By Tammy Reese | Friday, February 7, 2025 | 1:25 PM ET
When Dr. Andrea A. Anthony founded Guarded Wings Promise, it wasn’t just an organization — it was a vision set in motion, a purpose-driven mission rooted in her own journey of healing. Determined to break cycles of silence and prevent childhood sexual abuse, Dr. Anthony built Guarded Wings Promise serving as a leader for hope and education for families, communities, and future generations.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Anthony shares how vision and purpose have shaped her work, the impact of Guarded Wings Promise, and how each of us can play a role in ensuring that every child grows up safe, protected, and empowered.
Your work has a profound sense of purpose. When you first envisioned Guarded Wings Promise, what was the driving force behind its creation, and how has that vision evolved over time?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: That is a great question. Thanks for asking. The driving force behind creating Guarded Wings Promise was because of my personal journey of healing and my determination to ensure that no child would have to experience the pain and trauma of sexual abuse in their childhood. When I learned 26 years ago that I would become a parent, that fueled the passion even more. I was driven to create a safe space for my unborn child before she arrived. That meant that I had to start having conversations with everyone that would be a part of our village. My own experiences of abuse also fueled a passion for advocacy and education, and I knew that real change could start within my own family.
Over time, the vision has grown from focusing on individual families to building a local and nationwide movement called the Guarded Wings Ambassadors. We’re now focused on empowering entire families and communities to take responsibility for safeguarding children through education, workshops, and leadership.
For someone learning about your organization for the first time, how would you describe its mission and the unique resources it provides to individuals and communities?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: I’m glad you asked. The mission of Guarded Wings Promise is to ultimately, end childhood sexual abuse. Our focus is primarily on the prevention aspect and that is being done through empowering families and communities with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to safeguard children.
We offer specialized training programs, including parent training, trainings for youth serving organizations, and faith-based trainings for leadership and their members just to name a few. In addition, I’ve written a parent guide specifically for expecting and new parents, which emphasizes establishing safeguarding systems before and after a child’s birth. I’ve also created a digital training as well for parents to take from the comfort of their own homes.
What projects or initiatives have you recently worked on that you’re most proud of, and what impact have they had so far?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: Although I am committed to all the projects, I would have to say that the initiative that I’m most proud of is the Guarded Wings Ambassadors. I call it a movement. We just recently held our first Ambassador training, and it was impactful. The participants were either survivors, individuals who know of someone who is, and/or someone who wanted to learn more. The Guarded Wings Ambassador training empowers Ambassadors to take the lead in safeguarding children, becoming a vocal and active advocate specifically for their family. The energy in the room was so peaceful. The attendees left empowered and ready to be the leader in their family to protect the children. Each participant received a certificate and a lapel pin that made them official AMBASSADORS for this movement. Since the training, I have received text messages and phone calls from attendees expressing how grateful they were to be a part of the training. Two of the participants sent me pictures of them wearing the lapel pin. I am so excited about the possibilities in the near future.
“Vision” and “Purpose” are powerful words. What do they mean to you personally, and how do they guide the work you do every day?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: I would have to say that these are two words that have fueled my life. The bible says in Proverbs 29:18, where there is no vision, the people will perish. Which simply means that without clear goals or some resemblance of direction, you will lose your way and fail to achieve anything in life. I believe that to accomplish anything in life, you must visualize it first. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s when I realized what my purpose and earthly assignment is. Everything I do in my life is done with a purpose.
At the onset of putting pen to paper or finger to keys on my computer, I had a vision of what I believe God gave me. It wasn’t easy to get where I am today in my thinking and belief in the work that I am doing now. I have been working on this for a couple of decades. Today, there is no stopping me. I see what the end will be, although I may not live to see its full fruition but the power behind the purpose of safeguarding all children is the vision and purpose behind Guarded Wings Promise.
What role does collaboration play in your work, and how do you partner with schools, faith-based organizations, or other groups to expand your impact?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: Great question. I know I can’t do this alone. Collaboration is critical in this work. If I want to make a significant impact partnering with schools, faith-based and youth serving organizations and other groups, I must draw on the groups of people they serve. I’ll be able to reach a broader audience and share the resources. In order to accomplish the expectant end, I need foot soldiers willing to do the work with me. Although I am confident in my strong voice, the power will be in the numbers.
As a collective effort, we can offer training, raise awareness, and create multiple environments across every community to offer support that is essential for protecting children. These are critical and essential for significant change and building a huge network of advocates who are committed to the cause.
As a leader in this space, how do you maintain your sense of purpose and vision, as well as stay motivated and prioritize your mental health first?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: Oh yes, thanks for asking, because it’s important to take care of SELF FIRST. I’ve been in multiple leadership roles over my lifetime, and I am very much aware of how important it is to fuel yourself daily and the cost of not doing so. This leadership role for me is the most important role of my life. My sense of purpose is rooted in the lives I seek to protect and the silent voices I intend to represent. I stay grounded by constantly reminding myself of the mission of safeguarding children, educating and empowering families, and to break generational cycles of silence.
The way I maintain my vision is to shut out the noise. Pull the blinds on negative energy, as in people. I am purposeful at surrounding myself with a strong community of like-minded individuals, including close friends and associates, survivors, advocates, and professionals who remind me that this work is bigger than any one person. My motivation comes from the impact, when a parent tells me they feel empowered to protect their child, or when a survivor finds their voice. I know this work matters when I get that kind of feedback.
With that being said, I also realize that I cannot pour from an empty cup. I am intentional at investing in myself. I didn’t used to be this way. My pedicures are important to me. I also take pride in being a lifelong learner. I am constantly researching and learning so that I can be and stay informed, empowered, and innovative in my approach to this work. My mental health means EVERYTHING to me. I accomplish that through spending time with God, through prayer and reflecting daily, seeking out my mentor when I need to, or simply taking moments of rest. Now, I could do better in the rest department. I have to ensure that I am whole so that I can continue in my earthly assignment.
What is the one message you hope resonates most with readers about your work and the mission of Guarded Wings Promise?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: Great question and thanks for giving me the space. The one message I hope resonates most with the readers about my work and the mission of Guarded Wings Promise is that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that begins in the home first and then in the village of extended family and friends. Every child deserves to grow up in a world free from the threat of sexual abuse. It is also important to understand that protection starts with awareness, and action is key, within our families and our communities.
I want people to understand that silence allows harm to continue, but one informed and empowered person in a family can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
If readers take away one thing, I want it to be this: You have the power to make a difference ONE CHILD, ONE FAMILY AND ONE COMMUNITY at a time!
What is the legacy you hope Guarded Wings Promise leaves behind, and how do you envision its impact on future generations?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: That’s a powerful question and I am happy to answer it. The legacy I desire for Guarded Wings Promise is a world where safeguarding children is no longer an afterthought but an instinctive part of every family’s foundation. I want future generations of children to grow up in a family environment, no matter how that family looks. It could be a 2 parent, single parent, children being raised by a family member, foster care and so on, where open conversations about protection, consent, and boundaries are the norm, and where children are empowered to use their own voices without fear.
I envision that every family has a Guarded Wings Ambassador, who is a trained advocate to ensure that no child in their family is left vulnerable. I see communities standing together, breaking generational cycles of silence, and refusing to let predators operate unchecked.
Long after I am gone, I want this movement to continue growing, equipping families with the tools, knowledge, and courage to safeguard every child, because every child deserves to be safe, loved, and free to thrive.
For someone looking to support your mission, whether financially or through volunteering, how can they get involved in meaningful ways?
Dr. Andrea A. Anthony: Great question and thank you for allowing me to share the ways to support. For anyone interested in supporting the mission of Guarded Wings Promise, there are many meaningful ways to get involved. This is a collective effort.
They can:
Become a Guarded Wings Ambassador by completing our training and becoming an advocate within your own family and community.
Volunteer Time. Your time will make a difference. Whether it is a short commitment at our community events, training sessions, or a long term commitment to assist with administrative support. We need passionate individuals.
We can accept financial contributions to help us provide essential training, resources, and support for families committed to safeguarding their children. Sponsoring a family is another way to ensure they receive the education and tools needed to protect their little ones.
You can use your voice. We need foot soldiers to spread awareness. Share our mission on social media, host community discussions, or invite us to speak at schools, churches, and organizations. Raising awareness is a powerful form of advocacy.
We need organizations to partner with us. Businesses, churches, and organizations can collaborate with us to expand our reach and provide more families with access to life-saving resources.
Every action, whether it is big or small, will contribute to a safer future for all children and their families. To get involved, visit our website at Guardedwingspromise.com, follow us on social @guardedwings, media, or reach out directly — we need you in this movement to protect our children!
Dr. Andrea’s website: https://www.drandreaanthony.com
Dr. Andrea’s Instagram: @iamdrandrea
About Tammy Reese
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
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