, yet life-changing experiences of serving in the military stateside and overseas.
An experienced teacher,
activist and equal opportunity advisor, she educates others on the perils of discrimination and sexual harassment. A certified
facilitator and mediator, she conducts focus groups with young people about the dangers of destructive behavior such as underage drinking,
drugs and abusive relationships.
A self-published author, her first book, a collection of short stories and poetry, entitled,Reflections of Self, sold over 300 copies in the first 8 months of publication. In 2008, she penned a collection of southern
receipes entitled, “Hot Water Cornbread.” Her third book, The Road Less Traveled, a daily devotional and memoir is due
out in the fall of 2009.
Virtuous has been featured in several magazines, written numerous articles for base and local papers and
has recited her poetry on airwaves across the states. She has won numerous awards for her works and also conducts poetry and short
story workshops throughout the state of
Stephanie's inspiration comes from her first love, God and family, she also
draws from the works of Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes. Artists such as India Arie, Erykah Badu, and Jill
Scott influence her poetic rhythm.
Her strength comes from her best friend, her mother, Linda Irby who succumbed to ovarian cancer
in 2006. "My mother taught me how to be a prayer warrior, fighting the good fight of faith until the end. I thank God for her
everyday."
"I believe God has a plan for all of us, there are no roadblocks, only resting stations, where life's game plans can be
reworked and perfected to finish the race."
"V"
Get in touch with Virtuous by emailing her at contactV@virtuousvibes.com
What
folks are saying about Virtuous?....
Thanks so much for participating in the program on Sat; I received so much
positive feedback
from your poems. “Powerful' was the word I kept hearing…. You have such a beautiful aura that surrounds you, I am so glad that you
agreed to be a part of our first production…. I will keep in touch………Pricilla
Your spirit and warmth radiates throughout
your stage presence, thank you for helping our people to dream… Denise Long, marketing director for Youth Changes
Your
workshop was inspirational to say the least….you are truly a motivational speaker….Midlands Math and
