Hello Woman To Woman Talk Magazine readers! It’s such a joy to present to you a woman who defines what it means to empower others. Through her great work and passion to help others Juanita Banks-Whittington, is a dedicated Social Worker, Veteran, Wellness & DEI Practitioner, Civil Rights Advocate, wife, mother, and author. Full-time she is the first Diversity & Inclusion Specialist in the Chief Diversity Office at the Defense Information Systems Agency located on Fort Meade, Maryland.
Juanita has devoted her life to serving others and spreading joy. As an entrepreneur, she is the founder of Nehi Cares LLC, DBA Diverse Children’s Books Matter a Minority, Woman, and Veteran Owned Consulting Business. Through Nehi Cares LLC one of Juanita’s primary focuses is helping people understand the healthy foundations of wellness and how they relate to diversity and inclusion at all stages of development, not just in the workplace.
She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise on these topics by speaking on panels or providing training sessions. Through her work, Juanita aims to promote a more inclusive and healthy society for all.
Please enjoy our interview!
Please tell us about your passion to help others.
My passion for helping others is evident in my work as an author. I am on a mission to educate and promote diversity and inclusivity in children’s books.
I pursue to create more inclusive children’s books that represent and have characters that mirror diverse children through the movement Diverse Children’s Books Matter.
Juanita Banks-Whittington
With two inspirational books that hit the shelves this year: I Love My Daddy is a heartwarming children’s book about the special bond between a little girl and her father. My second book, Who Am I, is featured in Joy 365 A Devotional For Joy Restoration along with a host of other phenomenal co-authors. Through my writing, I aim to touch readers’ hearts and remind them of the beauty and resilience within themselves.
What was the inspiration behind writing your book?
The inspiration behind writing “I Love My Daddy,” was my husband and daughter. My husband kept telling me he didn’t see any diverse fathers in the books he would read to our daughter. That gave me an idea and I just ran with it. I’m excited to share it with my readers.
What makes your book unique?
“I Love My Daddy,” is unique because every illustration shows the routine that happens in my household, and it shows diverse characters that mirror relatable people.
In your words, why is it so important to celebrate fathers?
It’s important to celebrate fathers because it shows them they are appreciated, provides a positive male role model for children, and helps to promote/reinforce good behaviors
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new writers?
The best piece of advice I would give aspiring and new writers is to just do it. What do you have to lose? Make sure you do your research and be mindful of scammers.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
For the next six months I plan to do book readings, network, build partnerships, and promote the importance of why diverse children’s books matter.
More on Juanita:
Juanita’s dedication and compassion make her a powerful force for positive change in the world. She is a true champion for those in need, and her unwavering commitment to helping others is an inspiration to all. Follow and join Juanita’s journey as she pursues to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. She is available for speaking engagements to further educate and inspire others with her message.
Keep up to date:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nehi_cares_llc?igshid=ZWQyN2ExYTkwZQ==
Website: https://nehicares.com/