As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, you inspire audiences worldwide. What is one message that, no matter how many times you’ve said it, still moves you every time you share it?
Dr. Andrea: Great question. Every time I share the message that an educated, empowered adult can be the difference between a child being protected or harmed, it moves me deeply. The power of our voices to advocate for children is tremendous. I’ve witnessed firsthand with my daughter prior to her birth, how a single intentional conversation, taking immediate action, and/or a bold decision, changed the trajectory around protection for her. One of my favorite quotes that I actually tweaked when I was in college to make it my own is, “If children can look up to us, then they’ll never look down on themselves.” Our children depend on us, and I am moved by the power of that.
Guarded Wings Promise is a powerful part of your legacy, but your impact extends far beyond the nonprofit. What personal milestones or achievements outside of your organization are you most proud of?
Dr. Andrea: Thanks for asking. I would have to say what I deem to be my greatest God-ordained accomplishment, is becoming a mother. I raised my amazing, beautiful daughter with intention and love. I wanted to ensure that she knew her worth and her potential as a child. Was I a perfect parent, no I wasn’t. I made mistakes along the way but there is one thing she knew without a doubt was that I was her voice, her mouthpiece, until she could speak up for herself. Right now, I have a front-row seat watching what God is doing in her life as a young adult. It’s beautiful to watch. And, if I could share one more, it would be that I have finally completed the manuscript for two books. I have been writing for decades, since college, but the words never made it out of the notebooks or pads that I wrote them in and not out of my computer, until last year. The first book will be released on April 1st of this year. Both books reflect my journey and personal assignment here on earth.
You hold multiple degrees, certifications, and leadership roles, yet your work is deeply personal, and heart centered. How do you balance academia and expertise with the raw human experience of healing?
Dr. Andrea: Wow! That is a great question. Healing is a personal journey that is rooted in our human experiences. I believe anything worth doing must be done authentically. I balance academia and expertise with lived experiences, empathy, and real-world application. As an educator, I know true transformation happens when knowledge meets authenticity and connection. My journey has taught me that healing is not just theoretical, it’s about deep connections, vulnerability, and storytelling that make change attainable. My work is truly heart-centered, driven by purpose, and guided by the belief that blending intellect with compassion creates a real impact.
Your influence reaches survivors, educators, parents, and communities. What do you hope your personal brand represents to people, even beyond the topic of child protection?
Dr. Andrea: Great question. I want my personal brand to reflect courage, transformation, perseverance, and the power of knowledge that will drive lasting change. Beyond advocating for child protection, I aim to inspire others to be bold and lead their lives with purpose. I hope to spark meaningful change, encourage healing, and create a legacy of advocacy and hope. At the end of 99% of my text messages, I say, “Have an AWESOME day on Purpose with a Purpose!” because I believe we all have the power and influence to heal generational wounds. My personal brand is intentional to reach people where they are.
Being in the public eye as an advocate and speaker comes with immense responsibility. How do you protect your own emotional well-being while continuously pouring into others?
Dr. Andrea: You ask thought-provoking questions. I appreciate that. Honestly, I could do better in this area of my life. But, when I begin to feel a tug on my emotional and mental state, and/or when my daughter calls me out, I’m reeled in to protect my well-being by intentionally setting boundaries and practicing self-care. Self-care for me is a great pedicure, a drive alongside a body of water, and/or sitting in a restaurant with an ocean view, eating a meal. I get pedicures often and I am prioritizing taking more drives this year. I must learn to say, I’m not available sometimes. I also include more moments of rest and reflection, where I am just being still according to Psalm 46:10, which reminds me to be still, quiet, and easy, and to trust in God’s will for me in that moment.
Beyond your expertise and advocacy, who is Dr. Andrea A. Anthony at her core? What are the values or life experiences that have shaped the woman you are today?
Dr. Andrea: Amazing question. Thanks for asking. Well, at my core, I am a bold, resilient, thriving survivor who is a devoted mother, and a purpose-driven leader dedicated to educating and protecting children while empowering adults. I am a woman who loves to laugh, who is emotional, and sensitive and I hurt when I see others hurting. My values are deeply rooted in faith, love, and justice. My story is not just about survival but of transformation. With God’s guidance over my lifetime, I turned my trauma into a mission, my silence into a voice for the voiceless, and my hardships into a source of strength. At my core, I’m a leader, a nurturer, and a relentless advocate for change. As the songwriter says, “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain.” That’s the essence of who I am.
This interview will reach people from all walks of life. If there’s one takeaway you want readers to carry with them — whether they’re survivors, parents, or advocates — what would it be, and why?
Dr. Andrea: Thanks for this space to address the readers. My desire is for every reader to recognize that safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility, and change starts with at least one person in a family taking a stand for change. Whether you’re a survivor, parent, or advocate, your voice matters. Awareness training, conversations, and courage can transform lives, and it starts with each of us choosing to be bold and stand up for what’s right. This is my calling, and I do this work wholeheartedly. Join me in this movement. Be an agent of change in your family and community.
Dr. Andrea’s website: https://www.drandreaanthony.com
Photo Credits: Photo Provided by Dr. Andrea Anthony
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