Shaqualah “Qualah” Gooden is a Motivational Speaker, Writer, Comedic Host, Actress, Dancer and Mother. Born to an American mother and Trinidadian father, her childhood was deep with heritage. Qualah was lived with her grandparents in her younger years giving her a strong understanding of culture, self-worth, and respect for herself and others. In her later teens to a young adult years, her life was flipped upside-down when she fell in love and had a child. Through this relationship there were many hardships. When she finally ended her nine year relationship, she was faced with a new issue; learning to value and respect herself once more. This new found insight gave birth to a program called S.E.L.F., founded by Qualah in 2012. It was designed to help young women that were coming of age and women who need to start over for themselves. Her passion for helping others gave her the courage to share her personal experiences. In hopes that it will help others to avoid the mistakes she made. Qualah now resides in Harlem, living with her daughter.