Meet Giva

Name: Giva Ann Wilkerson, MA/ MPA

Pronouns: she/her

Identities: Black/African American, Cis-gender woman, mother, daughter/child of an immigrant

Biography: 

Native Philadelphian, Giva Ann Wilkerson, is a writer, speaker, educator, advocate and yoga teacher of Jamaican and Black American descent.  She is a graduate of both the University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University-Bloomington, with graduate degrees in African American & African Diaspora Studies and Public Administration.  To date, Giva has been teaching and writing on self-discovery, personal development and healing for over 15 years.  In addition to her academic credits, she is a trained sexual assault counselor, trauma-informed care provider and eating disorder recovery coach.  She has implemented over 50 personal development programs and workshops, been quoted in Refinery 29 magazine, has made appearances on Good Morning America and Change the Narrative with J.D. Fuller, and had the honor of introducing President Joe Biden, during Hilary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. 

Giva began her career in the early 2000s, working with youth in the areas of college and career access.  For over 10 years, she held positions with some of the largest and most influential educational programs and organizations in the country, such as Upward Bound, GEAR UP and the School District of Philadelphia.  Although passionate about youth, particularly those from underserved communities, in 2012, Giva founded The Learning Curve Woman, LLC (TLCW) with the initial goal of educating and assisting women with their personal and professional development.  With a firm belief in the giving of one’s time, TLCW has supported numerous causes such as human trafficking and economic and reproductive justice.  In 2014, Giva transitioned into the world of adult education, conducting workforce and career advancement training for the establishments such as the Philadelphia Airport and the Urban League of Philadelphia.

Giva’s relationship with yoga was birthed out of sheer curiosity; but after her first class she was immediately drawn in by the calming, cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the practice, leading her in 2018 to become a certified yoga teacher.  A proud and strong advocate for "empowerment" over "improvement", she embraces yoga as a tool for personal growth, clarity and acceptance.  She has additional certifications in restorative and trauma-informed yoga.

She began her work in the field of eating disorder recovery with Project HEAL in 2018, managing the Communities of HEALing network of peer support services, later growing and expanding the program after its transition to ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders).  Having lived with an eating disorder most of her teens and early adulthood, Giva sought healing through a combination of therapy, yoga, activism and support from family and friends.  These experiences, not only, shaped her perspectives on health, healing and social justice, but also fueled her passion to support others in their own recovery.  She has trained over 250 individuals to become peer mentors, support group leaders and helpline operators.  She also managed a national volunteer network, impacting over 2,000 individuals across the United States and abroad.  In January 2022, she completed training with the Carolyn Costin Institute (CCI), as an Eating Disorder Coach, allowing her to combine her passion for connecting with others, with her dedication to providing healing to all in need.  In addition to her private coaching practice, Giva is currently the Head of Community Care for Arise, a new mental health provider specifically focused on bringing folks inclusive, person-centered eating disorder and mental health care.  Her goal is to expand and enhance the fields of personal development, peer support and recovery, while continuing to target those closest to her heart – and with the greatest need.  Her loves include South African cinema,  all things Brooklyn and spending time with her daughter.​