Episode 13: A Love Letter to Black Women ft. Dr DaJaneil McCree

In this deeply insightful episode of Growing Pains, host Bria is joined by Dr. DaJaneil McCree, a dedicated public health leader and mentor, to discuss navigating life’s pressures, the power of faith, and the importance of community. Dr. McCree shares her personal journey of faith, growth, and empowering Black women through mentorship and leadership. Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with wisdom, personal stories, and reflections on creating lasting change.

[0:00] Introduction: Building Community and Trust: Bria highlights Dr. McCree’s impressive work in public health and mentorship. They discuss the importance of community support in navigating both personal and professional challenges, setting the tone for an empowering conversation.

[3:35] Faith and Purpose: Trusting God's Timing: Dr. McCree dives into her spiritual journey, sharing how her faith has shaped her life and career. She reflects on the importance of trusting God’s timing and how her relationship with God gave her strength during difficult moments, particularly after moving to a new state and stepping into a new phase of her life. She emphasizes that faith isn't about being perfect but about showing up authentically and trusting the process.

[12:50] Mentorship and Safe Spaces for Black Women: In this segment, Dr. McCree discusses the critical need for safe spaces and mentorship for Black women. She highlights her work in offering mentorship and guidance, stressing the importance of uplifting and supporting one another. Whether it’s in professional spaces or personal growth, Dr. McCree emphasizes how mentorship can change lives and help women achieve their goals.

[18:00] A Personal Story of Self-Discovery: Dr. McCree opens up about her personal journey of self-discovery, including her decision to stop drinking. She recalls the challenges of returning to her hometown for the holidays, where old habits and temptations could have derailed her growth. She shares how she chose peace and aligned herself with her new sense of purpose, highlighting the sacrifices that come with personal transformation.

[24:40] Discernment and Living with Intent: The conversation shifts to the power of discernment in making life and career decisions. Dr. McCree talks about the guidance she has received through prayer and reflection, allowing her to pursue meaningful work aligned with her values. She discusses how living intentionally has allowed her to focus on what truly matters and how listeners can embrace discernment in their own lives.

[34:10] Mentorship and Empowering Black Women: Dr. McCree shares exciting details about her upcoming podcast, mentorship services, and workshops designed to empower Black women. She talks about how her projects aim to provide the tools and resources needed to navigate life’s challenges, with a focus on career success, personal growth, and building strong support networks. Her work continues to foster change by connecting women with mentors who can offer invaluable guidance.

[42:00] Closing Thoughts: "We All We Got": As the episode nears its conclusion, Dr. McCree offers final words of wisdom to the audience. She reflects on the role of community, faith, and mentorship in her life and leaves the listeners with a powerful reminder: “We all we got.” She encourages everyone to invest in themselves, seek out mentorship, and continue showing up for each other, especially within their own communities.

Follow Dr. DaJaneil McCree

Stay connected with Dr. McCree and learn more about her work by following her on Instagram: @blackgirls_cantalk.