Iyanla Vanzant is an American motivational speaker, attorney, spiritual teacher, author, life coach, and television personality.
Known for her books, talk shows, and appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Vanzant has touched the lives of many and become a prominent figure in the field of personal development and self-improvement.
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- Full Name: Rhonda Eva Harris
- Other name: Iyanla Vanzant
- Date of birth: September 13, 1953
- Age: 70
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: New York City, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Motivational Speaker, Attorney, Spiritual Teacher, Author, Life Coach, Television Personality
- Height: 156cm
- Parents: Sarah Jefferson (mother), Horace Harris (father)
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Divorced
- Children: Three
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Net worth: $3 million
Early life and education
Iyanla Vanzant, now 70, was born on September 13, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. Her birth name was Rhonda Eva Harris, and her parents were Sarah Jefferson, a train conductor, and Horace Harris.
Unfortunately, her mother passed away from breast cancer when Vanzant was only two years old, so she was raised by relatives on her father’s side.
She attended Medgar Evers College and Virginia Union University. She holds a J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law and a Master’s degree from Santa Monica College, majoring in the study and practice of spiritual psychology.
Her academic pursuits have greatly influenced her unique approach to personal growth and spiritual teachings.
Personal life
In 1980, she made the courageous decision to leave her abusive first husband, taking her three children with her. This was the turning point when she began her journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Iyanla Vanzant has experienced both triumph and tragedy. She later married Yemi, a Nigerian man of Yoruba descent, but sadly they divorced in 2007. She has three children: Nisa Vanzant, Damon Vanzant, and Gemmia Vanzant.
On Christmas Day 2003, she faced a devastating loss when her 30-year-old daughter, Gemmia, died of a rare form of colon cancer.
Then, on July 30, 2023, Vanzant announced the heartbreaking news of the passing of her youngest daughter Nisa.
Career
Iyanla Vanzant’s career has left a profound impact on the lives of many others. As an inspirational speaker, she touches the hearts of audiences with her powerful messages of self-love, personal transformation, and spiritual growth.
Her books, including “Act of faith” And “Yesterday, I cried,” became a bestseller, further cementing her reputation as a leading voice in the field of personal development.
Vanzant is better known for her self-titled talk show, “Iyanla,” providing a platform for people to seek guidance and healing.
She also worked as a life coach on the reality TV show “Start Over” and is a teacher on Oprah Winfrey’s Lifeclass program.
From 2012 to 2021, Vanzant hosted her own show on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) called “Iyanla: Fix my life,” where she supports people through personal challenges and transform their lives.
Net worth
Iyanla Vanzant has achieved remarkable success throughout her career and her net worth is estimated at $5 million.
Her achievements as a best-selling author, television host, and spiritual teacher have contributed to her financial success.
Social media
- Instagram: @iyanlavanzant
- Twitter: @IyanlaVanzant
Book
- Meanwhile
- Yesterday, I cried
- The Spirit of a Man
