03/25/2024
🌟 Women in History Who Have Influenced Us: Celebrating Chandra Moyer 🌟
In my company's recent Empowering Women’s Resource Group meeting, a breakout discussion prompted us to reflect deeply on the women who have significantly influenced our lives. The conversation was enlightening and inspiring, leading me to recognize the unparalleled impact one woman has had on my life—my mother, Chandra Moyer.
Britannica defines a trailblazer as “a person who makes, does, or discovers something new and makes it acceptable or popular.” This description captures the essence of my mother perfectly. Chandra Moyer has consistently paved her own path, setting a precedent for others to follow and forge their own trails. Her journey is nothing short of remarkable; she stands as the first college graduate in her family, earning her degree from Norfolk State University (NSU). She broke barriers as one of the first women and African Americans to receive a prestigious ROTC award, showcasing her leadership and resilience.
While advancing in her career as an Army Reservist and working at CNN, she made the bold decision to become a full-time stay-at-home mom, prioritizing family unity through numerous military transfers. My mom has fearlessly tackled topics often considered taboo in American culture, advocating for vital issues ranging from reform in the Foster Care System to becoming a pioneering female Pastor in Hampton Roads, even when it was met with resistance.
Chandra Moyer's efforts didn’t stop there; she was at the forefront of advocating for human trafficking awareness and providing advocacy training long before it became a widely recognized issue in Hampton Roads. Her teachings are a constant reminder to never let anyone strip us of our rights or power—and if somehow we find it lost, to reclaim it with determination. “You have one life, protect it and protect the lives of others, especially children,” she always says.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am immensely grateful and proud to honor my mother, Chandra Moyer—a remarkable Author, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Army Veteran, Mother, Mimi, and so much more. Her life and work continue to inspire and mobilize many towards the cause of justice, safety, and peace.
Let us all draw inspiration from her legacy and continue to push forward, championing the way for a better world, just as she has. Here's to more trailblazers like Chandra Moyer, who illuminate paths not just for themselves but for all of us. 💖
https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/about-us/partnerships_and_outreach/community_outreach/dcla/2014/norfolk
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/06/21/new-novel-by-army-veteran-shares-story-of-childhood-sexual-trauma-suvivor/
Chandra Moyer's novel follows an earlier memoir about sexual abuse and the foster care system, an experience that awakened memories of her own victimization.
