Iyanla Vanzant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iyanla Vanzant
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Vanzant in 2019
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| Born |
Rhonda Eva Harris
September 13, 1953 New York City, U.S.
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| Education | City University of New York, Medgar Evers Virginia Union University (BA) Queens College, City University of New York (JD) University of Santa Monica (MA) |
| Occupation | Inspirational speaker, lawyer, spiritual teacher, author, TV personality |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Children | 3 |
Iyanla Vanzant (born Rhonda Eva Harris; September 13, 1953) is an American inspirational speaker and author. She is also a spiritual teacher and a television personality. Many people know her from her books and her talk show. She also appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. From 2012 to 2021, she hosted Iyanla: Fix My Life on the OWN channel.
Contents
About Iyanla Vanzant
Her Early Life
Iyanla Vanzant was born on September 13, 1953. She was born in a taxi in Brooklyn, New York. Her birth name was Rhonda Eva Harris. Her mother, Sarah Jefferson, worked on railroads. Her father was Horace Harris.
When Iyanla was two years old, her mother passed away. She was then raised by her father's family. In 1980, she left a difficult first marriage. She took her three children with her.
Her Spiritual Journey
In 1983, she received the name "Iyanla." This name means "great mother." She was given this title after becoming a priestess. This was part of the Yoruba tradition. She has spoken about this on TV interviews.
Iyanla Vanzant is also an ordained minister. She follows the New Thought spiritual movement. This movement focuses on positive thinking. It also teaches about the power of belief.
Her Education
Iyanla Vanzant attended Medgar Evers College. She also studied at Virginia Union University. She earned a law degree from the City University of New York School of Law. This degree is called a Juris Doctor. She also has a Master's degree from the University of Santa Monica. This degree is in Spiritual Psychology.
Today, she lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Important Achievements
Iyanla Vanzant has been recognized for her work. In 2000, Ebony magazine named her. They called her one of the "100 most influential Black Americans." The magazine said her books and talks helped many people. They called her a "high priestess of healthy relationships."
In 2012, she was on a list of spiritual leaders. Watkins' Mind Body Spirit magazine listed her at number 7. This list included the 100 most spiritually influential living people.
In 2014, she joined Oprah Winfrey on a tour. It was called the "Life You Want Weekend" tour. They visited eight cities. Other speakers included Deepak Chopra and Elizabeth Gilbert. In 2016, Oprah Winfrey added Iyanla to her SuperSoul100 list. This list honors influential leaders.
Iyanla Vanzant is an honorary member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. This is a well-known sorority.
Personal Challenges
Iyanla Vanzant has faced personal challenges. In 2003, her daughter Gemmia passed away. She was 30 years old. In 2023, her youngest daughter Nisa also passed away. These were very difficult times for her. Iyanla and her husband, Yemi, divorced in 2007. Through these experiences, she has shared her journey of healing and strength.
