Sasha Nicole is a transplant Washingtonian with a purpose. With a deep passion for mentoring and changing lives, she helps women understand the power of resilience by teaching how to overcome various life obstacles and be inspired to succeed. After having her daughter, who is now six; Sasha experienced severe Post-Partum for almost two years. That experience along with the lack of resources and understanding in the minority community inspired her to create Partum Evolution a 501c3, with its primary goal to help evolve life with and after Post-Partum Depression (PPD) for mothers of color everywhere. Sasha is currently directing and producing a documentary centered on PPD that she hopes will spark a conversation and change for minority women throughout the world.  

Sasha holds an M.S. in Federal Program Management from Trinity Washington University, and a B.A. in Communications from Virginia State University She is a member of the illustrious organization Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and currently serves in a high-intensity role as a Contracts Specialist for the Government and as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University.  

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I’m originally a military kid from Alaska. I’ve spent most of my life in the DC/MD/Virginia area. I currently work full-time doing Contracts for the Government and I teach Project Management part-time at a University. If that’s not enough I’m a mom of one daughter and one bonus son as well as a wife. I love all things travel and I’m a self-proclaimed Happiness Advocate and Postpartum Warrior.

How did you start the Thriving in Your Now movement? What is your purpose for this?

Thriving in Your Now started with me traveling around the world. People would always say to me how they wanted to travel, be more confident, and do some of the things I was doing and my response would always be well “why don’t you?” It was a testament that no matter me being a single mother at that time, no matter what size I was, and or what I did or didn’t have I was going to be committed to enjoying everything in my life at this moment. 

Postpartum depression is a very important topic in society, especially with new mothers.  How did you deal with having that with your daughter? 

You know the issue was that I didn’t deal with it after I had my daughter. I tried to ignore it. I didn’t talk to anyone about it really and some of the few people I did had a hard time understanding or told me to just get over it. During that time, I had immense thoughts of harming my daughter. I would imagine ways that would make her stop crying or to just drop her off somewhere because I felt I couldn’t do it. Nothing could have prepared me for everything I went through after having her. One thing I knew was that I didn’t want to have the thoughts I was having. I wanted the connection that I just didn’t have when she was born or after. I would hysterically cry asking God to remove my thoughts. Over time it got better. I talked it about it more and stopped caring about the judgment I would face being brutally honest about my experience. 

As a motivational speaker, what topics do you cover or feel is important when you speak at events?

When I speak at events I always like to cover my signature slogan of Thriving In Your Now because it’s something so many can relate to. We all have stories and try to use mine to really help people hone in on their journey and making the best out of exactly where they are. I, of course, can speak about a variety of topics and have crafted specific topics relating to the audience, but that is really my favorite. 

I see that you are working on a documentary.  What is that project about and when will it be released?

I am! I am working on a documentary that is based on everyday women of color who have or currently experiencing Postpartum Depression. The projected release date is late fall. 

As an advocate for Postpartum Depression, how are you spreading the awareness in your community and on social media? Is there a support group you attend as well?

I just started this movement and really being comfortable about being more open and doing the work that is involved with advocacy. With that, my podcast is one way I’m spreading awareness along with the documentary and my book. I also plan on starting group sessions throughout Maryland (PG County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County) where women can come and have a safe space to talk and collaborate. 

You have a non-profit organization called Partum Evolution.  How did you come up with that idea to create it? What is the mission and purpose of this organization?

Partum Evolution is just that. It is about the evolution of Postpartum. It is a living testament to where I started and where I have evolved to and it is dedicated to helping other women do the same.

Do you have any special projects coming up for your blog and podcast?

I have some great interviews for my podcast coming up and I’m looking at teaming up with some bloggers to do a specially curated event hopefully before the end of 2018. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I will have two books out, doing speaking tours, having a center for women and children, and being on television.

How can readers reach out to you or connect with you? 

Readers can connect with me via my website at http://www.thrivinginyournow.com and submit their stories dealing with Postpartum and their journey through motherhood. They can subscribe to my podcast and follow me on Instagram @therealsashanicole

“I constantly self-evaluate and strive for excellence. By understanding and agreeing with myself the work that will have to be put in, I am doing more than representing myself; I am representing an opportunity for women everywhere. God has given me an ability to connect, relate, and impact people’s lives. Being able to represent my demographic gives me greater leverage to reach and inspire others to achieve greatness.” ~Sasha Nicole

Written By: Patrice Rivers