Part 1: From People-Pleasing to Purpose with Marya Sherron

This week on Linking Arms, Nadine sits down with the incredible Marya Sherron — author, speaker, former professor, and founder of KI Productions — for a raw and deeply moving conversation about transformation, identity, and purpose.

Marya shares the origin of her mantra “It’s time to dance,” born in the wake of losing her brother, Kious Kelly, the first nurse in the U.S. to pass away from COVID-19. What started as unimaginable grief became a spark for Marya to rediscover her voice, her creativity, and the dreams she buried long ago.

Together, Nadine and Marya explore what it means to live free from people-pleasing, how grief reshapes us, and the practical power of saying yes to the dreams planted deep in your spirit.

From hair choices to publishing 40+ books, Marya reveals what “pre-dancing” Marya looked like and how she found the courage to finally dance.

About Marya Sherron:

Marya Patrice Sherron, MFA is a writer, advocate, and community leader devoted to amplifying marginalized voices and building inclusive communities. A former professor of Creative Writing and Black Studies, she is the founder of KI Productions, an independent publishing and production company with the belief that every story matters.

Marya is the author of four children’s books and numerous journals and Bible studies. She is a vocal advocate for families navigating disability, serving in leadership roles across Indiana. Her latest work includes the Neurodivergent Collection and a forthcoming documentary about her late brother, Kious Kelly.

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• Time to Dance