Dr. Xanthea Moore Takes Her Story on the Road: A Book Tour Rooted in Healing, Advocacy, and Coming Home

By: Le’Ann S.

Reflecting on childhood trauma. Reclaiming power. Building legacy.

This spring, author, advocate, and business leader Dr. Xanthea Moore invites readers and communities into a deeply personal, purpose-driven experience as she launches her book tour for Mirrors Are Better Broken: A Girl and A System—a memoir that explores childhood trauma, resilience, and the systems that shape our lives.

More than a traditional book tour, this multi-city series blends intimate conversation, expert panel dialogue, artistic performance, and community giveback, creating space for reflection, healing, and action.

Dr. Xanthea Moore Takes Her Story on the Road: A Book Tour Rooted in Healing, Advocacy, and Coming Home

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Xanthea Moore / Gemini

A Voice Forged Through Experience and Leadership

Dr. Moore is no stranger to transformation. A survivor of severe childhood trauma and military sexual assault, she has turned lived experience into leadership—using her voice to advocate for healing, faith, and breaking generational cycles.

In late 2025, she earned her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Berry Dynamic Agency, where she helps guide organizational strategy, operational excellence, and brand influence. Based in Houston, Texas, her work spans business strategy, financial empowerment, and public advocacy.

She is also the founder of BizWithXan Solutions, a consulting platform focused on business structuring, credit repair, and funding readiness—bridging personal healing with economic empowerment.

About the Book: Mirrors Are Better Broken

In Mirrors Are Better Broken: A Girl and A System, Dr. Moore chronicles her journey through abuse, survival, and self-reclamation. The memoir is both raw and reflective, examining how systems—family, institutions, and culture—intersect with personal trauma, and how healing can be an act of resistance.

The book has resonated with readers seeking honesty, faith-centered reflection, and practical hope—especially those navigating childhood trauma and its potential long-term impact.

Dr. Xanthea Moore Takes Her Story on the Road: A Book Tour Rooted in Healing, Advocacy, and Coming Home

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Xanthea Moore / Gemini

The Book Tour Experience: Where Story Meets Community

Each tour stop is designed as a safe, welcoming space that centers dialogue, education, and empowerment.

Tour highlights include:

  • Intimate Gatherings: Heartfelt conversations in a warm, community-centered atmosphere

  • Panel Discussions: Expert dialogue on childhood trauma, mental health, education, and advocacy

  • Special Performances: Uplifting artistic moments that echo themes of resilience and healing

  • Book Signing & Photos: A chance to meet Dr. Moore and connect personally

Featured Panelists – Delta Stop

The tour brings together respected voices who bridge scholarship, service, and lived experience, including:

  • Dr. Shequite Wilson-Johnson, Assistant Professor at Mississippi Valley State University and founder of the GAP Leadership Program, whose work centers on leadership development, equity, and community empowerment across the Mississippi Delta.

  • Dreifus Sharnezz Smith, founder of Fresh Start Community Program, a nationally engaged youth advocate known for his mission to help individuals “see more than what they see in the mirror.”

  • Jalisha Kee, Coordinator of Career, Counseling, and Disability Support Services at Mississippi Delta Community College, whose trauma-informed approach is shaped by nearly a decade of clinical mental health experience.

Together, these panelists explore the impact of childhood trauma, pathways to healing, and strategies for advocacy that extend beyond the event walls.

First Stop: A Homecoming in the Delta

The tour begins in a place deeply connected to Dr. Moore’s roots: 400 2nd St, Indianola, MS 38751, B.B King Museum. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST. 

This stop holds special meaning as a giveback event to Gentry High School, where Dr. Moore’s early love for business and leadership began.

Event Itinerary:

  • Soft bites and beverages with local vendors

  • Welcome and introduction of Dr. Xanthea Moore

  • Panel discussion with expert guests

  • Special guest performance

  • Book signing and photo opportunities

A portion of the proceeds will support the Gentry High School Business Computer Program, reinforcing the tour’s mission to invest in the next generation.

Purpose Beyond the Pages

At its core, this book tour is about connection and conversation—raising awareness about childhood trauma, equipping communities with resources, and fostering honest dialogue around healing and advocacy.

Dr. Moore’s message is clear: healing is possible, stories matter, and communities thrive when truth is spoken with courage. Join us in the Delta and beyond. Bring your questions. Bring your story. Bring someone who needs hope. Together, we can turn reflection into action—and pain into purpose.

Waabi Raises Capital as Startup Moves From Trucks to Robotaxis

Waabi, a Toronto-based autonomous vehicle startup, has announced a $1 billion funding round to propel its move from autonomous trucking technology to the competitive robotaxi market. The latest round includes $750 million in Series C funding co-led by Khosla Ventures and G2 Venture Partners, with an additional $250 million in milestone-based support from Uber. The combined amount positions Waabi as a significant player in the race toward autonomous mobility.

Waabi’s expansion into the robotaxi space marks a notable shift from its origins in autonomous freight transport. The company’s focus now includes the development of robotaxi technology, leveraging its AI-driven platform to provide self-driving solutions for urban environments.

From Trucking Roots to Urban Mobility

Founded in 2021 by Raquel Urtasun, a former Uber AI scientist, Waabi initially concentrated on autonomous trucking solutions. The company developed Waabi Driver, a platform designed to automate freight transport across highways. This technology was aimed at addressing challenges such as driver shortages and inefficiency in the freight industry. Waabi’s approach uses “physical AI” to simulate real-world conditions, enabling safer and faster autonomous driving systems.

However, with the latest funding round, Waabi is now setting its sights on robotaxi development. The partnership with Uber includes plans to deploy at least 25,000 robotaxis over time. While a timeline has not been disclosed, the scale of the deal reflects confidence in Waabi’s technology and its potential to operate in the urban mobility market.

Uber’s Strategic Partnership With Waabi

Uber’s involvement is significant as the company had previously wound down its self-driving unit in 2020. By collaborating with Waabi, Uber gains access to a robust platform designed for scalability and cost efficiency. Uber aims to integrate Waabi’s technology into its ride-hailing platform, positioning the partnership as central to its future ambitions in autonomous transportation.

For Waabi, this alliance offers a clear pathway to consumer adoption. Uber’s established customer base and infrastructure provide a direct route to market for Waabi’s robotaxi fleet, bypassing the challenges of creating a new ride-hailing network.

A Record-Breaking Funding Round

Waabi’s latest funding round, totaling $1 billion, is one of the largest in Canadian tech history. The financing includes contributions from prominent investors such as Khosla Ventures and G2 Venture Partners, as well as strategic backers like Nvidia’s NVentures and Volvo Group Venture Capital. This funding represents a vote of confidence in Waabi’s innovative approach to autonomous driving and its potential to disrupt both the trucking and robotaxi sectors.

This financial backing highlights the capital-intensive nature of autonomous vehicle development, which requires significant resources for research, development, regulatory approval, and fleet deployment. Waabi’s success in attracting such funding underscores its competitive position in the race to develop self-driving vehicles.

Competition in the Robotaxi Industry

Waabi enters a market that is already populated by major players such as Waymo, Cruise, and Aurora, who are working on autonomous vehicle technology and robotaxi services. Despite challenges with scaling and regulatory hurdles, these companies have made strides in deploying autonomous vehicles in limited environments.

Waabi’s advantage lies in its simulation-driven technology, which it claims allows for faster, safer deployment of autonomous systems. By training systems in virtual environments, Waabi argues it can accelerate development and reduce the time required for real-world testing. While the company is still in the process of rolling out its technology, its AI-driven approach presents a potential differentiator in an increasingly crowded field.

Waabi’s Expanding Role in Autonomous Mobility

Waabi’s move from autonomous trucking to robotaxis aligns with broader trends in autonomous mobility. While trucking was seen as the logical entry point due to more predictable routes and fewer variables, robotaxis present a more complex challenge. Urban environments demand high levels of safety, interaction with pedestrians, and reliable performance under dynamic conditions.

For Canada, Waabi’s success highlights the country’s growing role in the global AI and autonomous driving space. Toronto has become a hub for machine learning research, and Waabi’s continued progress reinforces Canada’s position as a center of innovation. The company’s growth also shows how startups can evolve from niche markets to mainstream consumer applications, reshaping industries along the way.

Challenges Ahead for Waabi

Despite its impressive funding and partnerships, Waabi faces significant challenges. Regulatory approval for autonomous vehicles varies by jurisdiction, and public trust in robotaxis remains an ongoing concern. The company must demonstrate that its technology can meet high safety standards, especially given the public scrutiny that autonomous vehicles face.

Waabi’s ambitious goal of deploying 25,000 robotaxis will require coordination with manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and other partners. The company’s ability to execute on this vision will determine its success in competing with more established players in the autonomous vehicle market.

Looking to the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

Waabi’s $1 billion funding round and partnership with Uber represent a key moment in the evolution of autonomous vehicles. With its transition from trucking to robotaxis, the company is positioning itself as a potential leader in urban mobility.

While challenges remain, Waabi’s bold ambitions reflect confidence in its technology and vision. As the autonomous vehicle market continues to grow, Waabi’s story is one of innovation, ambition, and the potential to redefine how people and goods move through cities.

A New Face to Watch: Ariya Grace Hurwitz at the Young Fashion Show

By: Nancy Pierce

Seven-year-old Ariya Grace Hurwitz from New York is already making confident steps in the world of runway modeling. She made her professional debut at the Young Fashion Show in New York in the fall of 2025 – an experience that marked the beginning of her journey in the fashion industry.

The Young Fashion Show celebrates creativity, confidence, and a new generation of runway talent as they take their first steps into the professional modeling world. It has become a prominent event for young models in the United States, known for setting a high standard for those entering the industry.

Since her debut, Ariya has grown more confident with each appearance. Her connection with Young Fashion Show feels natural and intuitive. Years of ballroom dancing have helped develop her body control and posture, while sports such as skiing and archery have strengthened her focus, balance, and agility. Supported by the YFS team’s guidance, Ariya steps onto the runway with ease, confidence, and a distinct sense of presence.

Back To The Moment That Started It All

Ariya Hurwitz’s mother, Yuliya Kopychko, first learned about the Young Fashion Show while exploring casting opportunities for its upcoming New York edition. Curious, she shared the information with her daughter. Drawing on her own understanding of the professional modeling world, Yuliya explained what the experience would involve, from performing at Manhattan’s historic Cipriani 25 Broadway to walking a real runway in front of an audience of more than 600 guests. She also described the scale of the show, which featured 23 brands, professional runway lighting, and live music, offering Ariya the opportunity to present one or more collections.

Despite her young age, Ariya approached the experience with confidence and enthusiasm. Ballroom dancing, which she has practiced since the age of four, has given her early exposure to performing on large stages and working with makeup artists and hairstylists. Her natural love for fashion and experimenting with different looks further fueled her excitement, making her eager to take part in the Young Fashion Show.

Full of excitement, Ariya Hurwitz and her mother submitted their application to the Young Fashion Show. The waiting period felt long, but it ended with the confirmation that Ariya had been accepted. Soon after, she received her official invitation to begin runway preparations—an important step toward the professional world she had long been eager to explore. Every rehearsal, fitting, and workshop was organized by the Young Fashion Show, offering Ariya a structured introduction to life behind the runway.

With a strong emphasis on preparation, the Young Fashion Show guided Ariya through an intensive training process. In the weeks leading up to the event, she participated in a series of master classes focused on runway technique, posture, movement, and on-camera posing. These sessions provided hands-on experience and clear guidance, helping her build confidence, refine her stage presence, and deepen her understanding of professional runway standards. Each step of the process brought Ariya closer to her goal of developing as a young model.

Mother and daughter could hardly contain their excitement as they stepped into Cipriani 25 Broadway. The historic venue, renowned for its Italian elegance, grand architecture, and refined interiors, has long been a destination for high-profile events. Yuliya had once attended a wedding there and vividly remembered being captivated by the space. This time, seeing it transformed into a professional runway – complete with striking lighting, music, and a meticulously designed catwalk – left an equally strong impression. Every detail reflected sophistication, creating a powerful setting for Ariya Hurwitz’s runway moment.

A New Face to Watch: Ariya Grace Hurwitz at the Young Fashion Show

Photo Courtesy: Yuriy Reva / Oleksiy Ponezhda

For a young model, being selected to walk for Mia Belle Girls was a defining experience. Ariya Hurwitz stepped onto the runway in the brand’s sparkling New Year’s collection, delivering a confident, joyful performance that captured the show’s energy. The moment became even more meaningful when the brand gifted her the very outfit she wore, marking a memorable milestone early in her modeling journey.

Based in Miami, Mia Belle Girls is a well-known name in children’s fashion, with a strong social media following and recognition among growing companies in the industry. Known for bold, expressive designs paired with everyday comfort, the brand has earned the trust of parents and young fashion enthusiasts alike. Each collection is created to help children feel confident and expressive, on the runway and beyond. solidifying Mia Belle Girls’ position as a standout force in kids’ fashion.

A representative of Mia Belle Girls shared:

“Ariya Hurwitz looked radiant on the runway wearing Mia Belle Girls. She presented our designs with confidence and a sense of playful elegance that immediately stood out. Her movement, expression, and stage presence highlighted the versatility and spirit of our pieces. It was inspiring to see how naturally she connected with the collection, delivering a runway moment that truly reflected the heart of our brand.”

In addition to Mia Belle Girls, Ariya also represented Lysychka, a brand that blends heritage-inspired motifs with a modern aesthetic. Known for its dresses, embroidered shirts, and aprons, Lysychka places great emphasis on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to encourage self-expression while celebrating individuality through timeless design.

A New Face to Watch: Ariya Grace Hurwitz at the Young Fashion Show

Photo Courtesy: Yuriy Reva

Ariya Hurwitz appeared composed and focused as she walked the runway at the Young Fashion Show. Her performance carried a quiet spark—shaped by new friendships, thoughtfully designed pieces, the energy of the stage, and the confidence gained from an important early milestone in her modeling journey.

“We came to the show as a family, and seeing Ariya on the runway filled us with pride,” recalls her mother, Yuliya Kopychko. “My mother saw in her granddaughter a reflection of my own early curiosity for fashion, while my husband was simply amazed at how quickly our little girl is growing up.”

Balancing school, sports, and music, Ariya has not yet decided whether modeling will become part of her long-term future. Still, taking part in a major event like the Young Fashion Show has already left a lasting impact. The experience helped her build confidence, move beyond her natural shyness, and feel more at ease in front of an audience.

The Young Fashion Show offers young talent an opportunity to gain real-world runway experience in a professional setting. By bringing together emerging models, their peers, and industry professionals, the event creates an environment where participants can take meaningful first steps in the fashion industry.

For those just beginning their journey, the Young Fashion Show provides a strong introduction to the world of fashion. From the carefully chosen venue and smooth production to the collaborative atmosphere and portfolio-building opportunities, every element is designed to support young models at an early stage. The scale and energy of the event leave a lasting impression, making it a memorable starting point for new talent.

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle Delivers Full-Service Disaster Recovery When It Matters Most

When water, fire, or storm damage strikes a home or business, every minute matters. For property owners across the Greater Seattle area, Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle has become a trusted partner in some of their most stressful moments. With a focus on people, clear communication, and best-in-class craftsmanship, the locally owned and operated team is committed to helping customers get life back to normal as quickly and smoothly as possible.

More information about their full range of services, service areas, and emergency response is available at Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle.

A Local Team Built on People, Principles, and Professionalism

At the heart of Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle are three simple ideas: their people, their principles, and their professionalism. The team is locally owned, deeply rooted in the community, and backed by nearly two decades of experience serving property owners in their time of need.

IICRC-certified specialists and project managers are ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company runs multiple shifts per day and maintains on-call teams so that when an emergency happens in the middle of the night or on the weekend, help is already on standby.

That rapid response is paired with a strong service philosophy. The team often repeats a simple promise to one another and to customers: they will get it right or make it right. Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle stands behind its work with robust assurances and a culture of taking care of issues, even years after a project is complete, when needed.

Truly Full Service, From Mitigation to Reconstruction

Many restoration providers handle only a portion of the job. Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle is designed to be truly full-service, simplifying the process for homeowners, property managers, and commercial clients.

The team can manage the entire lifecycle of a loss, including:

  • Emergency mitigation and dry out

  • Careful demolition where necessary

  • In-house abatement services

  • Full contents restoration and storage for textiles, electronics, furniture, and other belongings

  • Complete reconstruction to restore the property

Because the company keeps all these capabilities under one roof, it can move far more quickly than competitors who must juggle multiple subcontractors. In the commercial space, the team can mobilize large, well-trained crews when a building suffers a major loss. For large or multi-floor incidents, Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle can quickly send a dedicated team to triage, stabilize, and dry the structure so operations can resume.

For ongoing commercial relationships, the same project managers, customer service professionals, and estimating specialists are assigned to all of a client’s projects. That consistency builds trust over time and creates a true partnership rather than a series of one-off jobs.

Communication That Reduces Stress

Homeowners and business owners often say that uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of dealing with property damage. Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle addresses that frustration directly with a structured communication process.

On mitigation jobs, customers receive daily updates. On reconstruction projects, the team provides weekly progress reports that outline what has been completed and what is scheduled next. Internally, project progress is reviewed weekly or biweekly with the full team to ensure accountability and consistent momentum.

The company also manages the complex world of insurance claims. Using industry-standard software such as Xactimate and T&M Pro, the team coordinates closely with insurers and advocates for the work that will best protect the property. Whenever possible, they focus on restoring rather than replacing materials, which often saves both time and money while maintaining quality.

Real Homeowners, Real Stories of Relief

The impact of that combination of speed, communication, and craftsmanship shows up clearly in customer reviews. One Lynnwood homeowner experienced a hidden leak in the wall of the master bathroom that caused water damage in multiple rooms, including the laundry room and garage. The furnace was flooded, the insulation was soaked, and there were concerns about mold.

After a recommendation to call Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle, the homeowner later wrote, “I’m VERY THANKFUL for the PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION team! Everyone was professional, respectful of my home and belongings, fast and efficient, attentive to details!” They described how the crew arrived with industrial-strength dehumidifiers, heaters, and fans, set up equipment in each affected area, and sealed off rooms with zippered plastic to minimize dust and disruption. The team returned daily to check the dry-out progress and was willing to work around the homeowner’s schedule. Their closing note was simple: “If you need a reliable and high quality team, I highly recommend Paul Davis!”

Another customer, Melissa Shaw, emphasized how the team changed the tone of a stressful event. “If you are unfortunate enough to have water damage, skip the other options and go straight to Paul Davis,” she wrote. “Everyone was efficient, professional, clear and quick. They made a stressful experience so much less stressful. They went above and beyond to get a temporary sink installed for me on a Friday night. 10 out of 10 for service and professionalism!”

Others highlight the communication and coordination with insurance. One reviewer shared that after a water line under the sink broke, the Paul Davis team arrived quickly to dry everything out and then worked directly with insurance and contractors so there were no out-of-pocket costs. Another praised the “great communication for arrival times,” “prompt service,” and “consistent workers on the job,” noting that the project manager for each part of the process was clearly identified from the beginning.

Community-Minded, With a Culture of Care

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle is not only focused on buildings. The team describes itself as a people company that happens to be in the restoration business. A core value is to “Have Fun on Purpose,” which shows up in the way crews support one another and their customers during challenging moments.

That spirit extends into the broader community. The company supports local and regional organizations such as the Red Cross, Rebuilding Together, A Caring Closet, Coats for Kids, the Vancouver Food Bank, and several other charities. Whether they are drying out a flooded classroom so students can return the next day or helping a family get back into their home after a kitchen fire, the guiding vision remains the same: to provide extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need.

Staying Connected With Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle

Property owners who want to learn more about emergency preparedness, see real-life restoration projects, or meet the team can connect with Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle online. Educational videos, behind-the-scenes looks at mitigation and reconstruction, and helpful tips are featured on the Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle YouTube channel.

Community updates, seasonal reminders, and local stories are shared regularly on Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle on Facebook, where residents can see how the team supports the region both on and off the job.

Whether it is a burst pipe in the middle of the night, an unexpected fire, or a large commercial loss, Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Seattle is prepared to respond with the people, principles, and professionalism that have earned the trust of customers across the area.