Start the New Year with Neci Hurdle: Gather with good people to do good things
https://www.tiktok.com/@debrahillsings
This year 2024, I spent far too much time in anxious and anxiety-producing conversations about America and the world. After these unproductive occasions, I would find my usual, positive nature had wilted like a flower in dire need of water. I resolve that next year will be different! I intend to actively nurture my mind, body and spirit by living my love language, which is quality time. I will mindfully pursue opportunities to engage in activities with family, friends and others, who desire to use their time and talents for positive change.
I get great satisfaction from joining with others in a community for positive action. I cannot hardly wait to share with each of you all the people, organizations and events that will fill my days with quality time next year. In fact, on the very first day of 2025, I will be gathering with joyful women at my daughter’s Women’s Fellowship Brunch. What an amazing way to start the year off just right.
I hope you can join us for fellowship, good food and a lot of fun. Read more about Phoenecia “Neci” Hurdle and her event in my blog.
D is for Debra
P is for Phoenecia
Start the New Year with Neci Hurdle: Gather with good people to do good things
D: So, you are my daughter and I could tell everyone how fabulous you are. But, I would like you to share what you want people to know about you.
P: I enjoy long walks on the beach and watching sunsets, just joking but I do love those things.
I was born in Richmond, Virginia to wonderful parents Kinley and Debra Hill. I am the oldest of two. My younger sister Kindra lives in New Mexico. I am a newlywed and married to Bryan Hurdle. I thank God and technology (Facebook) for bringing us together.
I love Jesus and each day I strive to develop a closer relationship with Him and also share His love and message of salvation to others.
I have a passion for learning about people, places, and new things. I enjoy attending all things dance, theatre, arts, music, etc. related events, festivals, and museums. I also love to travel and learn about different cultures, languages, their history, etc. In 2024 I took my first cruise and went to Mexico for the first time and Belize. It was beautiful! I also traveled to Medellin, Colombia with a group of friends for my bachelorette celebration and to Aruba in October for my honeymoon.
D: Tell me how you came up with the idea for the Women’s Brunch every New Year’s Day.
P: God put it on my heart to host this event. I’ve always enjoyed bringing my friends and people together so I thought it would be a great way to be intentional and do this on the first day of each new year.
D: How long have you been hosting your New Year’s event?
P: To be honest, I’ve lost track of how many years I’ve been hosting this event. I think it started in 2016 or 2017 and we’ve been going strong since only missing two in person due to me being out of town one year and the other was virtual because of COVID.
In 2021 I held a virtual session where we made a vision board and had a goal-setting session led by Shanae Cartwright, Founder of Triple B Effect (Brains.Beauty.Business).
D: What does this event mean to you?
P: This event represents a time of celebration, gratitude, reflection, connection, and of fresh starts!
D: How has this New Year’s event changed over the years?
P: It has evolved over the years from being hosted at local restaurants in Richmond, Virginia. When it first started Joe’s Inn – Bon Air graciously hosted the group and last year we switched locations to Tarrant’s downtown Richmond because they offered a New Year’s Day Brunch.
At Tarrant’s a few ladies mentioned possibly getting the event catered this year and having it at another location because, with around 15 of us, I could see it was growing and God was preparing us to move into a larger space. So, I’m happy to announce that this year it will be hosted at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Richmond-Midlothian and it will be catered by Harlem South Catering. I am very excited to welcome old and new faces to the event this year.
D: What is your goal and purpose for this event?
P: To bring women together to have a safe space to connect, grow, and learn from one another, and also to reflect on the goodness and grace of God from the past year and how He will bless us and carry us through the next.
D: What are some other things you’re involved in professionally?
P: I am a certified group fitness instructor through the American Council of Exercise. You can catch my cardio dance class on Saturdays from 10:00-11:00 am at the Petersburg YMCA. Ask for a free week pass to try it out. I’m a fitness instructor with RVA Fitness Warriors and have taught free fitness classes within the community for almost the last three years. My class will reconvene at Virginia State University in mid-January. To register for my class and several others, please visit rvafitnesswarriors.org.
I am a board member of Capiku Cultural Performing Arts Center in Petersburg, Virginia. Join the organization’s group page on Facebook to stay up to date on their upcoming events!
D: What are some of your hobbies or what do you like to do in your free time?
P: I dance like no one is watching! It helps put a smile on my face, is a fun workout and lifts my mood if I’ve had a challenging day. I’m a foodie so trying new eats and restaurants is always on the top of my list. Enjoying time with family and friends is important to me and taking the time to serve and volunteer at local organizations, especially those involving children and youth. I love doing anything that lets me release my creative juices.
D: What are your New Year’s goals?
P: To finish and release the book I’ve been writing with you, “Does Your Mate Sound Like Christ?” Our book aspires to give women and men a clear outline of how a good mate sounds. Also, how they back up their words with distinct actions. As Christians, we believe there is no greater example for any of us to emulate than that of Jesus Christ.
To develop a more consistent health and wellness and workout plan. To actually put away my laundry after taking it out of the dryer and not letting it sit for days. *Smile*
Although it may seem like a small goal, but, I can admit I definitely need to do better with organization. I thank God and my husband for lots of grace. It’s a work in progress.
D: Do you have any events coming up?
P: Unfortunately, no other events other than the New Year’s Day Brunch I’m hosting, but I am going to support my fabulous mother as the keynote speaker at her Women’s Empowerment Conference on Saturday, January 11th from 9:00-3:00pm.
Get your FREE ticket here: www.positiveadvancement.com/wec
D: How can people reach you?
P: They can follow my social media page on Facebook at Neci Hill (Neci Hurdle) or on Instagram at firstclassfitness_phoenecia.
Happy New Year and Abundant Love!
Debra
“Love is Accessible.”
About Phoenecia “Neci” Hurdle
Phoenecia “Neci” Hurdle is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She is passionate about her faith, family, fitness, film, fashion, and is a true foodie! She has over 15 years of experience in the fields of non-profit management, city and state government, youth development, and in community engagement. Neci graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism and obtained her Master’s in Public Administration from Regent University.
In her spare time, Neci enjoys dancing, attending festivals, traveling the world, acting/directing, hosting events, and church ministry. She is a living definition of carpe diem and makes the most of each day because the “present” is a gift.
The Upcoming Book, “Does Your Mate Sound Like Christ?”
I am pleased my daughter Neci and I are writing a book together titled, “Does your mate sound like Christ?”
Our goal is, through this enlightening book, readers will be able to put into practice what they have learned from hearing each particular voice of Christ outlined by chapters.
The release date is to be announced.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
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