“Speak Up, Speak Out, Choose Life.”
Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes is a nationally recognized Motivational Speaker, Author, and Social & Behavioral Scientist whose life work is rooted in resilience, transformation, and the unwavering belief that every human being holds the power to rise above adversity. For more than 25 years, she has empowered individuals, institutions, and communities to move from trauma to triumph, guided by her calling to create spaces of healing, inclusion, and elevated human potential. Her motto, “Speak Up, Speak Out, Choose Life,” serves as both a personal mantra and a rallying cry for those who have felt silenced, marginalized, or broken by life’s challenges.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Barnes’s early experiences navigating complex social systems and witnessing community trauma deeply informed her pursuit of justice, education, and healing. These formative years laid the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to trauma-informed leadership and mental wellness. With a relentless passion for advocacy, she turned her life’s challenges into a platform for public service, mentorship, and systemic change, eventually founding Gold Mind Thoughts, a transformative leadership and personal development consultancy designed to uplift professionals, educators, and community leaders alike.
Dr. Barnes’s academic achievements reflect her intellectual depth and dedication to her field. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in Advanced Human Behavior at Capella University and holds a Doctor of Theology in Humanitarianism and Conflict Response from Heart Bible International University. These credentials are more than academic milestones—they represent her desire to merge faith, science, and compassion into a holistic approach to leadership and education. Her academic rigor enhances every keynote, workshop, and consultation she delivers, grounding her practice in evidence-based research and ethical frameworks.
Throughout her career, Dr. Barnes has held a range of impactful leadership roles across education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. As Dean of Students at Explore Schools, she shaped culture and behavioral strategy for an entire learning community, integrating trauma-informed practices and inclusive systems that left a lasting institutional legacy. She later expanded her leadership reach as the Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation, where she continues to disrupt cycles of violence and systemic neglect through empowerment programming and civic engagement. Her recent project, Disrupting the Hate, is a testament to her effectiveness in marrying social justice with real-world opportunity creation.
As CEO of Gold Mind Thoughts, Dr. Barnes has elevated leadership teams and professionals through customized coaching programs rooted in Positive Psychology and mindset mastery. Her consulting work has helped countless clients strengthen their strategic vision, refine their leadership identity, and improve team dynamics. Whether guiding C-suite executives through transformational change or preparing aspiring leaders to “control the room,” her impact is both immediate and enduring.
An accomplished author, Dr. Barnes co-authored the acclaimed books Triumph in the Trenches and The Courageous Pursuit of Authenticity. Through these powerful narratives, she shares strategies for personal resilience, spiritual awakening, and emotional intelligence. Her publications are widely respected within the leadership, wellness, and social advocacy spheres, often cited for their raw truth and practical wisdom. Her most recent publication, The Recondition: A Guide to Loving Yourself Again, serves as a blueprint for personal renewal and has touched the lives of many navigating grief, loss, and rediscovery.
Dr. Barnes’s expertise in trauma-informed leadership, diversity and inclusion, and mental wellness has garnered her substantial media recognition. Featured in Speakers Magazine, Women’s Journal, Canvas Rebel, and Time Business News, she has become a leading voice on healing-centered engagement. She’s also been a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts and digital platforms, where she discusses the intersection of psychology, faith, and empowerment with authenticity and vigor. Her visibility across media underscores her commitment to making mental health and behavioral science accessible to all.
She has earned numerous accolades throughout her journey, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, the “Disrupting the Hate” Proclamation from the NYC Mayor, and several citations for outstanding community service. These honors are not only a reflection of her achievements but also a testament to the lives changed by her presence, her programs, and her voice. Dr. Barnes serves on the boards of multiple nonprofit organizations and remains an active member of the American Psychological Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
As a proud ministry leader, chaplain, and executive strategist, Dr. Barnes bridges the sacred and the strategic, offering wisdom that resonates with both the spirit and the mind. Her ministry work with Heal Hearts Chaplaincy and her advocacy in underserved communities speak to her compassionate leadership style and her belief in the transformative power of empathy. Through prayer, purpose, and practice, she continues to influence how individuals and institutions address conflict, pain, and potential.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Barnes finds joy in writing, creative expression, and connecting with others through art and storytelling. Her hobbies in arts and crafts reflect her belief in healing through creativity. Whether on stage, in a boardroom, or in a community center, her message remains the same: You can overcome. You can transform. You can lead.
Character:
Rev. Dr. Barnes’s character is marked by compassion, integrity, and an unyielding drive to serve others through action and example. She embodies the values she teaches, standing as a beacon for resilience and dignity in every room she enters.
Knowledge:
Her scholarly depth in human behavior, theology, and education informs a unique and holistic lens on leadership, wellness, and transformation. She draws upon both academic research and lived experience to educate, inspire, and empower others.
Strategic:
As a visionary leader, Dr. Barnes has successfully founded and scaled initiatives that integrate personal healing with systemic change. Her ability to assess complex problems and architect inclusive, actionable solutions sets her apart in every industry she touches.
Communication:
With a voice that is both commanding and compassionate, Dr. Barnes connects across cultures, generations, and ideologies. Her oratory, writing, and teaching reflect a rare ability to not only move hearts but to shift paradigms.
https://www.revdrxeniabarnes.com
