I come from humble and simple beginnings. Born and raised in rural Arkansas, I was one of 12 children; my father was a lumber mill worker and my mother was a homemaker. Growing up money was often tight; and a result we sometimes had to wear hand me down clothes.  We also had home gardens and food stamp supplements that helped to keep food on the table. While we sometimes struggled financially, my parents created a supportive and loving environment that instilled in me the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance. Those humble beginnings provided the impetus to achieve my potential through furthering my education beyond high school.   The first in my family to go to college, achieve a MBA and Ed.D; education has been instrumental in shaping and enhancing my life.

I faced and conquered many of the same challenges and insecurities facing many aspiring black girls and women today.  In addition to education, I built strong relationships and knitted a wide network of personal friends and professional colleagues to help me become what I aspired to become—a successful educator and business professional.  I believe my experiences and the lessons I learned had a profound impact on me and can serve as a tool of encouragement for you.

There are many stories I will use to highlight observations and experiences along my journey. There is no one right way to achieve your personal and professional aspirations so I invite you to share your stories too.  Together we will respectfully challenge each other, help each other grow, and continue to build pathways that will shape and enhance our lives.

Come, share this journey with me!