One thing I always tell my students is to talk to people. And something that almost always happens is you’ll find a lot that you have in common. Melissa Graham and I started talking because both of us have a passion for student success. But not only did we learn she had an emotional story of being […]
You never know where your dreams can take you. In 2011, I started my speaking business, S.O. What! LLC, and the next year I founded the S.O What! Foundation. I had no idea how hard it would be to lead and grow both organizations simultaneously. For over a decade I’ve kept both going and growing […]
Yesterday as I drove back to my house, I asked my granddaughter what was she was thankful for. She said the expected, “my family, my friends, my home…”. I encouraged to be more specific and gave her the example, “I’m thankful for my car that has heat and provides me with a way to pick […]
Do you attend your college or high school homecoming events and games? As a student at the University of Memphis, I enjoyed the basketball games but have never been a big football fan. So the first Homecoming I attended was when I was a finalist for Ms. University of Memphis in 2001. That was an […]
One of the hardest things, in my opinion, to do is to be a parent. Then add being a teen parent. How about a single parent? How about to four…boys? Whew. When I became a mentor at the Adolescent Parenting Program, I met Gloria Saulsberry, and that had been her life. She was married by […]
Something made me sad then made me so happy at the airport recently. When I arrived at the airport at 5:30am, I wasn’t surprised there was a long line for security. However I was surprised it was allll the way to the entrance of the airport. Thankfully, I have TSA Pre-check and had already checked in […]
When the artist becomes a businessman a beautiful creation and asset to a city is born. Ekundayo Bandele has always known he was an artist, a creator. Since I’ve lived in Memphis, I have heard his name and admired his work. Ekundayo Bandele has had his share of challenges and tough choices on his journey […]
When I attended my first Influence, the premier conference for professional speakers, I was excited and also intimidated. But I was immediately embraced. One of the incredible, experienced speakers who welcomed me was Ed Robinson, the Rainmaker. Standing over six feet tall, his presence alone could have intimidated me. However, his smile and kind words […]
When the blueprint is not given to you, but you still succeed and exceed even your own expectations. That’s the story of my friend, Dr. Mario Brown. As college students at the predominantly white institution, the University of Memphis. We were often leaders together and our pictures were often included in promotional material together. And […]
