A woman with braided hair, wearing a light pink dress with floral patterns and black sandals, is standing outdoors in a lush garden holding a large bunch of green plants.

Meet Kenyatta

I am Kenyatta (they | she), a Jamaican-born guide who returned to my homeland in 2022 after living abroad for over 30 years (in Canada, France, and the USA). I walk with the traumas, joys, and strength of my ancestors, and they walk with me.

My Journey Back to Wholeness

For years, I believed the lie that material success would bring happiness. Despite achieving a comfortable existence after studies in computer science, math, and French, an undeniable emptiness remained. This led to a profound early mid-life crisis, marked by suicidal ideation, depression, and a deep sense of disconnection. It was a harrowing period where performative perkiness masked an inner world of fear and self-doubt.

A turning point arrived with the teachings of the late Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Though initially scared, embracing his wisdom gradually filled that inner void with genuine joy and peace. My life transformed, moving from a corporate IT career to dedicating eight years as a Zen nun under his direct guidance. My monastic training centered on understanding and healing the mind and body through mindfulness, and cultivating the ability to hold safe healing spaces for others.

However, the onset of COVID-19 profoundly impacted my nervous system, revealing deep-seated generational trauma that meditation alone couldn't address. It became clear that to truly heal, I needed to delve into the intricate workings of my nervous system and explore healing modalities beyond what I had known. This challenging period marked a "bottoming out" that ultimately led to a profound rebuilding from the ground up, providing everything needed through grace.

My Zen Master’s words — that non-Vietnamese individuals must eventually return to their roots — resonated deeply. With my compass recalibrated by these experiences and gifts, I returned to Jamaica, compelled to see what could be done, particularly for children in my community. Witnessing their challenges highlighted the inseparable link between their healing and my own.

Seeing the indelible mark of racism, colonization, and patriarchy on my own mind and body, I am now committed to gently decolonizing myself, practicing radical self-acceptance, and supporting others, especially my fellow Jamaicans and BIPOC communities, on their similar paths.

Various green plants and ferns growing in a forest floor, including a large fern leaf in the center.
Close-up of a person's hand holding a small yellow flower surrounded by green leaves.
Four children and a woman with dark skin smiling and posing for a selfie outdoors in front of a house with cloudy sky.

My Approach & Credentials

My deepest calling is to support Black & Brown persons of culture to recover from the pervasive impact of white supremacy, colonization, and patriarchy on the mind-body-soul. My highest credentials stem from the resurrection of my Indigenous ways of knowing and reconnection to ancestors, spirit, SOUL, and knowing from within—a continuous process of reclaiming, decolonizing, and deepening connections to land and people.

I draw from two sacred wells:

  • The wisdom of our spiritual, land, and blood ancestors—carried through story, ritual, and community.

  • The wisdom of the Earth—carried through plants, elements, and the body’s relationship to nature.

My formal training includes:

  • Zen meditation & mindfulness (Plum Village Tradition, 2008-present)

  • Foundations in Somatic Abolitionism (2021 & 2022)

  • Community Resiliency Model (CRM®) Certified through TRI* (2022, 2024)

  • Trauma-Informed Care & Resiliency-Informed Care

  • Ethno-Integrated Mental Health Training & Mentorship (EWR - Shobha R., 2024-present)

  • Additional studies in shamanic healing and advanced trauma treatment (2024)

My Root Teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh

I hold immense gratitude for my root teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). His embodied teachings, presence, gentle wisdom, and kindness profoundly reshaped my life. His practices provided the healing that saved me from depression and suicidal ideation in 2008, a gift that now ripples through my current work. He truly felt like a grandfather to me, restoring trust and hope in myself and humanity.

My time in Plum Village and moments with Thay were legendary chapters that continue to guide me as I move into the unfolding unknown of this next legendary chapter back in my homeland.

Please note: Sankofa Rising and its offerings are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or psychiatric care. We are not medical professionals and do not diagnose, treat, or offer medical advice for any health conditions. Our work is focused on holistic decolonial healing and personal well-being support. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health.