By: Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd

                2024 has been deemed the; “Year of the Woman”. Women all across the country have been stepping out and showing out in all fields, showcasing that behind the scenes, women have always been the leaders and voices of success. For one DMV native, she has been making strides for years showing women especially women of color, the importance of having a place of safety to speak out boldly and discover their true purpose. From the corporate world to privately owned businesses, she is redefining the culture life coaching and unlocking the self-awareness and self-growth in her clients.

Tynetta Dance, a dedicated wife and mother, is motivated to help women to rediscover who they are by tapping into their purpose and break down the barriers and walls that have them bound. She is helping individuals and corporations become empowered to reach their highest heights. The two-time HBCU Graduate of Hampton and Morgan University is making it her business to change the stigma surrounding life coaching and therapy within the black community, defying the odds of gender and color. In an exclusive interview, Dance gets up close and person about her journey and how she is helping women and corporations.

Jazmyne Byrd: How did you get started on your journey?

Tynetta Dance: Oh, great question. So, my journey really started in the corporate and private sectors. I worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for 12 years, including my internship years, before transitioning to the Department of Defense. Throughout my career, one thing I noticed right away was the lack of women in leadership—especially not in those higher-profile positions. And even more so, I saw very few women of color in those roles. That gap in representation was something that really stuck with me and pushed me to explore ways I could make a difference, both for myself and for other women.

JB: What was it like for you to be the “Only”, in the room?

TD:  Being the “only” in the room many times made me reflect on what I could do to change the landscape. It always made me wonder, What needs to be different here? It was clear to me that there was a gap, particularly when it came to women of color in leadership. So, I’ve always been committed to mentoring and coaching others, and one of my mentors suggested I take a class called Leader as a Coach. When I took the class and participated in the role-playing exercises, a few people commented, “This comes so naturally to you. You’re really good at it.” Honestly, I hadn’t really considered coaching before, but their feedback sparked something in me. It piqued my interest, so here I am!

JB: In today’s climate, how important is it for women to have a space of safety and to be seen?

TD: For me, it’s about creating that safe space where women can find their voice and feel empowered to use it. I’m passionate about helping women discover their purpose and walk in it unapologetically. Too often, as women, especially when we become wives and mothers, those roles start to define us, and we forget about the things we love or the dreams we once had. My goal is to help women rediscover who they are beyond those titles and create actionable plans to pursue their purpose with confidence and clarity. It’s about empowering women to step fully into their potential, both personally and professionally.

JB: What was her driving point to UnlockU?

TD:  My driving force was really about women, especially African American women, and figuring out how we can increase the pipeline for women in leadership. I felt like I had cracked the code that worked for me—how I was able to climb the corporate ladder—and now, I feel a responsibility to help other women do the same. So, I started putting myself out there, introducing myself, and building my brand. I created an Instagram and Facebook page, where I post little clips offering nuggets of inspiration. My goal was to create a village of collaboration, showing women that we are stronger together. It’s more productive to conquer challenges as a community than to try to do it alone. When I hosted my company launch party, some people probably thought I was crazy for partnering with other coaches and presenters, but from my perspective: What’s meant for me, what God has for me, is mine and no one can take that away. The same goes for these other women. My focus is on helping them thrive. I wanted to educate my attendees on the benefit of coaching and create a space where women can find the right coach for them, even if it isn’t me. Sure, I want to make a profit—that’s a given—but not all money is good money. Not every client is the right fit for every coach. It’s about doing the right thing. My priority is to ensure women find the best coach within our community, someone who truly aligns with their needs. That’s how we ensure everyone wins!!

The rally call for women this year is to shine bright without limits and show everything that you have been made to be. Dance contributes to the growth that we see in society, where women lead and run the world breaking every glass ceiling and leading without limitations. For more on UnlockU please visit, https://www.unlockucoaching.com/