By Michael Solender

Ramona Moore Big Eagle developed her life’s purpose around the power of story.

An oral historian and legend keeper with North Carolina’s Tuscarora Nation, Big Eagle cites a personal foundation built upon the traditions, culture and lessons found in the stories passed along to her by her parents and indigenous elders throughout her life.

She’s parlayed her story-telling prowess and magical qualities of connection and inspiration into a career as a motivational speaker, storyteller, cultural educator, consultant and workshop facilitator.

“People often don’t realize the value the words they use can have in fulfilling their destiny and charting their future,” Big Eagle said, reverently speaking to the powerful impact language takes in shaping behavior. “Words are containers for the stories we tell. Our stories can ignite emotions and hold messages, meaning and inspiration for us long after we hear them.”

Charlotte-based Big Eagle is an educational and cultural entrepreneur leading workshops, delivering cultural education programming and motivational speaking for both children and adults in group and corporate settings. She is president and CEO of Dare to Soar Enterprises, an organization she formed in 1991 to empower people of all ages and across all walks of life to become more effective communicators.

She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Catawba College and received her Master of Education from East Tennessee State University in Reading and Storytelling. A life-long learner, Big Eagle holds a personal library of more than 30,000 books, each of which she’s read and cherished. Her accolades include recognition as Teacher of the Year in Drama at the Community School of the Arts and a Faculty Leadership Award from the University of Phoenix, where she taught for more than 14 years. She is a member of the National Storytelling Network, and the North Carolina and South Carolina Storytelling Guilds.

“We are wired for stories,” said Big Eagle, noting every culture has creation stories and history passed down through generations. “Dinner-time in my family growing up was very special as every evening it was when my father would share stories with us.

“I remember as a child seeing how everyone leaned in and listened with rapt attention. I realized the power of storytelling to make a difference in someone’s life through those experiences. Stories aren’t simply for entertainment, they have lessons, illustrate consequences, and are embedded with teaching that connect with each of us in powerful ways.”

Big Eagle, a recipient of a 2021 ASC Creative Renewal Fellowship, looks to use these funds to expand her platform and outreach for her programming, specifically to increase her online presence and capabilities. She’s already acquired needed computer peripherals and hardware necessary for podcasting and has identified workshops and internet-based training to develop technical skills and proficiency to create and deliver effective programming in online platforms.

“Learning how to use technology to take my business online, I will continue with the work I love and expand my reach to a much larger audience base,” Big Eagle said. “With the world’s present condition, the transformative power of storytelling can give us hope, peace and inspiration. I’m ever thankful to the ASC for all of their support.”

SUPPORTING EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED CREATIVES IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY

ASC is accepting applications from Mecklenburg County-based creatives for 2022 Creative Renewal Fellowships and Emerging Creators Fellowships through Jan. 24, 2022, at noon.

Creatives who want to learn about the eligibility requirements and application process for both fellowships are encouraged to attend one of our in-person or virtual info sessions:

In-Person:

• Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, 6-7:30 p.m.
  VAPA Center (700 N. Tryon St., Charlotte)
  Capacity: 50 people
  RSVP for this Info Session 

Virtual:

• Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  RSVP for this Info Session