Ayana Thomas

Ayana Thomas serves as the visionary driving Grieving Back to Life, she's dedicated to personal development and empowerment, of women with a particular emphasis on women affected by the criminal legal system struggling with grief, trauma, and adversity. Acknowledging the heavy burden these women bear, both prior to and after their encounters with the justice system, Ayana is committed to aiding them in overcoming their past challenges and discovering a renewed sense of purpose.

As a grief advocate and counselor, she comprehends the profound and transformative impact of grief, capable of fundamentally reshaping an individual's identity. Operating out of the NY/NJ tri-state area, Ayana conducts her work primarily online.

Her mission is to spotlight the ongoing collective grief experienced by women impacted by the criminal legal system and emphasize the profound nature of their encounters and the resulting grief. Ayana founded GBTL to cultivate a community where grieving women can not only cope but thrive.

Ayana advocates for a shift in our discussions about grief, urging us to view it not as a problem to be solved but as an integral aspect of the human experience. She is available for workshops and keynote speaking engagements, sharing her inspiring journey of triumph over adversity.

In her perspective, life's challenges have contributed to her strength, resilience, and perseverance. Ayana firmly believes that she is not defined by her past but is instead an extraordinary embodiment of perfect imperfection.

Navigating grief can be challenging, but Ayana Thomas is here to emphasize that Grief is hard, but finding help doesn't have to be.