Meet J. Dwayne Garnett | Value-Based Educator and Love Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with J. Dwayne Garnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J. Dwayne, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Love Is A Parable was rooted in a deep passion for helping individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of decision-making and personal growth. I recognized that values play a significant and often overlooked role in shaping our choices and actions.

Starting Love Is A Parable allowed me to create a platform where I could share my knowledge and expertise in value-based education, reflective thinking, and personal acceptance. I wanted to empower individuals and organizations to understand the profound impact of their values on their lives and decision-making processes.

By offering workshops, training, and educational resources, Love Is A Parable aims to provide practical tools for individuals and organizations to enhance their decision-making, improve relationships, and foster personal growth. It’s all about creating awareness and promoting the importance of values in our daily lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career is a journey deeply rooted in my unwavering commitment to promoting Professional Development, Community Engagement, Conflict Navigation, and togetherness through the lens of value-based education. My path in this field has been anything but conventional.

Originally hailing from Augusta, Georgia, I embarked on my educational journey with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, supplemented by minors in Community Recreation and Music Education. As I continued to pursue knowledge, I achieved a Master of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration, further enhancing my expertise.

With more than two decades of experience spanning education, diversity, and inclusion, I’ve evolved into a Reflective Thinking Facilitator and Love Advocate. However, my most significant accomplishment to date is the establishment and leadership of Love Is A Parable, a non-profit organization that specializes in transformative value-based education workshops.

Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to collaborate with a wide spectrum of organizations and participate in diverse events. My impactful speaking engagements have left lasting impressions on entities like the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Series, Wake County Health and Human Services, Benedict College, Voorhees University, and numerous others. My work has garnered recognition, with a feature in Main & Broad Magazine and an appearance as a guest on PBS North Carolina’s Black Issues Forum.

In my collaborations, my focus has consistently centered on inspiring and fostering collaboration. My colleague Merald Holloway has lauded my work for its instrumental role in identifying solutions, promoting self-love, and championing values. My hallmark has been the ability to connect with diverse audiences and deliver precisely the right message at the right time.

As a speaker, my expertise spans a wide range of topics, encompassing value-based education, personal and professional development, diversity, equity, and inclusion, career readiness, recruitment and sales strategies, organizational management, and conflict navigation and management. My dynamic and engaging approach has catalyzed positive change within corporate entities, communities, and individuals.

My role as the CEO of Love Is A Parable empowers me to have a profound impact on our community. Through this organization, I’ve been able to guide individuals and organizations in addressing their unique needs while fostering a sense of togetherness and promoting the principles of value-based education.

In summary, my career journey is a testament to my unrelenting pursuit of personal growth, my steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, and my unwavering dedication to helping others unlock their full potential. The blend of my education, experience, and passion continues to drive positive change within our community. To delve deeper into my journey and discover more about Love Is A Parable, I invite you to explore our website at loveisaparable.com.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to the Triangle

Morning: Start the day with breakfast at a local favorite, The Mocha Room in Apex. They serve some of the best coffee and pastries in the area.
Afternoon: Head to Downtown Apex to explore the charming historic district with its unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
Evening: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Brus on Main in Fuquay-Varina, where you can savor craft beers and a delicious meal.
Day 2: Exploring the Outdoors

Morning: Take a nature hike at one of the beautiful green spaces in the area, like the Harris Lake County Park or American Tobacco Trail.
Afternoon: Pack a picnic and relax by the serene waters of Lake Wheeler Park.
Evening: Head back to Fuquay-Varina for some local BBQ at Aviator Smokehouse.
Day 3: Cultural Experience

Morning: Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh to explore its extensive collection.
Afternoon: Stroll through the vibrant North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Evening: Enjoy a night out in downtown Raleigh, exploring its numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
Day 4: Historic Raleigh

Morning: Take a guided tour of the historic Mordecai House in Raleigh.
Afternoon: Explore the Historic Oakwood neighborhood, known for its beautifully preserved Victorian homes.
Evening: Savor some delicious Southern cuisine at Poole’s Diner.
Day 5: Chapel Hill Adventure

Morning: Head to Chapel Hill and visit the North Carolina Botanical Garden for a serene morning.
Afternoon: Take a walk around the picturesque University of North Carolina campus.
Evening: Dine at one of the many fine restaurants along Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
Day 6: Durham Delights

Morning: Start with breakfast at Bull City Confectionaries in Durham, known for their mouthwatering treats.
Afternoon: Visit the world-renowned Duke University campus and the stunning Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and craft cocktails at the trendy Alley Twenty Six in downtown Durham. Hear amazing sounds by Iconic Bond, Cypher Univercity, Deuce Tyrell, and Kim Person.
Day 7: A Relaxing Day

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning at your accommodation.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Jordan Lake for some water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.
Evening: Wrap up the week with a seafood feast at 42nd St. Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill in Raleigh.
Throughout the week, we’d make time for spontaneous discoveries, local events, and maybe even catch a live performance or an art exhibition if there’s something exciting happening in the area. The Triangle region offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable visit for my best friend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable individuals who have journeyed with Love Is A Parable. It’s your unwavering commitment to self-discovery and personal growth that fuels our mission’s fire.

A special acknowledgment goes to the brilliant minds behind the training manuals, “Ephphatha, Open to Love: Love Is A Parable Training Manual” and “Ampersands and Commas: Love Is Communicating.” These guides are more than just books; they’re transformative tools that have shaped our approach, offering invaluable insights into the profound impact of values on our lives.

To our readers, supporters, and partners, your embrace of Love Is A Parable’s message is the cornerstone of our global impact. Together, we’re not just raising awareness; we’re fostering deep understanding of how values influence decision-making and personal growth.

Our journey continues, and your unwavering support propels us forward. Thank you for being the heartbeat of Love Is A Parable’s success. Your dedication is changing lives and shaping brighter futures.

Website: https://loveisaparable.com/

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Image Credits
loveisaparable.com