Testimonials

Photo: Deveney Williams

Photo: Deveney Williams

 
Cierra was an absolute joy to work with. She led a workshop with our Ladies Wine & Design DC chapter to harness and unlock our creative story. Cierra was thoughtful, inclusive, funny, and created a safe space for us to share and reflect. Everyone commented how much they loved the workshop and left feeling empowered. We will definitely jump at the opportunity to work with her again!
— Tillie McInnis, Co-Lead Ladies Wine & Design
 

Cierra expands the definition of a leader to one that includes innovative weaving of art/dance/movement/story in a purpose-filled quest for unlocking human potential. Dr. Kaler-Jones has provided invaluable support to many aspiring leaders, holding space for learning and unlearning, for bravery, and boundary-pushing in the most inspiring and affirming ways. She excels in her capacity to interview and connect through dialogue and storytelling. I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Cierra Kaler-Jones as a keynote speaker, facilitator, public speaking coach, and leadership consultant.

-SASHA TANER, Program director, institute for Women’s leadership (rutgers university)

I attended a Women's Wellness workshop with Unlock Your Story. The class was amazing and unlike anything I've done before. When Cierra brings movers, makers, and creators together, magic happens. Cierra effortlessly empowers and uplifts those around her. She creates a safe space for everyone to move, reflect, and learn, which allows incredible opportunities for self-discovery and growth.

— Lauren Parker, OWNER - Lauren Parker PHOTOGRAPHY & LOve, Lauren | Creative

The Social Justice Storytelling workshop was one of the best virtual experiences I've had yet! Cierra was a fantastic facilitator. I loved learning about resistance stories and expanding my knowledge of history. I really appreciated the detailed follow ups each week and the commitments to action. It has helped me stay accountable.

-Michelle mckeever, admissions & Marketing specialist

Developing a Strategic Plan for your Creative Project was an incredible workshop! I was really able to focus in on what is at my core and the story that's built around that. Cierra is amazing, she presents the material in a clear and approachable way, and creates an environment that is energetic and full of encouragement.

- LAUREN BRADLEY

I was provided with a space that washed away my pain, that stripped me of my hospitality syndrome, and allowed me to regain control and power over my own narrative. My voice is a political act and this event reminded me of that so eloquently. I am beyond thankful!

- Kyla leary, student - Urban Teachers Resident

Dr. Cierra has a gift for holding space for others and making you feel comfortable.

- NESHA A.

We hired Cierra to develop a Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Belonging core training for all employees at our company. We shared high-level ideas with Cierra, but she was able to run with it and develop a customized training specific to our company values and strategic vision. Cierra also coached me in learning the content and delivering the training, which she co-facilitated with me. Throughout the entire process - from ideation to creation to training and actually delivering the training - Cierra shined as an educator. She made me feel safe to ask questions, to learn what I did not know, and mostly she empowered me to want to take on a training that a few months ago I was scared to deliver. Cierra leads with her heart and gives 1000% - in every interaction I have with her, I can see Cierra bringing her energy, knowledge, and commitment to the conversation. She is centered and able to lead very hard and at times upsetting conversations gracefully and with a clear intention to hold space and learn from one other. Not only is our company stronger and better equipped to hold conversations around identity, priviledge, racism, and right action (one of our core values), Cierra’s training has made me a better human. She has inspired me to unlearn, to learn, and to keep going with this lifelong work. I plan to hire her to develop more workshops around inclusivity and leadership for our team, and could not recommend her more highly for your organization.

- Heather n., hr director

One of my key takeaways was the importance of acknowledging and releasing limiting beliefs, and I came away with mindfulness practices to help me do that. My favorite part was the guided meditation. Cierra provided a beautiful visual that really resonated with me, describing our personal stories as a garden, and I've already revisited that visualization in my practice. I highly recommend taking an Unlock Your Story workshop.

-GG RENEE HILL, AUTHOR & Facilitator

I never realized that my own stories were worth sharing. Cierra taught me the importance of unpacking my life experiences as a form of self love and identity, in addition to being useful in aiding others through their own journeys. She equipped me with journaling resources and key concepts on how to use my voice in a meaningful and impactful way. I feel extremely confident heading into my next interview having a better understanding of why I am the way I am. Cierra is an incredible mentor for anyone interested in using their voices to create change or captivate audiences in any capacity.

- AMY B., CHIEF OF STAFF

Prior to my consultation with Cierra, I had no background knowledge or experience related to story-telling. During my consultation, Cierra struck me as a remarkable listener with an open attitude, which helped her efficiently discern my advisement needs. Using her suggestions and the resources she provided, I was able to advise a small team to produce a story-telling series about climate change. Thank you, Cierra!

— Jessica O'Neill, MPH, co-founder of the Buffalo, NY chapter of 500 Women Scientists

Cierra is a magnificent facilitator. I'm still surprised by how much she was able to cover while still allowing space for self-reflection and honest shares. I'm grateful for all that I learned and for all the resources I've been given to continue my learning.

- Maria macsay, Embodiment coach & Director of training

Cierra is a powerfully welcoming leader that made me feel comfortable showing up as I was to each session. Each part of the Series sessions were so intentionally planned, including the Heartwork between sessions. I was able to dig deep into the parts of my heart that I'd shoved down & away-- especially my perfectionism. The moment that has stuck with me the most from all three sessions was when during a discussion, Cierra said, "our worthiness is our birthright." Um, YES!! For so long I'd placed my worthiness in other's approval but I couldn't admit that to myself; and because I couldn't confront it, I couldn't change it. This was a huge breakthrough for me, and although it may seem simple, it was a deep revelation. Signing up for the series was more than worth the time and money for my heart's healing, and I'm grateful to have also gained a community of people cheering on my continued growth in the process.

- Faith Hatchard

There's magic when people come together to share their vulnerable selves - individual growth is extended through community learning, encouragement, and feedback. Unlock Your Story facilitator's are expert at creating a space for this magic to flourish. UYS helped me see that I have everything I need inside me. Through guided questions, reflective conversations, and specific content in resumes and interviewing, I was able to tap into my confidence and experiences to realize how I can share my strengths with others.

- MAGGIE P, EDUCATOR

It was great, felt restorative-balanced. Cierra was empowering, inspiring, graceful, and helped me write!”

-NIKKI J., EDUCATOR