About Us
About Me
Stephanie D. Bonner
My Story – From Pain to Purpose
I am familiar with pain.
I was born as the result of rape. My childhood was marked by molestation from a trusted family member between the ages of five and twelve. As a teenager, I became a runaway and endured continued abuse.
Despite the trauma, I experienced great joys. I became a mother to three beautiful children:
Omari (born when I was 15)
Jahon (born at 17)
Brittania (born at 21)
Struggling with emotional pain and abuse, I turned to drugs for relief. I began using crack cocaine at 17 and battled addiction for years. I even used drugs alongside my mother and sold my body to support our addiction.
But one day, I realized something life-changing:
The love I was searching for had been within me all along.
That realization changed everything.
My Mission
My mission is to help others rise and conquer their past.
Experience has been my greatest teacher. While my journey is ongoing, I feel called to share God’s wisdom and strength with others. I want to instill:
Hope in the hopeless
Grace in the broken
Strength in the weary
Courage in the wounded
You can overcome — just as I have and continue to do.
“God will give you beauty for ashes.” – Isaiah 61:3
Through Stephanie D Bonner LLC, I’m able to turn this mission into action — funding outreach, speaking engagements, and future written works. Donate here to help support this work.
Author & Literary Work
My approach to writing is total transparency — raw, honest, and unfiltered.
In the anthology Stories of Transformation (ISBN: 978-1-93455625-2), published in May 2010, I chose to hold nothing back. My chapter was later performed in monologue format by nationally known actor Tommy Ford (from the Martin Lawrence TV sitcom).
Award-winning author Terry McMillan praised my work during the book’s release celebration.
I was nominated and crowned by a women’s organization for my contributions to literature and youth advocacy.
Media & Public Appearances
I have spoken openly about my life and my books on:
KFAX Radio (Northern California)
“The Streets Don’t Love You Back” (Arizona)
“People Are Talking” Morning Show (1988)
“Judge Hatchett Court Show” (2003)
On September 20, 2010, I hosted a book release event for Judge Glenda Hatchett and her book Dare to Take Charge.
Today, I tour California speaking to youth authorities and organizations. My chapter is often used as a conversation starter with at-risk youth — and I have witnessed even the hardest hearts soften through its message.
Uncovered – A Story of Loss & Liberation
My book Uncovered carries my most vulnerable truths.
On May 13, 2010, my middle son, Lawrence Jahon Gadlin Sr., was tragically murdered in Richmond, California.
His story and pain mirrored my own. His transformation and our reconciliation ignited a fire in me to share the truth that set us free.
I am now the torch.
Let this light bring freedom to those still trapped in darkness.
Author & Literary Work
Our Satisfied Readers
