Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronda Ramsey
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Ronda, known as Angel, and I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, I grew up with my mothers side of the family as my father was in prison as a child. Being raised in the inner city and U-City shaped my life. I was a bussed out to Rockwood School District and I definitely know the struggle of getting up super early. I played sports growing up and mainly basketball with that being my outlet. It allowed me my friends and of course, the village, because thats what it takes. My mom would work two jobs at times and did whatever to make sure we were okay. As you get older you realize, dang we didn’t have much, but it was no way to tell because we didn.t go without. I grew up with my cousins for sure and as we got older we became more aware of society. I knew education and sports was the only way for me to not be like the others in my family so I I graduated from Eureka High School in 2005. I played ball my freshman yr and after enoug injuries, I just attended for education. At that point I knew I had to take advantage of all opportunities and ask as many questions to my advisor. I did my intern in St. Louis Police Headquarters in sex crimes/child abuse, I did the disney college program in Orlando twice, I was accepted in the National Student Exchange Program and attended the University of The Virgin islands, in which I began playing ball again. I was exposed to more than just STL and more than just the culture I knew. I began learning people and excited my mind was exploring.
I am a professional with over 17 years of experience working with youths. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology with a minor in sociology from Missouri State University. I further obtained a Masters degree from Columbia College in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement Administration & Leadership.
I proceeded to work with the Juvenile Division of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. I then transitioned to adults working as a Probation/Parole officer at the Missouri Department of Corrections where she was also the Eastern region Case Management Liaison. I then went on to work with juveniles for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and this is where I began working out a way as to how I can help society by reaching the youth before they get into the system. I founded “The Angels Online LLC” There are questions with answers being expected, but in the world today, the youth have found it difficult to get their voices heard and get answers.
I have the continuous urge and dream to become an agent of positive change in the lives of others and uphold the promise made to my great grandmother Martha “To keep helping the children” And that birthed “Marthas Angels,” my non-profit organization which aims to equip young individuals with essential life skills, fostering their personal and professional development to thrive in the ever-evolving future.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always struggles and some cause more stress than others.
I was bullied in the home growing up and I saw a lot of unfairness/mistreatment and in order to help others I needed to address my mental first. Reliving trauma to address it head on was one of the major steps and I wouldn’t change it. Being old enough to have a voice and advocate for myself was huge. I wasn’t a kid anymore and all the work I had put in was going to be put to use.
In Texas, Someone else’s hiccup became my problem in the workplace for the first time ever and I was in leadership so that took a toll. But with the help of friends/family I got up and took control and the outcome became positive for me and was the time I needed to focus on my next mission, The Angels Online.
Working and just dealing with others you learn a lot about society and when you address issues, you can kind of tell when others have not so you pick and choose your battles. I always choose MY peace.
Of course the financial strain can take a toll. When you go from working and no extra responsibilities to starting a business….LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING!! But I chose to invest in myself and my dream of helping the youth and adults that cross my path. So I would say all the sacrifices are worth it. They contribute to the greater good of society, making them meaningful and valuable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Angels Online/Marthas Angels. ?
When I was in Texas, I started The Angels online, LLC, but it was post COVID so I started with a podcast. The all-embracing goal of THE ANGELS ONLINE LLC is to provide the youth, a channel where they can raise their concerns and table their questions appropriately. It is a means to where they get informed and learn practical steps in tackling the issues that they are facing. It is also an avenue to gain understanding and become more confident about advocating for their needs.
The Blueprint was already written as far as programs and what I knew children would need. I moved back to STL and began to substitute teach, because the youth were my content. I wanted to see the lives they live and I wanted to hear from them. I specialize in the youth, I love juvenile justice. Of course my degree includes that as well as my professional experience. When I did Season 1, I chose individuals whom survived the struggle and overcame their obstacles (Diamond in the Rough). Youth need to see people they can relate to as life circumstances hit everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, etc. Someone can relate to someone’s story. I started allowing youth a voice by writing to me about topics they would want to hear about on a podcast and they did not have to put their name on it if they did not choose to. After reading these letters, I had tears and immediately season 2 was ready. THE YOUTH CHOOSE MY TOPICS. I connect youth and adults in open dialogue discussing real life circumstances and situations. They have a seat at the table. The Angels Online-Voice of the unheard is dedicated to the future.
Marthas Angels is a branch off The Angels Online. While teaching, I was already using the time as a pilot for marthas Angels to see how beneficial it was for the youth. Before my great grandmother, Martha passed away she called me crying and told me how proud of me she was. It was about 10 pm and she said she was watching me on youtube. She told me “Keep helping The Children” She passed away a month later 5/31/23. It was time to put all my ideas I had prepared and planned in 2021 and while in the classrooms to work. Sept. 2023 came with Marthas Angels. Marthas Angels is a non-profit organization that aims to equip young individuals with essential life skills, fostering their personal and professional development to thrive in the ever-evolving future. Marthas Angels provides pertinent information in regard to resources and opportunities within their communities.
I am proud of where I started to where I am now. Remember, I come from the criminal justice system. Entrepreneurship was never in my plans and I have learned everything along the way, I have invested my own money, time, tears and energy in all I do and will continue to do so. I have learned so much and have been able to offer a safe space for youth and adults of all ages. I have individuals who have told their story for the first time on my show. I have shed tears reading the stories of the youth and being in a recording session while they become vulnerable and feel safe. I am proud of who I have grown up to be and the stairs I continue to climb. Marthas Angels is just beginning and with my connection with the youth, I will continue to bring what they are asking for. Marthas Angels focuses on seven components; Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Community Engagement, Wellness/mindfulness, College and scholarship guidance, Career Development and mentoring.
Note: The Angels Online comes from my name and I am online via podcast, but it is plural, because YOU ARE SOMEONES ANGEL. Whether you say hello to the greeter at walmart or simply say something nice to the person having a bad day in line. You never know the impact you may have.
Marthas Angels comes from Big Mama (Martha) and my name (Angels). But all the guests I engage with, especially when speaking to the youth, are like angels to them.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Well behind the layers of strong traits and professional side etc. I am a super soft. lol I cry watching movies. I have a huge heart and I love hard. GOOD PEOPLE GOOD PEOPLE!!
Contact Info:
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- Website: www.Theangelsonline.org. www.marthasangels.org
- Instagram: @theangelsonline, @marthas_angels
- Facebook: the angels online/ Marthas Angels
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theangelsonlinellc
