ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026 NATIONAL COVERAGE: Connecticut businesswoman Dr. Tracy J. Dancy starts Soaring On Angels’ Wings® in her daughters’ memory
Andre Johnson 
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18/Holman Christian Standard Bible)
ANGEL ON EARTH
Come hell or high water, Dr. Tracy J. Dancy’s lofty ambition amid her life’s grandest obstacles remains the same:
Soar diligently with God, her Helper, steering the way.
To her distinctly unique credit, such a life-enhancing trend undoubtedly rings true to this very day for Dr. Dancy, the mastermind behind Soaring On Angels’ Wings®, her credible New Haven, Connecticut-based nonprofit organization that was birthed amid arguably the darkest seasons of her — the tragic deaths of her daughters: Jasmine, who tragically drowned at the tender age of seven, and Shanyai, who succumbed to suicide at the age of 19.
During an exclusive interview this week with Making Headline News as part of its 2026 Essence Music Festival advance national coverage for “the party with a purpose” event July 3-5 in New Orleans, Dr. Dancy, 52, spoke at length about how her immeasurable healing journey has subsequently flourished into a ministry-turned-nonprofit, one that is dedicated primarily to helping others find hope after loss.
SALUTING WOMEN WHO SHAPE OUR WORLD
MORE ON DR. DANCY: https://www.tracydancy.com/
Generally, through Christian grief coaching, community healing circles, grief workshops, motivational speaking, suicide prevention advocacy, educational resources, and community outreach, Dr. Dancy’s Soaring On Angels’ Wings® has become a fixture for customarily creating safe spaces where grieving individuals and families feel seen, heard, and supported.
A native of nearby Waterbury, Connecticut, Dr. Dancy established Soaring On Angels’ Wings® in 2022.
“My grief journey began more than 25 years ago with the loss of my daughter Jasmine,” Dr. Dancy told MHN. “After losing my daughter, Shanyai, in 2017, God deepened my calling to transform my pain into purpose. Every experience has strengthened my commitment to ensuring that no grieving person feels alone.”
Interesting enough, Dr. Dancy — long before starting her organization — acknowledged that it is due in large part to her life-altering educational journey that has proven to be a divine testament to her steadfast resilience and perseverance.
“I became a teen mom while I was in high school and, because of that, I did not graduate with my class,” Dr. Dancy recalls. “Instead of allowing that setback to define my future, becoming a mother gave me an even greater determination to succeed. I realized that my children were depending on me, and education would open doors not only for myself but for my family as well.”
Two years after becoming a teenage mom, Dr. Dancy earned her high school diploma from Waterbury Adult Continuing Education, a development that, much to her delight, proved to be a massive precursor to her destiny.
“That accomplishment taught me that it is never too late to rewrite your story,” Dr. Dancy said of defying the odds by acquiring her high school diploma.
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Consequently, Dr. Dancy would advance her educational aspirations, starting with coursework in the Legal Studies program at Post University.
By all accounts, it was due in large to her keen passion for helping others and “serving through faith” that ultimately gave way this esteemed overachiever enrolling at Anchorway Christian University, where she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Counseling.
Not to be outdone, though, she elected to complete the essential academic requirements, thus earning a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling with High Honors.
“Every step of my educational journey reinforced a lesson I now share with others: your circumstances do not determine your destiny,” Dr. Dancy said. “With faith, perseverance, and purpose, you can overcome obstacles and build the future God has planned for you.”
That, after all, practically sums up the importance of why Dr. Dancy’s Soaring On Angels’ Wings® is prevalent for such a time as now — a rising empowerment organization that is steadily becoming amongst the finest of its kind.
“Our mission is to remind people that grief is not the end of their story,” Dr. Dancy said. “Our message is simple: You Can Live Again.”
Not to mention, soar diligently with God, our Helper, steering the way.
“My greatest inspiration will always be my daughters, Jasmine Shevelle Dancy, and Shanyai Emani Dancy,” Dr. Dancy said. “Their lives continue to inspire every program we create and every family we serve. My faith in God has sustained me through unimaginable loss and continues to guide every decision I make. I am also inspired by every bereaved parent and survivor who has trusted me with their story. Their courage fuels my commitment to this work.”
When asked why it is imperative to esteem and inspire others daily, Dr. Dancy said:
“Because we never truly know what someone is carrying behind their smile. A kind word, a listening ear, words of encouragement, or a simple act of compassion can change the direction of someone’s day — or even save a life.
GRACING THE NATIONAL STAGE
“I believe God allows us to overcome not only for ourselves but so we can reach back and help someone else. If my story encourages one person to choose hope instead of giving up, then every challenge I’ve faced has served a greater purpose.”
Not to mention to soar unlike never before.
For more information about New Haven, Connecticut Businesswoman Dr. Tracy J. Dancy of Soaring On Angels’ Wings®, to inquire about her organization, a public appearance or speaking engagement, connect with her via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQFQWv9DWHe/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyladyjoy.dancy; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tracy-j-dancy-224b39163. Send email to soaringonangelswings@gmail.com.
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA, NFL, and NCAA sports from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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