October 29, 2019
Fostering Change Episode 14: Carlotta Taylor
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to inspirational speaker and author Carlotta Taylor.
Carlotta shares her story of growing up with an abusive father, escaping with her mother, and ending up in foster care during her teenage years. She credits the grace of God for helping her through the early years of her life and she writes about letting go of her painful past in the book, “No More Flinching: 5 Steps to Overcoming Adversity”. She is also the founder of the non-profit “Somebody Step In” which supports youth and former youth in foster care.
Click here to order Carlotta’s book.
Click here for the Somebody Step In Facebook page.
Click here to visit Carlotta’s website.
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About Carlotta Taylor.
From foster care to living in too many shelters to count, depression and suicidal attempts, Carlotta Taylor, author, International John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach knows that it was nothing but the grace of God that kept her from jail, the streets or worse. Transferred from multiple foster care homes and shelters because of abuse and neglect, she learned early on that if she didn’t transform her mind, she would be consumed by the chaotic world around her. Realizing that nothing just happens—and that God uses even our suffering to be a blessing—Carlotta seeks to inspire others to press beyond their breaking point, even if she only touches one person.
Severely beaten by her father, and suffering mental, spiritual and physical abuse in the many foster homes she once resided in, Carlotta encourages people worldwide to know that their difficulties in life do not have to define their future. As a former homicide detective, child protection detective, and former federal officer, with 15 years of law enforcement experience, she knew she had to use her knowledge and wisdom to effect greater change in and around the community. As the founder of Somebody Step In, Inc., a non-profit for foster children, teens and young adults, she offers coaching and mentorship in education, life skills and more. Her extensive professional and personal background has opened doors for her to serve as a motivational speaker nationwide. After having received three accommodation awards in law enforcement, even in her retirement, it is crystal clear that this is not just a career for her.
It’s ministry.
After searching for her purpose for years, she soon learned that her purpose was to share her story and inspire others who may be going through what she endured and overcame triumphantly. And even though she’s great at everything from makeup, hair and art—and even truck driving—she gets no greater fulfillment than that of walking someone through their healing process. Suddenly, life as she knew it all made sense. In her debut book, No More Flinching, Carlotta outlines five key steps to overcoming adversity. Flinching was the reaction she had right before her father oftentimes punched her in the face. But even after he and her mother divorced, the damage already done, she still flinched if someone reached for something near her. Until one day, it all stopped. She didn’t flinch anymore. More importantly, she learned how to truly forgive her father.
Holding both a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services and a Master’s in Science and Leadership from Belhaven University, Carlotta is using her educational, spiritual and emotional skill sets to host workshops under Somebody Step In, Inc., which will include goal setting, journaling, gear and gift cards to attendees. With her strong spirit of discernment, clear vision about the future, wit and love for others, she’s committed to kicking procrastination to the curb and shining her light brightly for all to see. And she encourages others to do the same.