In a political year you can look for people of various interest groups to be out and about not only campaigning for their choice but pushing an agenda that matters to them. Along the way, however, you meet individuals like Vikki Hankins who want nothing more but to truly raise the consciousness of the world to injustices that she sees around her.
Looking at her you wouldn't imagine her to be an individual that at one point found herself with a gun being pointed at her head and her asking the assailant to pull the trigger. Some would say that Vikki doesn't look like a woman who has dealt with her mother committing suicide and her brother being murdered. Spending some time with her you definitely wouldn't guess that she spent almost 20 years in prison because of some wrong choices that she made.
You would probably say to yourself "She looks like me". You would be right, and that is the point.
What Vikki Hankins has done with her life since her release from prison is a testament to how much all of us can channel our inner greatness, no matter what we have been through. Today she is a published author, motivational speaker, CEO of A4J Publishing as well as an advocate for those who might feel as though they have no voice.
When I had the opportunity to speak with Vikki about her experiences and how they have directed her path she shared that working on the behalf of others is what she sees as her calling. She doesn't wear her past as a badge of honor, but she allows others to see what she has done with her life and what is possible for them as well. She also shows that what she has endured could be any of our lot in life.
When so many are looking to score political points and prove their side is right, Vikki is more concerned about helping others realize that what matters is not what they did yesterday but how they are using the time and opportunity they have now.
Through her own book she was able to share a part of her journey so that others could get a personal account of not just someone who has been incarcerated but what each of us can accomplish if we dedicate our lives to change. Vikki is also using A4J Publishing as a platform for others to share their own voices with the world.
This is the kind of example we have when we feel like giving up or think that our lives don't matter. Vikki Hankins is proof positive that you are not only worthy of success and happiness but you can help others to reach it for themselves as well.
Find out more information about Vikki and her work at www.vikkihankins.info and her publishing company at www.a4jpublishing.com.
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