We’re proud to celebrate one of our Ready Set Go Speak Members, Devina Parker. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author, speaker, and founder of The Feelings Therapist book series, Devina made a powerful impact at this year’s Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.
Chosen as one of the featured participants, Devina debuted her children’s book “Oh No, We’re Moving!” and her signature T-shirt line “Black and Emotionally Intelligent.” To her surprise and excitement, both sold out.
“There was a moment during the first day where I looked up and saw a line of people waiting to purchase,” Devina shared. “I knew I was going to run out of inventory before the day ended.”
The Essence Festival provided a national platform to amplify her mission, helping children and families increase emotional intelligence through storytelling and relatable tools. As a therapist working with both military and civilian families, Devina noticed a common thread. Children, and often their parents, struggled to identify and express their emotions.
“If we can teach children and their families how to listen, connect, and express themselves,” she says, “they have the opportunity to show up in their homes and the world in a more authentic way.”
Devina’s presence didn’t go unnoticed. She had the opportunity to meet Patti LaBelle and comedian Michael Colyar, who later invited her to appear on his morning show to share more about her work and her mission.
The Essence Festival was more than a sales success. It was a platform for visibility, connection, and legacy building. Devina Parker is a shining example of what happens when purpose meets preparation
Devina and Michael Colyar at Essence Festival.