Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects people from all walks of life. It doesn't discriminate based on gender, age, race, or socioeconomic status. This episode sheds light on this often-hidden epidemic, hoping to break the silence and provide support for those who may be enduring it.
Guests' Biographical Sketches:
Tosha Connors
Tosha has been leading MSH for almost seven years. She previously spent over 10 years leading major fundraising efforts and strategic initiatives, managing staff and volunteers, and working with boards of directors. She is a South Carolina native and lives here with her husband and three kids.
Sonja Pinckney Rhodes
Min. Sonja Pinckney Rhodes is a native Charlestonian raised in the West Ashley area by her loving parents, the late Dea. Johnny Pinckney and Mary Pinckney. ]Sonja attended the public schools of Charleston County and in preparation for her career, earned her bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in human resources and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on human resource management. She is currently pursuing her Master of Theology degree from Palmer Theological Seminary/Eastern University.
Sonja is the proud mother of two sons, Jon Michael Pinckney, Sr., and Andre’ Christopher Rhodes. She also delights in her lovely daughter-in-law, Markita Flemons Pinckney, and her three beautiful grandchildren, whom she adores, Jon Michael, Jr., Ari Samiya, and Nia Malika Pinckney.
In June 2020, Sonja retired from the Medical University of South Carolina with nearly three decades of service, a life change where God has allowed her to focus on her purpose even more. She is an accomplished author with an international and three-time national number one best-selling books, From Pain to Purpose, Greater Works and The Purpose for the Pain. In addition, Sonja is the founder and CEO of JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC, Vision Magazine and JMPinckney Scholarship Fund.
Christan Antwan Rainey
Christan Antwan Rainey is a Charleston native who serves as the Assistant Chief of Professional Development in the North Charleston Fire Department, where he has worked for eleven years. Through his career, he has won several awards such as Distinguished Service, Life Saving, Medical Citation, Chief Coin’s. He has received the Chief Fire Officer Designation by the Center of Public Safety Excellence held by only 1864 fire officers in the world. Christan is also the Public Information Officer for the North Charleston Fire Department.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Christan remains immensely engaged in the community as the Founder and CEO of M.A.D. USA, Inc. (Men Against Domestic Violence). M.A.D. USA, Inc. As a result of tragically losing his mother and four siblings to domestic violence, he has become deeply committed to helping others recognize the indicators of domestic violence and increasing access resources for victims. He collaborates with school districts, businesses and other nonprofits to raise awareness about teen dating violence (6-12 grades), anti-bullying (k-5 grade), identifying healthy relationships, and establishing healthy gender roles. Through trainings and speaking engagements, Christan desires to use his nonprofit’s influence to eliminate domestic violence as an issue for future generations.