D2L
EMPOWER
Stewards of Children®, our flagship program, teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Delivered in a trauma-informed way by instructors and facilitators who have been rigorously trained
Features powerful videos paired with robust facilitated discussion
Teaches three foundational empowerment skills:
Making choices that protect children
Taking risks to minimize danger to children
Supporting each other
Highlights The 5 Steps to Protecting Children™ and how to apply them to better protect children from child sexual abuse
We are committed to
empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse.
Darkness to Light’s work is guided by the vision of a world free from child sexual abuse, where children can grow up happy, healthy and safe. We know that prevention is possible, and we believe that it is an adult responsibility to protect children.
We offer training that specializes in the education and prevention of child sexual abuse, other forms of abuse, and mandated reporting.
Darkness to Light is a nationally recognized movement to educate adults in the prevention of child sexual abuse. Learn more at www.d2l.org
AUTHORIZED FACILITATOR
Sharlene is a dynamic communicator, spoken word poet, recording artist, and social entrepreneur based in New York. As the founder and CEO of WRITE. SPEAK. INSPIRE.™, she leverages her extensive background in youth development, leadership team development, soft skills training, curriculum design, program management, and entrepreneurship to inspire and empower others. A fierce advocate for students and families, Sharlene has dedicated her career to uplifting under-resourced communities.
With nearly two decades of experience, Sharlene has excelled as a Senior Youth and Outreach Director with one of the largest youth-serving non-profit organizations in the country. She led teams that served over 1,000 elementary, middle, and high school students and their families through after-school programs, community-based activities, and summer camps. Her ability to connect with diverse age groups and demographics is a testament to her versatile and inclusive approach.
Sharlene's personal journey adds depth to her professional expertise. She has had the rare experience of being adopted twice in one lifetime and is a survivor of child sexual abuse. Now, she travels extensively, educating people on the power of adoption and inspiring them to support foster youth. Her lived experiences fuel her passion for advocacy and are a central theme in her work as an artist and speaker.
Sharlene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from East Carolina University. She is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. After graduation, she transitioned into Higher Education Administration and Residence Life, offering leadership development training and coaching to college students.
Currently, Sharlene is pursuing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Biblical Studies at Campbell University while continuing to coach student leaders and professionals nationwide. She is also working on her upcoming book project, further extending her impact and reach.
As a spoken word poet and recording artist with over a decade of professional performance experience, Sharlene has shared the stage and collaborated with talented singer/songwriters, producers, and fellow spoken word poets, including Antoine Bradford, Chris Webb, Ezekiel Azonwu, Jess Ray, Mission House, and The Verses Project. Renowned for her ability to weave compelling stories through her performances, she also teaches the art of writing, speaking, and inspiring through honest and impactful lines.
Sharlene's artistic talents are at the heart of her advocacy work. She uses the performing arts to shed light on critical social issues, captivating audiences with her authentic and powerful presentations. Her unique ability to blend creativity with leadership has established her as a sought-after speaker and trainer, making her one of the most captivating communicators of her generation.
Through her work with WRITE. SPEAK. INSPIRE.™ and her ongoing educational pursuits, Sharlene continues to inspire and lead with passion, authenticity, and a commitment to making a difference.
