Evan Trad

Dr. Wendy Thelese Talley is a licensed clinical social worker in California. Wendy has been in the field of mental health for 20 years. She has served a variety of populations,which have also helped her to grow within her profession. Wendy is a wife and mom of a teenager whom she enjoys seeing grow each day. She is also spiritual and worships God and Christ in her daily life. Wendy has graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters and Doctorate in Social Work. She has a private practice in Los Angeles, where she has worked with professionals and families for over five years. In addition to her private practice, Wendy is also SONY Pictures Entertainment in Culver City’s Onsite Counselor. During her doctoral program, Wendy created Save an Aging Life Screening Tool for healthcare providers to screen aging couples at every office visit for Intimate Partner Violence. Imagine the World as One Magazine Editors caught up with Wendy to talk about life, disability, successes, inspirations, challenges, and more.

As a person with a disability, would you describe what your life has been like living with a disability?

I have been living with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia all my life. When I was younger, I never was teased or made to feel out of place because of it. I guess the reason was it was a disability no one could see or hear. Society is very black or white. If they can see the disability, then it is a disability; if not, then it is considered low self-esteem. I did not suffer from low esteem when I was young; my parents always instilled in me the ability to be strong and know I come from a strong family. However, in school, kids can be mean and insensitive to those who may experience challenges. I don’t recall being called names, but in class, no one wanted to sit next to the “girl who could not learn.” My friends played with me at recess, but in class, teachers would place me in the front of the classroom while my friends were sat together in the back. I felt isolated, different, not like everyone else. In addition to being separated in the school, when

we had tests or complex work to do, I had to go with a tutor. “The Tutor” was a person everyone

knew who worked with students who had some physical or learning disability. As I moved through Junior High School and High School, I continued with tutors, but I never was openly teased about it. My grades were not the best, but at least I blended with the other “cool” students. I was finally like everyone else. I have real friends now, so I thought. In my senior year, I did not know what I wanted to do after, but I knew I wanted to go to college. My parents never talked to me about college. “Get your diploma and get a job,” my father said, is all I heard. My parents never checked on my grades, just as long as I went to school and I finished was all they  cared about. A social worker at the school, Ms. Brown, met with me the week of a college fair on campus to tell me, “I don’t think you are smart enough to go to college. Your grades are too low. You are a cute girl, marry rich, and have kids.” I was devastated. Is she right? Of course, my mother was not having it. She told me, “Earl and I don’t raise stupid kids. You can do anythingyou want.” So, of course, I believed her and all 9 of my brothers and sisters. I applied to 4 colleges, including an HBCU, and got accepted to all of them! I only had an SAT score of 600.

What has been the most significant success you have experienced in living with a disability?

Well, it is hard for me to pinpoint one big success living with my disability. I have to say out of all of my accomplishments in obtaining a BA degree, Master’s in Social Work, and my terminal degree, Doctorate of Social work; I have successfully failed my way through college. Well, what I mean by this is, I have allowed myself to be ok with my limitations, use my resources for assistance and learn through my challenges in college to succeed. In undergraduate, I graduated with a 2.7 average GPA, graduate I finished with a 3.6 GPA and 3.8 GPA. I had found when I was open about my challenges and asked for help without feeling ashamed, I was able to make all my dreams come true. I have touched so many people about

being open regarding my learning disabilities and freeing so many from their shame and guilt.

What has been a struggle you have had to overcome living with a disability?

My biggest challenge is myself. I have recently accepted I have “Imposter Syndrome” like most professionals. My imposter is when I can’t see all the outstanding accomplishments I have or had done. I let small events where I believe I did not do well become the focus of my thoughts. I begin to self-sabotage and shut down at times when I think I am being rejected and demeaned. WOW, just saying out loud brings anxiety. I am ok with being human and having experiences that make me a better and stronger person. However, when I think about being judged, at times, it brings me to tears. I don’t believe I have overcome this. However, I know it will not stop me from being the best me.

How did you overcome that struggle?

I have been a Life Coach for a few months to address many different challenges in my professional and personal life. As far as the Imposter Syndrome, this is a recent discovery, so we are still assessing the situation.

As a person with a disability who has created great success for yourself, what do you attribute that success to?

I attribute my success to having a growing relationship with my higher power, God, and understanding that no matter what I go through, God will always have my back. I love my mom and dad for instilling in me that I am a smart and beautiful young woman, and I can do anything I want. I genuinely believe the opinions folks in my current and past have or had about me never will come to the past because I am destined for something greater. God gave me this disability so I can show how amazing He has been in my life,and I can do all things.

How and from whom have you been supported to achieve the level of success you have?

My biggest supporter has been my husband and my son. I would not be able to go as far while

being a mother, raising a son, and working on building a business. Mr. Tywon Talley has been

my rock through this whole process. He helps me brainstorm ideas about my business, products, or types of people to collaborate. When I have moments of challenges, failures, and missteps, Mr. Talley will listen and wipe my tears. Then he would remind me of “why” I am doing this and help me to remember all the people who have been helped in my business. I am so grateful for God to have placed Mr. Talley in my life. 

If someone wanted to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give them? 

If someone wanted to follow in my footsteps, I would smile and say, “Are you ready for a bumpy ride?”\(laughing) The journey I have been\ one has been one for the history books,but it has shown me that I needed to go through the struggle, pain, sweat, racism, discrimination, disrespect, put-downs, awards, recognitions, and achievements to make me who I am today. I know my journey is not over, but my faith has kept me on course, and I am not taking my eyes off the Prize. To someone who is struggling with their own disability, what would you want them to know? You can do all the things you set your mind too. Your disability is only an extra tool you can use to make it all worth it. Yes, you will have challenges along the way, but don’t quit. Remember to use your resources and get help when needed. Have no shame in this game called life.

Who are your role models, and what did you learn from them?

My role models are many speakers and Black Women who are business owners and investors. I have learned through many speakers and powerful Black women like Verga Mae Flenoury (mom), Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Harriet Tubman, Oprah, Cardi B, that no matter what you want in life, the opinions of others don’t matter. The only thing that matters is that you stick to your “why” and only entertain conversations that will uplift and support you.

What inspires you?

I am inspired when I see people accomplish their goals, and they are determined to go far. I am also inspired by people who are innovative and creative. I love to see Black men and women in tech. 

What specifically in your mind affirmed for you that you had overcome and “made it”? 

Every day I wake up and know I have made it because I get emails and phone calls of people who are in constant need of my services. Also, I get testimonials from clients and organizations who I helped, and they loved it and want me to Return.

Dr. Wendy Talley has overcome many obstacles to become a successful Social Worker, and through hard work, a robust support system, and a strong belief in God worked to cope with and overcome her disability. While she is still learning and growing, she knows that her disability is only one part of who she is as a person. As she says,“Keep your eye on the prize,” and when thinking about her success, the only thing that matters is that you stick to your “why” and only entertain conversations that will uplift and support you.Always remember to have no shame in this game called life, and you can overcome any obstacle that life throws at you!