1) What is self love to you?

Self love is accepting the person you are with flaws and all. It’s understanding that perfection does not exist.

2) What are some things that you do daily, to practice self love?

Honestly I don’t practice self love. But I am aware of the great person that I am. I know that my heart is pure and I am one of the most genuine, caring people that this world has in it. I love that more than anything about myself.

3) What are some hardships you've faced while learning to love yourself?

I don’t feel like I have never loved myself. I think I always have which is why I have always held myself with high regard.

4) You work with teen girls on empowerment skills, self esteem and college/job readiness through a program called girls to women, which you initiated at your job. What made you want to start the program?

I was in the group Girls to Women when I was in middle school. I remembered how beneficial it was to me around that time and I also remembered that a similar program was not offered in high school where I continued to face obstacles. I remembered as a teen feeling alone, confused or angered by my daily struggles at the time. I remembered being curious and not having the answers to everything that was going on with me physically, emotionally and socially. Being in that state of mind can either make you or break you. My struggles MADE me but I watched daily how it broke my peers and as I work in a high school now it is breaking many of my girls. I want them to feel like they are supported and help guide them as they go through their own experience. I feel like if you have support it makes life just a bit easier.

5) As a child and adolescent, you went through hardships that were out of your control. How did you learn to control your circumstances? Why is it important to maintain control and not allow things to control you?

I never was able to control my circumstances till this very day things remain just as similar as they were when I were younger. My revelation came with seeing the cycle of unhappiness and complacence. I begin to understand that I had the power to control my emotions and my day to day and I released that power to others when I placed it in their hands to alter my character. It’s important to maintain control and not allow others to control you in order to maintain a healthy, prosperous, conscious life overall.

6) How did these hardships motivate you to become the woman you are today?

It motivated me because I knew I wanted better for myself. I did not want to be labeled or pitied because of ANYTHING. I hate stereotypes and assumptions based off of anything I did not personally create.

7) Why is it important for young women, especially, to have a positive outlook of themselves?

It is important because society has created false advertisement of who young women should be and what things they should do, and even how they should act. What is put out there is no reality to what young women face day to day. We as women tend to be more degraded in the media and public eye so with so many daggers in our backs it is of most importance at minimum we look at ourselves in a positive light.

8) Is there anything about you (gender, race, religion, etc.) that has motivated you to be who you are?

The reassurance from my friends and those I have adopted as family whether it be co workers or school officials. I have been told throughout life that I am important, that I matter and people love me for who I am no matter what mistakes I may or may not make.

9) What are some things you've had to overcome within yourself to reach your success?

I had to overcome constant disappointments from family and some friends. I had to overcome the idea that people have the same heart as me and would treat me or do the things I would

do for them. Since I have over come that it has motivated me to do more and be better.

10) Who are your top 3 artists and why?

Keyshia Cole- Her life story is so raw and uncut. Her personality is laid back yet direct. I believe if I were to meet her we would have similar outlooks on life. I am inspired about how much she has overcome with as many tribulations as she has.

Keke Palmer- She so open minded, free and fun. I love watching her snapchats and hearing her daily thoughts on life overall. She is one of the most Positive artist out and yet very overlooked.

Miguel- His music is liberating. He is a free spirit and very quirky. He is underrated but SO talented.

11) Many people may be intimidated by a woman who is "self made" or has their own. What advice do you have for the person dating them? What advice do you have for the person that loves them?

Note that there was a process to the person getting to the point they are in there lives. That there was extensive work physically and mentally put in to assure they were okay without a partner. That the strength you sense is there but it’s there because it had to be. Life experience builds character. Look past the exterior and more on the interior. The self made women is the most sensitive, loving, caring but be the person she can trust in order for her to be vulnerable enough to let down the guard she created. It’s not going to be easy but anything that’s easy isn’t worthy.

11) Who has inspired you throughout your journey?

My best friend Lorenda. She has way more challenges thrown her way than I could fathom but she pushes past them all and stays motivated. She reminds me frequently enough that I am better, greater and deserving at the time I need the reminder. I feel like if she can make a way with the cards she was dealt there are no reason I can’t get over any of my setbacks.

12) What advice do you have for people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zone?

DO IT! Fear is whats holding you back. Life is about changing and adapting.

Lada: I've known Diniqua since 6th grade. She was my first best friend and one of my greatest motivators. We've been through so much together and helped each other grow up and through so many things. She is one of the strongest women I know and I'm always grateful to have her in my corner. Reading this interview was everything and I hope it brings all of you happiness and confirmation as it has done for me. Thank you Ms. Bell!