I’m Tolliny Rankins Th.D

I've learned that life has a way of introducing you to yourself. Sometimes through joy, sometimes through heartbreak, and sometimes through seasons you never saw coming. Looking back, I'm grateful for every one of them because each one shaped the woman I am today.

I'm an unapologetic Black woman filled with gratitude, faith, love, and passion. While I've had the privilege of serving as a Restorative Justice Advocate, Reentry Specialist, Personal Enrichment Coach, entrepreneur, author, founder, and former Adjunct Professor, those roles aren't what define me. What has shaped me most are the seasons that humbled me, stretched me, and reminded me of the strength we discover when we refuse to give up.

I was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago and in Evanston, Illinois. I love Chicago food, sports, music, art, and culture. Even though I've called Florida home since 2009, Chicago will always have my heart. Along the way, I've grown comfortable simply being myself. I value loyalty and consistency, I love hard, I laugh loud, and my family is my everything. I'm blessed with a very small circle of exceptional friends, and above all, my faith in Christ is at the center of who I am.

I'm naturally reserved, so I don't need to be the center of attention, but celebrating others is my jam. I enjoy good people, meaningful conversations, quiet moments of prayer and mindfulness, along with opportunities to learn, teach, and encourage others. Practicality is my superpower, and kind people are my kind of people. I'm inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou because she reminded us that how we make people feel often becomes our greatest legacy.

As the proud granddaughter of Odessa and the blessed daughter of Anne, I pray I'm one of my ancestors' wildest dreams. By the grace of GOD, and with the love of a small circle of family and friends, I made it through what was supposed to destroy me. For many years, I remained in the background, healing, being peacefully restored, quietly building, and slowly rising. That journey deepened my faith, strengthened my compassion, and gave me a clearer understanding of my purpose.

Today, I have the privilege of walking alongside women and a few men as they restore, build, and rise. Through SHEstoration, I create spaces where women can heal, rediscover their voice, embrace their leadership, and move forward with purpose. My work has taken me into organizations, correctional systems, classrooms, boardrooms, conferences, and communities across the country, facilitating restorative conversations, leading workshops, speaking, coaching, and helping others build healthier relationships and stronger communities.

For a long time, I believed I had to prove myself. I don't anymore. I've learned to let my life speak for itself. I refuse to let society define me because I believe every woman has the right to tell her own story. Society will try to silence you, shame you, and convince you to compare yourself to others until you forget who you are. I've chosen not to buy into any of it.

In humility, I believe I'm not just enough, I'm more than enough, and so are you. Whatever in my story reminds you that it's time to begin again, then sharing it has been worth it. My hope is that every woman who visits SHEstoration leaves knowing this one truth: you are not behind, you are not forgotten, and you are far more than enough.