1…How Many People Does It Take To Make A Difference

WHO AM I?
I am blessed as a loving caring and nurturing creature of womankind. I love supporting the growth and development of others and helping them find their purpose in life.

WHY AM I HERE?
I am still discovering why I am here. I do know I am here for a reason.
I think I am pretty close to the discovery.

WHAT I AM I DOING FOR OTHERS?
I hope I am providing warm, nurturing and honest friendships.

CHARTING MY COURSE
In my life so far … I have taught and mentored hundreds of youth, young adults and my friends.
I have a wonderful story I wrote about of my meaningful connection with Constance and Mikalla who I met while I was giving a presentation in their respective halfway homes battling drug addiction.

MOVING FORWARD….
I hope to continue my mentorship and making inspirational contributions in peoples’ life’s.

Doing good is contagious!

MY HEROS are many, but include my mom who continuously inspires me every day to do more; Geoffrey Pete who serves the community unselfishly and is a great model of inspiration and giving for all;
I love to check in and send positive greetings with my special friends who I know are in need of a little support to access what can I do to help. Sometime the phone call works.

MY PATH OF SERVICE – CONCERNS & STRENGTHS
My concerns are increasing the number of African American women in public leadership, making resources available for young women to invest in leadership development workshops and connecting with mentors and coaches to help their careers move along.

Things that make me upset is to mass incarceration of African American men and youth, poor educational opportunities for people of color, and the host of disparities that minorities face daily.

Things that make me sad, cry and feel indignant is to see the shocking number of unemployed, uneducated and homeless number of minorities living in such a desperate manner.

My friends and I are always talking about who is going to run for office and the need to work on the solution to increase the number of African American women in public office.
Some of my strengths are connecting people, accessing peoples’ skills and interests, marketing and promotions, planning events, taking someone’s vision and helping them bring to fruition.

What make me feel good is winning a campaign, seeing my produced events unfold, making successful connections and developing marketing strategies and working with my graphic artist to illustrate my vision to the public.

I am constantly exploring and learning new talents. Not sure what talents I have which I am not using to date.

My unique experience and background is that I have worked for many years in the corporate environment with a passion for the community. Upon being laid off in 1990, I then had time to explore my next move. My next move turned out to be relatively an easy decision once I listened closely to my heart and followed my passion. In 1991, I become an entrepreneur working with non-profit ventures leading with my expertise of marketing, PR and event planning.

Next 10, 20, 30 Years – My Highest Calling
My highest calling is to use my gifts to recruit and support the development of African American women interested in public leadership. I will use my rolodex, marketing, event and PR skills to create a strategic approach to help guide them through a process to leadership.
Personally, I will become an ambassador for change to help change the world inequities by way of creating a social movement to increase African American women in public leadership throughout the US and ultimately the world.

Making a Difference in my Community…
In May, I plan to take a car full of high school seniors to meet California legislators at the State Capitol to discuss issues related to education, criminal justice, and health care.

This weekend, I plan to take three teenagers to a ladies tea at the Claremont Hotel and Spa to expose them to not only etiquette, but also provide them the opportunity to meet dynamic women leaders.

I am currently co-producing an awards ceremony to honor six (6) civic leaders who support the arts and entertainment on May 14, 2011 in Oakland.

I will co-host a meeting with the Urban League of the Bay Area on poverty to attract 50 African-American women to take action in their respective neighborhoods.

I plan to get more engaged to help spread the word about California’s redistricting initiative that will impact thousands of residents and their voting power.

Who Gave Me a Nudge
Business leader and Oakland’s entertainment ambassador, Geoffrey Pete, is one of my closest political confidants. I enjoy predicting political outcomes, bantering on issues and advocating together on a host of concerns that impact our Oakland community. He is someone who is always there when I need to talk. He may not remember but 10 years ago, he whispered in my ear the most inspiring message “know you will always have my support and you can do anything you want.” Those words have stayed with me over the years. He has no clue how that has affected me and my growth.

Thanks to Geoffrey Pete
Due to our ongoing close relationship, I have not verbally thanked him for that specific deed, but a shared respect and love for each other. I probably do not go two or three days without talking to him.

How I Plan to Nudge Others…
I am in the process of planning a Call to Action Summit for African American women interested in public leadership. Here will be a great opportunity to nudge hundreds of women.

My Motto is …
Women Make Great Leaders

Bridging the Gap…
My big project will be the upcoming Call to Action Summit for African American women interested in public leadership.

My First Step will be…
Interview women legislators learning what worked for them and what they would like to see available for other women pursuing office.

Target Date…
I plan to take my first step in January 2012

The Five Happiest People I Know…
• Gwen Booze
• Dezie Woods Jones
• My Mom
• Rajonna Lewis
• Geoffrey Pete

Things They Are Doing for Others…
• Gwen Booze – senior advocacy
• Dezie Woods Jones – political action and advocacy
• My Mom – she provides an array of social services to her tenants
• Rajonna Lewis – she works with youth to provide love through dance instruction
• Geoffrey Pete – small business advocacy

My Your Philosophy for Life…
To be a change agent for African-American women interested in public leadership

What I Will Leave Behind…
I want to be remembered for my devotion to equality for women and communities of color. I want to be remembered for my passion to work with anyone on issues of social significance and for bringing all communities of people together through information dissemination and opportunities to learn from one another.