Our team

The impetus for Sisterhood of Survival (SOS) derives from Tennie’s personal story of survival. While attending culinary school, she survived a brutal kidnapping at gunpoint—involving repeated sodomy and rape—by a serial offender in 2007. Fueled by having been silenced by shame as a victim of acquaintance rape during undergrad, coupled with a desire to prevent another woman from befalling victim to her attacker, Tennie decided to fight back. Although she ultimately obtained the justice of seeing her rapist sentenced and incarcerated in 2009, she identified substantial gaps in the legal process. Additionally, she experienced the traumatic effects such an undertaking has on survivors of sexual violence. The resulting isolation she felt while developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ignited a desire to prevent other women from becoming victims of sexual violence and protect, advocate for, and empower other survivors.

Moving to Los Angeles, California, in 2014, clarified the vision for Sisterhood of Survival. Tennie aspired to create a network of support—a sisterhood—to serve victims of sexual violence as they navigate survival: from the initial point of trauma, throughout the process of seeking justice, and towards a flourishing, unashamed life. Concurrently, Tennie recognized the significance of educating family members, significant others, and friends of survivors and equipping them with resources to become more effective support systems. Ultimately, the overarching mission is to eliminate the need for a distress signal (S.O.S.) by challenging rape culture—the society that normalizes sexual violence against women and the systems that often excuse the perpetrators of violence, blaming the victims instead. Sisterhood of Survival reimagines a world where survivors’ voices are amplified, their stories are believed, their bodies are respected, and their lives are protected.

In addition to operating SOS, Tennie is a firm advocate for total wellness. She spends her free time sharing her passion for nutrition, strength training, and running marathons—which were a significant catalyst to her successful healing journey. As a trained culinarian, she specializes in gourmet cuisine and pastry, which is as delicious on the palate as it is healthy for the body.

Wounding and healing are not opposites. They're part of the same thing. It is our wounds that enable us to be compassionate with the wounds of others. It is our limitations that make us kind to the limitations of other people. It is our loneliness that helps us to to find other people or to even know they're alone with an illness. I think I have served people perfectly with parts of myself I used to be ashamed of.

-Rachel Naomi Remen

The experience rendered her an advocate for victims’ rights and set her on a trajectory to eradicate the Blue Wall of Silence that requires officers to turn a blind eye to misconduct of fellow officers. At great cost to her, Monica became an avid supporter of grassroots organizations and supported citizens in establishing an oversight board for police accountability. After enduring discrimination, retaliation, and violations of civil rights from the police department for over 3 years, she filed a federal lawsuit that was settled almost immediately. More importantly, many others discovered their voices to boldly advocate for themselves. After Monica came forward, at least 39 other officers in her same department (and countless female officers internationally) have courageously spoken their truths and reported sexual harassment, sexual assault, and various other misconducts within law enforcement.

Since retiring from policing, Monica has landed her dream job teaching advanced Criminal Justice to future industry professionals, constructively shares her experiences on all sides of the criminal justice system, and consults with organizations ready to initiate positive change. She was recently awarded Tullahoma’s Finest for Best Teacher of 2021, recently finished her doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice, and still makes time to support the community in a variety of ways. Monica has had the honor of serving on panels to facilitate change as well as being a guest speaker at universities, motivational events, and numerous podcasts domestically and internationally. She understands there is tremendous power in the truth and encourages others to authentically walk in their truths while blooming where they are planted. Monica is a newlywed, the proud mother of three (a daughter and twin boys), and believes that when it comes to lasting change, we can all do more than nothing!

Dr. Charles Michael Coleman began his educational journey with a Bachelor of Political Science from Western Illinois University, followed by a Master of Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis, culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University. While at TWU, Dr. Coleman completed a research study on African American Male Cardiac Peer Support Volunteers.

Dr. Coleman is a heart surgery survivor and cardiac patient advocate. He is an expert on issues related to heart disease and the impact it has on fathers and their families. Dr. Coleman is the founder of Hearts And The Family, a resource organization focused on effective family functioning for families challenged with heart disease. Additionally, as the founder of the Mike Coleman Group, Professor Coleman is dedicated to improving the professional, personal, and family lives of men and boys. Dr. Coleman is widely recognized as a subject matter expert on domestic violence, human trafficking, and human relations.

Lakila Bowden is the Co-founder of of Dope People Who, a relationship performance coaching company, that along with her amazing husband, Eric, helps Black singles and couples conquer limiting beliefs, supercharge their self-image, and amplify their authenticity so they can experience wildly healthy and fun relationships!

Prior to launching Dope People Who, Lakila served as a Vice President of Operations for a multi-billion-dollar healthcare company, before boldly retiring from Corporate America at just 37 years old.

Lakila has been featured in Authority Magazine and Black Enterprise Magazine. She also speaks regularly on a variety of topics including mindful relationship development, radical truth in communication, and intentional self-love as a critical part of wellness. 

In addition to her passion for coaching, Lakila is an excited new mom, an extraordinary wife, and an eager world traveler.