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Rev. Dr. Iyanla (pronounced E-Yan-La) Vanzant’s life story is a powerful saga of near misses, struggle, resilience, courage, and ultimate triumph. Through her experiences, she discovered her true purpose, unlocked her inner strength, and reclaimed her authentic self. Iyanla Vanzant stands as a living example of the lessons found in life’s hardships and the transformative power of faith. Most importantly, she shares these lessons with others.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in the back of a taxi to an alcoholic mother, Iyanla was the product of an extramarital affair. At two years old, her mother died of breast cancer, leaving Iyanla and her older brother to be raised by their father. However, he often placed them in the care of various relatives, including an uncle who sexually abused her at age nine. Though she knew her father, he was frequently absent both physically and emotionally. By 16, Iyanla was a teenage mother; by 21, she had three children and was trapped in an abusive marriage. After nine years, two suicide attempts, and many beatings, she fled with her children in the early morning to face an uncertain future as a single mother. For several years, she supported her family on public assistance. Inspired by a sign on a bus, she decided to change her life by enrolling at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Three years later, she graduated Summa Cum Laude and went on to study law at the City University of New York, Queens College. Her exceptional speaking skills led to a job offer from the Philadelphia Public Defender’s office without a formal interview. However, after three years, she realized the career was not her true calling and left.
Iyanla openly acknowledges experiencing long periods of confusion, but unlike many, she uses these challenges as catalysts for growth. After leaving her legal career, she found herself unemployed and living on a friend’s basement sofa with her pregnant 16-year-old daughter. A friend invited her to teach a class for women transitioning from welfare to work. Relating deeply to their struggles, Iyanla committed fully to the role and created a workbook that became her first published book in 1988: *Tapping The Power Within: A Path To Self Empowerment For Black Women*. The book’s 20th Anniversary edition was released in 2008 (Smiley Books/Hay House). Her next book, *Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations For People of Color*, resonated beyond racial boundaries and became a favorite of Tipper Gore, wife of then Vice President Al Gore. Unexpectedly, she authored 13 books, including 5 New York Times bestsellers, none of which were part of her original plan. But as the saying goes, the best-laid plans often change.
Iyanla has received numerous honors for the impact and power of her work. She was named one of Halle Berry’s five “Sheros” by Glamour Magazine (2006); listed among the country’s most influential African Americans by Ebony Magazine (2004); recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Women by Women’s Day Magazine (2003); and celebrated as one of the “most dynamic speakers in the United States” by Emerge Magazine (2000). She is a woman driven by passion, clarity, and purpose.
Dr. Vanzant travels worldwide, sharing her message of hope with thousands. She is a frequent guest on major radio shows such as The Tom Joyner Morning Show (Radio One), The Tavis Smiley Show (NPR), The Michael Baisden Show (ABC), and Tell Me More with Michel Martin (NPR). She served as a host and life coach on NBC’s daytime drama *Starting Over* (2004–2006), led her own daytime talk show *Iyanla* (2001–2002), produced by Barbara Walters and Billy Getty, and appeared regularly on *Oprah* (1998–1999) as part of the Change Your Life Faculty.
As Founder and Director of the Inner Visions Institute of Spiritual Development, Iyanla imparts her wisdom on Universal Principles and Laws, Eastern and Western spiritual and religious teachings, and the power of Unconditional Love to inspire others to build better lives, communities, and a better world. Today, she focuses primarily on training life coaches and ministers and hosting community forums through Inner Visions.
