Today we’d like to introduce you to Dara Levan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My desire to connect through writing began as a young girl. When my grandmother lived in a nursing home, I interviewed the residents and wrote their stories. I was 12 years old at the time and living in my hometown, North Miami Beach, Florida. And a voracious reader of all genres both then and now.
Communicating and connecting with others continued throughout high school. I earned a B.A. in English and minor in Journalism at Indiana University. Those four years prompted profound transformation. The summer before my senior year, I worked as a reporter at the Dayton Daily News in Ohio and was told to cover a murder. Why did they give me, the arts/features reporter, such a scary assignment? I will never forget those weeks. As is often the case in life, the unexpected moments can become catalysts for growth.
I decided to pivot and returned to South Florida to earn a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. While I was a student at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, I edited various papers and, while practicing as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, also edited several nonfiction books.
But I didn’t fully return to my life’s passion and purpose until 2017, which is when I launched Every Soul Has a Story. The journey is all about the people we meet along the way. What began as a weekly blog has expanded to include a podcast, an inclusive space in which I interview inspiring guests from around the globe.
My South Florida community is integral to my life as well; I’ve served in various roles for several decades. I am currently a board member of the Community Foundation of Broward and board member of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation/Memorial Hospital Foundation. I also served as a board member of the Goodman Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Broward County, Junior Achievement of South Florida, and I Care I Cure Childhood Cancer Foundation. I am also a founding member of the Circle of Friends for the Alvin Sherman Library Research, Information, and Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University. I am a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXI. I’m a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Women’s National Book Association.
The greatest sources of inspiration come from my incredible husband and two children during travels and unexpected moments. When I am not writing, you’ll find me hanging with my family and fur babies, walking in nature, and talking to strangers who become friends.
I live my life with passion and on purpose. My intention is to impact the world with integrity, love, and meaning…one word at a time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Have there been bumps in the journey? Absolutely. I’ve experienced epic losses at a young age. Yet challenges are building blocks for resilience. I also believe that every situation and interaction is a lesson if our hearts are open to learning. And I’m a big believer in silver linings.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a writer, podcaster, and storyteller. Speaking of stories, I completed my first novel last year! In addition, I created and host Every Soul Has a Story, an inclusive, diverse podcast in which I interview inspiring guests from around the globe. My work has been published in Zibby Owens’ Moms Don’t Have Time to Write, Grown & Flown, Thrive Global, The Broad.Life, Medium, and the weekly blog/newsletter I’ve been sending since 2017. You can subscribe at www.daralevan.com
I’m deeply grateful for the eight formative summers as a camper at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. And then I worked in the public relations department there as a young adult. Singing, writing, and dancing amongst the pine trees shaped much of who I am today–learning from and living with fellow creatives made a lifelong impact on me.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love connecting with and supporting fellow authors, podcasters, and creators. Every Soul Has a Story is a podcast that’s broadcast on Instagram LIVE (@daralevanwriter) and is available on my website (daralevan.com), Apple, and Spotify as well. It’s “real talk in real-time,” featuring the essence and heart of a person’s story.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daralevan.com
- Instagram: @daralevanwriter
- Facebook: @daralevanwriter
- Other: Every Soul Has a Story
