Meet Imani. She's from Los Angeles and has lived in Prince George for 18 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Myself because when I'm alone, I am the most creative.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Books and Co. I love the vibe, the people who work there, and the people who frequent there.
Describe yourself in one word.
Dynamic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Paris.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Photographing nature.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was invited to stay at a friend's house over a Christmas holiday because they would be gone. I stayed in the wrong house for three days…
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Nature.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Riding horses, feeling the breeze on my face and endlessly exploring the woods around me… I lived in Wisconsin and Tennessee as a child.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I lead the Warrior Healing Groups in the city under the Medicine Wheel Café name. Women warriors, Northern Youth Warriors, with more groups on the way. I also train facilitators for these groups. The gatherings are for those recovering from long-term trauma. All groups are free, all the counselling from certified and peer counsellors is voluntary. Facilitator training is free. I teach healing with nature mostly at Cottonwood Park where I show people how to build medicine wheels, how to use them for healing and meditations and I teach healing with the rivers as well down there.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
My goal is to leave a legacy of love and help people heal themselves, one heart at a time. I help others change perception, about themselves and a path to self-love and empowerment. I don't wonder if I can affect change in the world, but when and how.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
On the forest footpaths.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
Building community between First Nations and all others. I work as an Ab. Ed. worker and I would love to see more positive relations between all cultural backgrounds. We have many beautiful people who have come from far away to make this our home.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
They are a giving community. Good people. Independent, strong and willing to help others.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To open my Medicine Wheel Café on a piece of land that offers to heal in a natural setting
2. To see the pyramids
3. To stand in the Louvre and Notre Dame again
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was mentored as a medicine woman and shaman since three years old.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Mostly through my programs, presentations and in real time, but Facebook as well.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Medicine Wheel Cafe. and The Northern and Southern Warrior Healing Program.
Why did you get into/start this business?
It's in my nature and follows my natural self-development.
What is the goal of your business?
To offer others the chance to heal from trauma and stress, to build the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health of my community.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Coming out of my own life of trauma, but it was a good process once I began the healing path.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I regret nothing. My wisdom comes from my choices in life. I am grateful for all who loved me and all who offered resistance or struggle.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Stand tall, live free.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
What is the most beautiful outcome I can create with each day I am given?
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My son.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I am firm in supporting local shops and shop owners, they help shape our community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Breaking free from domestic abuse and finding the great lessons in healing and helping others to heal.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Penelope Neudorf. She has helped me to bring my warrior healing programs to reality and I admire how she has walked her talk and is on her way to creating her own business.
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Penelope Neudorf.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for this opportunity. I'm very grateful.
– Love from Imani
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Prince George!
