Ishaunna Gully is a native of Laurel, MS, and a devoted mother to one son. She earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from William Carey University and is currently pursuing a master of public health degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.
At the age of 20, Ishaunna Gully was paralyzed from the waist down due to a domestic violence incident in March 2002.
Despite immense challenges, including being a single mother, living with a disability, and overcoming childhood adversities, Ishaunna has risen above it all with grace and courage.
With a deep passion for serving individuals with disabilities and those in need, Ishaunna began her career with LIFE of Mississippi as a transition specialist. Over the course of six years, she assisted young people in 17 counties through peer counseling, advocacy, information and referral, independent living skills, and transition services, empowering them to live independently.
Currently, Ishaunna serves as the program coordinator for Speak2ME, an organization dedicated to listening, guiding, protecting, and supporting consumers. In this role, she inspires individuals to speak out against bullying, domestic violence, and discrimination. She has also recently joined The ARC of Mississippi Alcohol & Drug Prevention team, known as Prevention Includes Everyone (PIE).
In 2011, Ishaunna founded Take a Stand No More Consulting LLC, a movement aimed at empowering and enlightening individuals to overcome obstacles while promoting suicide prevention, disability advocacy, mental health awareness, drug and alcohol prevention, and various forms of violence prevention. Her motivational speaking has reached thousands at schools, churches, colleges, and organizations, including the John C. Stennis Space Center. Additionally, she serves as a peer mentor for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, guiding individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries throughout the state.
Ishaunna’s journey embodies strength, resilience, and unwavering determination, inspiring all who have the privilege of knowing her.
She is truly a testament to the power of God’s grace.
