I am an accomplished author, breast cancer thriver, celebrity publicist, former arts administrator and recipient of Barack Obama’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.  Since 2008 I have served as Fundraising and Race for the Cure Chair and Community Ambassador to Susan G. Komen for the Cure–Philadelphia. In 2017 I led Team O/The Oprah  Magazine Team for the Avon39 Walk Against Breast Cancer in Boston, and in 2016 I served as moderator for Susan G. Komen’s Breast Cancer Disparities Roundtable at Philadelphia’s African American Museum. The American Association for Cancer Research also named me as ambassador for its indoor cycling event, Spintensity200.  I also danced in a Survivors In Step charity competition and I spend countless hours educating underserved populations about the importance of early detection, clinical trials, genetic testing, health and wellness, and living a full and joyful life. 

I penned my personal breast cancer journey with two books: BCV – Rites of Passage for Breast Cancer Victors (2006) and 10 Tips to Avoid Breast Cancer (Unless it’s in the Genes) (2009), under my pen name Raining Deer.  My most recent book is the timely On Eagles’ Wings: Prayers for the President (2016).

For those who address me as "Raining Deer" as well as Jeanette Stephens-El, my public speaking engagements attract those with specific cultural interests. While my topics usually involve self-empowerment, such as "Walk In Your Power," they are not limited to any particular cultural persuasion and are applicable to a myriad of life circumstances. My principles, though rooted in Native American and African spirituality, encompass universal values in a sort of old-time religion way.

I chose this career because writing is what has always come most natural to me.  Speaking about my colorful and exciting life journey is second. My purpose is to give spiritual interpretation for my village.  It just so happens, my village is the world.

I prepared for this career by being a student of culture, spirituality, metaphysics and training with a medicine man for three years in Native American Medicine.

The biggest challenge I've overcome is breast cancer.  As a survivor/thriver, I teach women at risk to be proactive with their health and to know that great strides have been made that make breast cancer highly treatable and survivable.

My greatest strength is my ability to listen, assess and interpret a possible remedy for any given adversity.  Imparting the necessity for others to learn to do the same is also a gift that I am pleased to share.  

My greatest accomplishment is being a Mother to my son.

My professional goal is to reach out to younger woman and teach them to be a sisterhood for their community.

The people who have inspired me the most besides my mother, aunts, sisters, some extended family role models, are Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, James Meredith, Wilma Mankiller, Oprah, and Susan G. Komen.

I want to be most remembered for being an example of someone who walked in her power.

I serve as the Community Ambassador for Susan G. Komen Philadelphia, Community Activities Chair for NALS of Philadelphia (the local chapter of the National Association of Legal Professionals); and led Team O - The Oprah Magazine in the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer this June 24 - 25, 2017 in Boston.  A popular advocate in the breast cancer cause, I was recruited last year by the American Association for Cancer Research as an ambassador for their maiden indoor cycling fundraiser.  I serve as 2nd Vice President of the National Lowe Family Reunion and as secretary for Greater St. Augustine A.M.E. Zion Church.

I am a 2016 recipient of the Barack Obama Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In April 2017 I was honored as an author with an array of South Jersey and Delaware community leaders by the National Congress of Black Women, South Jersey Chapter at its April Scholarship Luncheon; I have been honored by the NAPW Woman of the Year 2012; and was presented with the Candace Award by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, among other honors.

I volunteer for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and I give financial support to (NAHA) Native American Relief Association, St. Jude, Disabled Veterans, Habitat for Humanity, United Way and the Food Bank of South Jersey.

In my spare time I like to go to dance, attend the theater, jazz concerts and movies.