My Story 

Ralonda Cunningham is a mother of two who is single (sounds so much better than "single mom," plus it doesn't define me," in her sassy voice"), a budding author, and an executive event planner. Born and raised in Oakland, California her passions are encouraging women, especially equipping young women with tenacity to not only overcome any challenge, personal or professional, but to thrive. Tapping into the power of prayer has become a natural part of her DNA, and community service is near and dear to her heart.

She also leads the prayer ministry at Sequoyah Community Church in Oakland. In that role she leads the prayer teams during Sunday services and also leads a Thursday evening intimate hour of prayer that is open to both women and men. Prayer in her own words, is her survival, it has gotten her through many devastating situations, including a crippling disorder as as an infant, a horrific car accident where she was ejected from the car and life-flighted to the ER while in college, and a divorce after 22 years of marriage.

In 2018 Ralonda launched Prayer and Eucalyptus, a mission driven project designed to encourage, equip, and uplift women through her book, and inspirational events under the Prayer and Eucalyptus signature brand. Prayer representing strong faith, Eucalyptus representing self care.

For over 20+ years, Ralonda has been designing, planning, and managing events at Sutter Health Bay Area—most recently as the Director of Events. These events vary anywhere from 30 to 3,000 people, including award dinners, walk-a-thons, board retreats, conferences, symposiums, grand openings. So yes, she grew up in the corporate world.

She also serves the community via the Oakland East Bay Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she created Delta Water Girls which provides free water at various local health fairs and walks.

For fun Ralonda loves traveling, vintage shopping, most outdoor activities, relaxing in any water setting, spending time with her children, Nyla and Shawn and fur-baby Bouncer, a brown and white Newfoundland. She calms every evening with a eucalyptus candle and a prayer of thanks.

Find out more about my inspirational speaking engagements.

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