Celena Thomas, affectionately known as Sunshine, is a guiding light for those who have faced life’s darkest moments. As a passionate advocate, motivational speaker, and life coach, she has dedicated her life to breaking the silence around mental health and trauma. Through Conversations with Celena, her transformative platform, she fosters open dialogue, healing, and empowerment for survivors of abuse, grief, and emotional struggles.
Her mission is clear: to provide a safe space where individuals can share their stories, reclaim their strength, and understand that their past does not define their future. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Celena reflects on the power of perseverance, the importance of self-love, and the steps to not just survive, but truly thrive.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, what does this time of year mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Celena: Personally: Women’s History Month is a beautiful opportunity to honor and reflect on the incredible strength, resilience, and courage of women who have paved the way for progress. Women play an indispensable role in shaping society, and their contributions — both seen and unseen — deserve to be deeply acknowledged and celebrated. I have so much gratitude for the women who inspire me every day, whose lives and actions remind me of the power of perseverance, compassion, and leadership. Women should be celebrated daily around the world.
Professionally: I am deeply grateful to work alongside incredible women in both my career and business. The opportunities we have today are a testament to the courage and sacrifices of the women who came before us — opportunities our ancestors could only dream of. This is a time to honor their legacy by renewing our commitment to lifting up women’s voices, celebrating their achievements, and recognizing the invaluable contributions they make in every field. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future for generations to come.
“Conversations with Celena” is a platform that encourages open dialogue. What has been the most powerful or transformative conversation you’ve had through this platform?
Celena: Oh my goodness,, there are so many profoundly moving conversations that truly resonate with me. The most powerful ones, in my opinion, are those where guests courageously open up and share from a place of deep vulnerability and transparency. When they talk about their darkest moments, their struggles, and then guide us through their journey to healing and triumph, those are the most inspiring ones to witness. This is how they allowed their faith, and their trust in God, to carry them through the storm. I just be in Awe!
How can society do a better job of uplifting and supporting women, particularly those who have endured abuse or trauma?
Celena: This question is deeply personal to me, and I believe the answer begins with compassion and action. First and foremost, we must create safe spaces where women feel heard, believed, and validated. So often, those who have endured abuse or trauma carry the weight of silence and shame, so it’s essential to meet them with empathy and trust. From there, we need to ensure they have access to the necessary resources — whether it’s counseling, legal support, or safe housing — to help them rebuild their lives.
Education and awareness are also critical. By breaking the stigma surrounding abuse and trauma, we can empower others to step up and offer support. It truly takes a village — a community that surrounds these women with love, encouragement, and reminders of their worth. They need to know the pain does not define them and that healing is possible. Finally, we need to let them know that they are not alone, they are seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim their strength, voice, and power.
How do you practice self-care while constantly being a source of strength for others?
Celena: Self-care is incredibly important, especially when you’re dedicating so much of yourself to supporting others. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup! For me, it’s the small, intentional moments that keep my cup full. Whether it’s prayer, listening to music, practicing deep breathing, calling a friend, journaling, or simply enjoying a warm cup of tea, these little acts help me reset and recharge. They allow me to show up as my best self — for others and for myself. Taking these moments isn’t selfish; it’s essential to keep shining brightly and walking in my GOD given purpose.
Your work focuses on helping people reclaim their power. What are some key steps individuals can take to move from surviving to thriving?
Celena: Reclaiming your power is finding your inner strength. It’s all about shifting from surviving to thriving! Here are a few key steps:
Acknowledge Your Story: First, give yourself permission to feel what you feel, and recognize how strong you’ve been.
Find Your Anchor: For me, it’s my faith. Finding that solid foundation, whatever it is for you, is key.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say ‘NO’ to things that drain you and ‘YES’ to things that fill you up.
Embrace Your Worth: Remember, you are a masterpiece created with purpose! Let go of the lies that hold you back.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Every step forward is a victory! Celebrate those moments, big and small. It’s about finding joy in the journey.
Believe in Your Potential: You are capable of more than you know. Trust in your ability to heal, grow, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic to you.feel empowered, joyful, and fully alive. You deserve to not just survive, but to truly thrive.
When you reflect on the impact of your work, what moments stand out as the most meaningful or life-changing?
Celena: When I reflect on the impact of my work, my heart feels incredibly full. The most meaningful moments are when someone shares with me, “Sunshine, your show gave me hope,” or “I finally felt seen.” There have been times when individuals have told me that my words encouraged them at just the right moment, and thoughts of suicide were no longer an option. These moments are profound — they remind me of the deeper purpose behind what I do.
My prayer has always been, “God, if I can help just one person…” and to hear from so many who have found strength, hope, or healing through my work is humbling and inspiring. It’s in these moments of transformation, these glimpses of God’s love and grace at work, that I feel truly amazed and grateful. These stories are a reminder that even small acts of compassion and connection can have a life-changing impact.
What is your long-term vision for “Conversations with Celena,” and how do you hope it continues to evolve?
My long-term vision for ‘Conversations with Celena’ is to become a beacon of hope and healing for people all over the world! I believe it is a place where people can come and find strength, inspiration, and a real sense of community.
We will expand the reach, bringing in even more diverse voices, and tackle those tough conversations that really matter. Also, a multimedia platform, with live event series, where we can connect face-to-face.
Ultimately, I want ‘Conversations with Celena’ to be a vessel for God’s love, a place where people can truly feel seen, heard, and empowered to live their best, blessed lives.
How do you want to be remembered as a leader, advocate, and healer in the mental health space?
Celena: When it’s all said and done, I want to be remembered as someone who genuinely loved people — someone who showed them that even after the darkest storms, there is always sunshine on the horizon. One who helps others recognize their own strength, their worth, and the transformative power of faith. Most of all, I want to leave a legacy of helping people see the beauty within themselves and reminding them that they are not alone-GOD is alway with them, guiding them through every step of their journey.
If you could leave one lasting message for future generations of women, what would it be?
Celena: You are worthy, just as you are. You are enough — complete, whole, and beautifully unique. You are a masterpiece, created with purpose, courage, and resilience. Trust in your abilities, for they are gifts meant to shine. Your voice matters, and it has the power to inspire, uplift, and create change in the world. Believe in yourself, speak with confidence, knowing that you are here for a purpose, and your presence makes a difference.
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