My Story
Hello there, I’m Donna Gentile, teaching artist, designer, storyteller musician, mother of magical miss Kira (a young adult now), and the founder of Community Mandala Project and SovereignSpark™.
Kira and I converted our vehicles in the summer of 2021 and headed west for liberty. What started as a mother-daughter trip across America has taken twists and turns. Join me and Little Kitts to see what life is really like on the road as we travel this beautiful country in a minivan.
My life and work are driven by a strong passion to inspire, empower, strengthen and uplift people, relationships and communities. I provide experiences to help people connect to who they are (divine beings connected to our Creator) and what the Soul came here to do.
Music and mandala art came to me during the trauma of domestic violence, and helped me process difficult emotions (like shame and blame), move past limiting beliefs, take back my power, heal, and move on to live a full life, free from abuse and control.
Domestic violence is part of my past story, but it doesn’t define me. It derailed my life for many years, and robbed my daughter and me of health, time, resources, money, jobs and other opportunities, but it didn’t break my spirit (or hers).
On the contrary, it has been a teacher and brought many gifts including fortitude, resilience, determination, courage, strength, hope, gratitude, connection, new friends, compassion, stories and songs — like This Is Me. It informs my work and advances personal growth. It introduces me to opportunities to meet people who I never would have met otherwise… people like you!
My lived experiences are how I came to understand the healing benefits of art and music.
In 2002, I began teaching Mandala Art Workshops for healing and empowerment at incredible organizations and groups in CT and around New England (See Client List). In 2006, music began pouring out of me, and in 2009, I began singing, playing guitar and telling stories of triumph.
It’s not easy to share my stories. In fact, it’s really difficult because being vulnerable and trusting others is one of the hardest things for me to do. But in the right environment, I do it because somehow, it makes all of the past suffering make sense. If I can inspire another person, or help them (or you) see a way through the chaos and pain the abuser causes… if I can EMPOWER another person? That is gold.
When I tell my story (I focus on the positive and not any triggering details), whether it is through speaking, art or music, my goal is to comfort and uplift, but also to inspire people to share their stories and connect to their inner power. I have learned that when I am silent, nobody benefits, but when I speak up, people are profoundly impacted.
This is what keeps me doing this work.
If you’re looking to connect your community or group with a strong, fun, uplifting and inspirational female speaker, teaching artist and/or musician, please contact me to discuss your needs and booking. Thank you!