30 Years of Trauma Work — What She Wants You to Know | Karen Crawford Simms | Spotlight Voices Ep 35

In Episode 35 of the Spotlight Voices Podcast, Natalia Nicholson (The Queen of Funnels) sits down with Karen Crawford Simms — experienced consultant, trainer, facilitator, coach, and founder of both the Trauma & Resilience Initiative, Inc. 

(TRI) and Meridian K Consulting & Coaching Services, with over 30 years of advocacy for individuals, families, and communities who have been marginalized because of race, gender, sexual orientation, health, or socioeconomic status. Karen is a keynote speaker at the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women Summit 2026, live from Irie Jam FM NYC this Women's History Month (March 23–27). 

A nationally recognized, highly sought speaker, trainer, and presenter, Karen's work centers specifically on trauma, trauma-informed care, building resiliency, addressing the root causes of community violence, positive youth justice, coalition building, and cultural and gender-responsive practices. A recipient of the NAACP Freedom Fighter Award and the Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award, Karen was also appointed to the Lieutenant Governor's Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force — a recognition of the impact her work has had at the highest levels of state policy. 
Through TRI, Karen works to reduce the impact of adverse community experiences by healing those impacted by trauma, and equipping organizations, communities, and providers to be trauma and justice-informed. Through Meridian K, she provides targeted coaching for activists, helpers, and healers. 

At the heart of her philosophy is a simple but radical idea: "Authentic and transformative healing that will have a significant and sustainable impact will only happen through healing communities." 
In this episode, you'll learn: 
✅ What trauma-informed care actually means — and why Black women need it most 
✅ How Karen built two organizations from lived experience and 30 years of frontline work 
✅ The real connection between structural trauma, gun violence, food access, and mental health 
✅ How to build resilience on purpose — as a skill, not just a response to pain 
✅ What it means to lead as an activist, helper, or healer without burning out ✅ Her message to every Black woman carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders
This conversation is raw, grounding, and deeply necessary. If you've ever poured from an empty cup — watch this first.

Connect with Karen Crawford Simms: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trauma-resilience-initiative/ 🌐 TRI Website: https://www.traumaresilienceinc.org 🌐 Meridian K Consulting: https://mindshiftcenter.org/our_psychotherapists/karen-crawford-simms/
🎟️ FREE Ticket — Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women Summit | March 23–27, 2026 5 Days | 100 Virtual Master Classes | Live from Irie Jam FM NYC https://www.womenindigitalbusiness.com/top-100-tickets

📚 Book Recommendations:
The Miracle Morning – Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0979019710
Atomic Habits – James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735211299
The 5 AM Club – Robin Sharma: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1443456624
The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/dp/081298160X
Make Your Bed – Admiral McRaven: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1455570249
The 7 Habits – Stephen R. Covey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982137274
Deep Work – Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1455586692
Eat That Frog! – Brian Tracy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/162656941X
The Miracle Equation – Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1984823707
The Compound Effect – Darren Hardy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/159315724X

S U B S C R I B E — thank you so much for watching!
OTHER EPISODES: 🎬 Intro | https://youtu.be/PVvsFXrIdDM 🎬 Ep 1: From Side Hustle to Empire | https://youtu.be/_-Fm0p6DyPw 🎬 Ep 2: Emma Grede - Branding Brilliance | https://youtu.be/MbGzUbzFTNg 🎬 Ep 3: Unpacking 'She Did That' | https://youtu.be/XgDabXpsW5k 🎬 Ep 4: Mental Health with Dr Joy Harden | https://youtu.be/mcnprUhE7Ls
Like, comment, subscribe & hit the bell 🔔 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@natalianicholsonofficial

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