Marlene M.
Director at Okina Holdings CC
Mental Health Care
Education: University of the Western Cape - University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Biography
Marlene's impactful keynote presentations have resonated across continents, including Africa, Europe, and North America, captivating audiences at prestigious venues ranging from international conferences and universities to churches, book fairs, and corporate events. Her insights have been shared with a wide-reaching audience through numerous media outlets, including radio, television, and podcasts.
An accomplished speaker, Marlene showcased her expertise by participating in the Professional Speaker Association of South Africa's Speaker Factor competition, where she represented the Cape Chapter at the esteemed Rerooted PSASA Conference 2023 finals.
Driven by a fervent dedication to healing and transformation, Marlene empowers audiences to navigate and transcend trauma, offering practical guidance on converting adversities into catalysts for personal growth. With an unwavering belief that trauma should not dictate one's life, she advocates for the transformative power of transmutation as the key to liberation.
Marlene's profound insights delve into the intricate fabric of consciousness, underscoring the uniqueness of individual experiences and emphasizing the personalized journey towards healing. Her message extends beyond personal growth, highlighting healing as a shared human experience and a collaborative endeavor towards collective well-being.
In addition to her advocacy work, Marlene draws from her personal resilience, having triumphed over cancer, to inspire others with her story of survival and the importance of early detection in saving lives. Her legal background further enriches her multifaceted profile, holding esteemed law degrees (B.Proc, LLB, and LLM) and exemplifying her commitment to advocating for justice and empowerment in diverse spheres of her life.
Passion
Marlene, a courageous survivor of violent trauma, is driven by a profound passion to assist individuals and organizations to create trauma-informed workplaces through a diverse array of transformative training interventions. Her mission is to unlock a pathway to emotional well-being and financial success.
In addition to her dedication to this cause, Marlene finds solace and joy in travel, the therapeutic practice of Pilates, exploring the wonders of nature, immersing herself in new languages, and savoring exquisite culinary experiences.
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
On stage, Marlene talks about her past traumatic experiences.
Her journey through darkness began with a horrifying home invasion—a nightmare scenario of rape and attempted murder. In the aftermath, trust became a casualty alongside peace, and the world she knew—a world of family warmth and inherent safety—was irrevocably changed.
Yet, it was through another harrowing challenge, a cancer diagnosis, that she discovered the agency to forge a different path. Faced with this new trial, she chose not to let it be another anchor but a catalyst for transformation. She yearned not for a segmental existence but for an integrated, engaged life filled with present joys and a profound connection to the collective symphony of human consciousness.
By recognizing and respecting the nuances of our conscious experiences, by addressing the aftermath of trauma, we foster the potential for not just individuals, but entire communities, workplaces, and nations to thrive. Marlene believes that healing is both a personal journey and a collective humanitarian mission.
Origin Story
Marlene's journey of inspiration commenced within the compassionate embrace of a cancer support group, where she bravely began unravelling her story of resilience. As she courageously shared her narrative, igniting sparks of hope amidst the shadows of adversity, Marlene witnessed the profound impact her words had on not just fellow survivors but also the steadfast allies who stood by their side during their shared battles.
From these humble beginnings, the seeds of Marlene's vision took root, sprouting into the empowering platform of the Surviving Trauma: Stories of Hope podcast. Driven by a profound need to amplify voices of resilience and fortitude, Marlene's podcast became a beacon of solidarity, inviting others to illuminate their own paths of healing through shared stories.
Fuelled by a relentless determination to broaden her reach and touch the hearts of a wider audience, Marlene penned her illuminating book, "Ray of Light," a testament to her transformative journey and a guiding light for those navigating their own inner landscapes of trauma and healing. This pivotal moment triggered the inception of her company, where she dedicated her focus to speaking engagements and training interventions aimed at nurturing the collective healing of humanity.
Marlene's unwavering dedication to spreading a message of hope and inspiration echoes with a profound sense of purpose that resonates deep within her being. With every word spoken, every story shared, and every life touched, Marlene's commitment to illuminating pathways of resilience and empowerment stands as a testament to her life's true calling.
Example talks
The healing path following a violent trauma
I had the pleasure and opportunity to join Reverend Jocelyn Jones on her podcast Faith on the Journey. During our conversation I shared my upbringing and trauma story, pressing through the fear, processing emotions, forgiveness, stepping out of trauma and becoming the ray of light.
How to navigate through grief to find joy, connection and happiness again.
I had an opportunity to participate as a speaker in the Conscious Grief Series 3 with Tara Nash. I shared my personal experience of grief, my parent's grief after losing a son, disconnection, reconnection, grief, and loss, and the power of choice as an important step in the healing process.
How does one cultivate hope after multiple traumatic experiences?
I had the opportunity to spend time with Nicole Boone from Conversations with Nicole to share my personal story with her on my journey back to self, and practical steps to healing.