Trust us, Nicole Zenner’s story is a powerful one. As a survivor of gun violence, she fully understands the toll that trauma can take. Now, she plays an active role in her community to combat gun violence and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
A Terrifying Day
The day that forever changed Nicole's life began like any other. During an evening trip to the local store, she noticed a young man running down the middle of the road. He yelled out for help, and Nicole felt called to offer assistance.
To her horror, Nicole found a gun in her face rather than the opportunity to help someone in need. The man fired a single shot just inches from her head. Then he fled the scene. Nicole was left sitting there, frozen in shock. Miraculously, she only suffered minor physical injuries.
Healing Is Never Easy
Thankfully, her physical injuries were not severe. However, Nicole suffered significant mental and emotional turmoil from the ordeal. As can be expected, she was extremely angry. The court process was tiresome and lasted months. Nicole experienced immense hatred when she thought of the man who had almost killed her. This emotion often surprised and frightened her. She soon learned forgiveness is not something that comes easily.
Turning Pain to Passion
Nicole feels she was given a “second chance at life” and she's determined not to squander it. Nicole makes a conscious effort to make the world a better place, every day. She does this both through compassion and activism. She works closely with organizations involved in understanding the root causes of gun violence and fights to make our communities safer.
Through this work, Nicole has developed a deeper understanding of systemic racism. This systemic racism is part of what lead to the violence she experienced. She knows that her energies can either go towards anger and hurt or healing and restorative justice. She constantly chooses the latter.
THIS BRAVE YOUNG WOMAN TAKES COMPASSION TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL!
Other Resources Mentioned In Nicole’s Interview
Gun Violence Statistics in America
I Grow Chicago (we recently aired an interview with I Grow’s founder, Robbin Carrol. Listen here)
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann
Get to know Nicole
Nicole Zenner is filled with joy and love and she graciously shares it with the world. You would never know, seeing her today, the terror she has experienced in her life.
We invite you to learn more about Nicole’s business, Zen Events. Her passion shows through her work as a wedding celebrant and event planner. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
