The Story Behind the Shine

Founder of the momME Movement: See & Shine 

For years, I lived in two worlds—one of service and structure, precision and purpose. I led missions, managed complex programs, and made things happen. But behind every milestone and title, there was a quiet ache: I was visible to everyone but myself. That realization became the seed of the momME Movement—a call for women to be seen again, not just for what they do, but for who they are.

I was born in Texas, the daughter of an African-American father and a Mexican-American mother; raised in Louisiana by my paternal grandparents after my father, a U.S. Air Force Airman, was killed. Their strength, faith, and unconditional love became the roots of who I am.

I built a good life, marriage, career, home, travel, experiences, you name it. But even good things can leave you feeling unseen. When my marriage ended, I learned that you can have everything that looks right on paper and still lose yourself between the lines.

I had nothing to prove—and still, there was more of me to become. Somewhere between the titles and the to-do lists, I realized I’d become visible to everyone but myself. I wasn’t unhappy; I was ready, content and grateful, yet called toward a brighter version of myself. This movement is that return.

I’ve spent my life building bridges—between countries, between people, and now between who women are and who they’re becoming. As an Army veteran and International Program Manager, I’ve led global partnerships and cross-cultural teams. And yet, somewhere between the uniform, the title, and the to-do lists, I lost sight of me.

The momME Movement is how I found my way back—a two-phase journey from reflection to radiance, where women learn to see themselves again and live in their light every single day. 

My daughter, Leighanna, is the heart of my why. Our children learn not from our perfection, but from our presence. She will know herself by watching me remember myself—and I want other mothers to have that same chance to shine. 

Because coming home to yourself isn’t a step backward—it’s the way forward.

“I wanted more—not more things, but more me.” — Roxanne Dickerson