Meet Amy Pickens | Consultant & Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Pickens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work-life balance has undergone significant transformation over time, particularly following a pivotal health journey. At the end of 2021, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, DFSP, a diagnosis that shook me to my core. However, after undergoing two successful surgeries in early 2022, I emerged cancer-free. Yet, my health struggles persisted, particularly concerning hypertension and cardiovascular health. In my previous job, the relentless stress exacerbated these health issues, culminating in a health scare marked by dangerously high blood pressure and heart complications that I had missed the signs of, chalking it up to exhaustion, stress, and long hours. It was a terrifying period, marked by a whirlwind of medical appointments, hospital visits, IVs and more medication adjustments than I can count. My medical providers drew a direct connection between my work environment and my declining health, prompting a profound reevaluation of how I approached my professional endeavors.
During this tumultuous time, I turned inward and (re)discovered Urban Sanctuary, a haven of healing, mindfulness, and community. Immersing myself in yoga practice and embracing mindfulness became not just a solace but a lifeline. Recognizing the need for a more sustainable approach to my work, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, enrolling in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program with Urban Sanctuary.
This healing journey served as a profound inspiration, catalyzing a paradigm shift in how I perceive and engage with social justice work. I realized that true social justice cannot be divorced from holistic well-being and healing justice. If we continue to operate within systems that disregard our holistic health and well-being, particularly those of us in historically marginalized bodies, we perpetuate cycles of harm and inequity.
My experience underscored the critical importance of taking a holistic approach to social justice work, one that prioritizes self-care, mindfulness, and healing justice. As I continue my journey, I am committed to advocating for spaces that honor our peace and well-being, recognizing that our brilliance and worthiness are intrinsically linked to our ability to thrive in environments that prioritize holistic health and healing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Aligned Purpose Coaching & Consulting, LLC, embodies my personal purpose and values, which are deeply rooted in healing justice and holistic social justice. As the Founder and CEO, my journey is a reflection of my commitment to aligning my purpose with my professional endeavors, hence the name Aligned Purpose. Our approach is distinct in that it centers the voices and experiences of historically marginalized communities, rather than solely focusing on systems and dominant voices.

At Aligned Purpose, we believe that true social justice requires addressing not only systemic inequities but also the emotional, spiritual, and communal well-being of those we aim to support. Our work goes beyond traditional DEI+B consulting; it is a holistic journey towards creating spaces where everyone can thrive and belong. We are not just consultants but dedicated partners for leaders and organizations committed to creating lasting, impactful change.

I am most proud of our ability to align organizational values with actionable strategies that prioritize healing and holistic justice. This alignment with my own purpose is evident throughout our work, from our approach to client partnerships to the initiatives we support. Every aspect of Aligned Purpose reflects my personal commitment to creating inclusive and equitable spaces that honor the voices and experiences of historically marginalized communities.

Getting to where we are today has been a journey filled with challenges, but each obstacle has reinforced our commitment to our mission. Overcoming skepticism and resistance to change within organizations required resilience and unwavering dedication. We tackled these challenges by grounding our work in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies, demonstrating the tangible benefits of inclusive and healing practices.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about the power of community, collaboration, and patience. Creating meaningful change is a collective effort that requires building strong, trusting relationships with clients and stakeholders. Transformative change doesn’t happen overnight; it requires persistence and a steadfast commitment to the long-term vision.

What I want the world to know about Aligned Purpose Coaching & Consulting, LLC, is that our work is driven by more than just professional ambition. It is a manifestation of my personal purpose and values, reflected in every aspect of my business. We believe in the transformative power of collaboration and are dedicated to creating spaces where inclusivity and belonging are not just goals but lived realities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Community is a core value to me, so I’d want them to experience what bell hooks described as the “beloved community.” We’d start with a rejuvenating yoga session at Urban Sanctuary, where I spend so much of my time, allowing them to meet my community and experience yoga and mindfulness in a sanctuary designed for Black and brown bodies, and proudly Black-woman owned. Brunch would follow at Mimosas, another Black-owned spot where the vibe is always right. We’d spend some time at Green Spaces, with favorite stops at CO Bath and Body and Black and Blossomed for unique shopping finds, and a refreshing coffee break at Miga’s Coffee. We’d savor local cuisine with meals at Mimosas, Whittier Cafe, Le French, and Jamaican Jerk and BBQ. For outdoor adventures, we’d hike to Forsythe Canyon’s waterfall and enjoy the scenic beauty of Gross Reservoir. We’d spend a day paddleboarding, kayaking, and having a cookout at Aurora Reservoir, a beautiful blend of the outdoors and community, two of my favorite things.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible community of support that has played an instrumental role in my journey. Without their inspiration, guidance, and unwavering belief in me, I wouldn’t have had the courage to embark on this venture. I am deeply grateful for the remarkable individuals who have been pillars of support along the way. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my supportive husband, Ashley Pickens, who has believed in me since Day 1, and my two daughters, Hailee and Charlee Nelson, who have been on this journey with me their entire lives. They have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and dedication it takes to pursue higher education [I was a parent for all 3 of my degrees- BA, MA, and EdD] and a career while raising a family. Their unwavering love, encouragement, and belief in me have been the cornerstone of my journey.
I would also like to dedicate my shoutout to Dr. Nichole Villa, Dr. Sam Messier, Anjoli Harbert, Charla Agnoletti, Soraya Latiff, Maya Sol Danise, Dr. Derek Gottlieb, Nadia Ali, Kari Costello, Becky Roetto, Denise Zapata, Solicia Lopez, Sheena Wright, Diana Rapp, Jennell McIntosh, Deremia Clark, Tiffany Trevino, Tamika Francis, Heather Lewis, and the entire team at Urban Sanctuary. Their wisdom, encouragement, and support have been invaluable, and I am endlessly grateful for their presence in my life. To those I may have unintentionally omitted, please know that you are appreciated.
My forever inspiration is my students, whether in the classroom, the Youth Equity Council I co-founded with Charla and Soraya, or in the community. You deserve to be seen and valued as your authentic self. I know your worth, and I am committed to advocating for you within institutions that often fail to recognize your brilliance. Standing in your light has always been my honor.
Furthermore, I am indebted to the wisdom and teachings of countless ancestors, family members, and authors who have shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for social justice. Among them are my grandma, my dad, bell hooks, Angela Davis, Rachel Cargle, Elizabeth Leiba, Shirley Chisholm, The Combahee River Collective, Audre Lorde, Cleo Wade, and Alex Elle. Their words and communal knowledge serve as guiding lights on this journey, inspiring me to continue striving for a more just world.
In essence, the success of Aligned Purpose Coaching & Consulting, LLC, is a testament to the collective efforts of an extraordinary community of supporters, mentors, ancestors, and loved ones. I am humbled and honored to have their unwavering support and guidance.

Website: https://www.apcoachingconsulting.com/

Instagram: @dramy_alignedpurpose

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramypickens/ 

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