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 on September 13, 1953, is an inspiring American speaker, lawyer, and spiritual teacher. She is also a well-known author, life coach, and television personality. Many people know her from her popular books, her own talk show, and her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show. From 2012 to 2021, she hosted the show Iyanla: Fix My Life on the OWN channel.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Iyanla Vanzant was born on September 13, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. Her birth name was Rhonda Eva Harris. Her mother, Sarah Jefferson, worked on railroad cars. Her father was Horace Harris. Sadly, her mother passed away from breast cancer when Iyanla was only two years old. After that, she was raised by relatives on her father's side of the family.
In 1980, she left a difficult marriage and took her three children with her. In 1983, she received the name "Iyanla," which means "great mother." This happened when she became a priestess in the Yoruba tradition.
Her Path to Learning
Iyanla Vanzant went to Medgar Evers College and Virginia Union University. She earned a law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from the City University of New York School of Law. She also has a Master's degree from the University of Santa Monica (USM), where she studied spiritual psychology. Today, she lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She is also an ordained minister in the New Thought movement, which focuses on positive thinking and spiritual growth.
Inspiring Others
Iyanla Vanzant is known for helping many people through her words and teachings. She has been recognized for her positive influence.
Recognitions and Awards
In 2000, Ebony magazine named her one of the "100 most influential Black Americans." The magazine said that her books, talks, and TV appearances made her a powerful voice for healthy relationships. In 2012, Watkins' Mind Body Spirit magazine listed her among the 100 most spiritually influential living people.
In 2014, Iyanla joined Oprah Winfrey as a speaker on the "Life You Want Weekend" tour. This tour visited eight cities and also featured other famous speakers like Deepak Chopra and Elizabeth Gilbert. In 2016, Oprah Winfrey included Iyanla Vanzant on her SuperSoul100 list. This list celebrates visionaries and influential leaders who inspire others.
Personal Life and Resilience
Iyanla Vanzant is an honorary member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She has faced personal challenges with strength. On Christmas Day in 2003, her 30-year-old daughter, Gemmia, passed away from a rare type of colon cancer. More recently, on July 30, 2023, Iyanla shared that her youngest daughter, Nisa, had also passed away. Iyanla and her husband, Yemi, divorced in 2007. Despite these difficulties, she continues to inspire many with her message of hope and healing.
