Erica Nathan
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Erica Nathan: S.O. What! Success Story

You know that friend with so many gifts and talents that you’re amazed by all they are able to do?  Fittingly, I met Erica Nathan at church through a mutual friend. Also, fittingly, she was stylish and her hair was laid. As an evangelist,…
National Speakers Association Black National Speakers Association Greg Smith Strength Award Winner Summer Owens
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How Winning a National Speakers Strength Award Inspires Strength in Others

When I came home from school on my first day of kindergarten, my mom quizzed me about my teacher's name. I excitedly repsonded, "Mrs. Muscles!". Her name was actually Mrs. Armstrong, but that memory always makes me smile even through pain…
Fred Jones Jr
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Fred Jones Jr: S.O. What! Success Story

When I moved to Memphis for college in the fall of 1997, one of the first events I just had to attend was the Southern Heritage Classic.  At the time (and for years after), it was just an amazing gathering where I was guaranteed to see friends,…
new student orientation guides
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Three Crucial Tips for College Students in New Student Orientation Programs

For most students, going to college comes with a variety of thoughts and emotions. Excitement, fear, hope, anxiety, curiousity, and uncertainty are common feelings. Those feelings are often amplified if you're a first-generation college student…
Derek Ryan
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Derek Ryan S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever connected with someone over a testimony? I’m not sure exactly how it started, but when I met Derek Ryan it seems like our first words to each other were our testimonies.  Our stories. Seeing the amazing place he was…
Karren Todd
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Dr. Karren Todd: S.O. What! Success Story

Who do you look up to? I’m grateful that there are several people I’ve observed and learned from over the years. This includes several women who look like me, who have modeled what I could and probably should be in many ways.  One…
Carlos Malave
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Carlos Malave S.O. What! Success Story

I love new friends!  Especially those with incredible stories of strength and resilience that inspire me and so many others.  Carlos Malave is one of the newest speakers in the agency that currently represents me for my college speaking.…
LeWinfred Shack
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LeWinfred Shack S.O. What! Success Story

People who give of their time and talents have a special place in my heart.  LeWinfred Shack, best known as Shack, is one of those people. We met probably a decade ago at church, and I learned about his massage therapy business.  When…
Jermaine Swagerty
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Jermaine Swagerty S.O. What! Success Story

One thing in life that we all need is SUPPORT. And that comes in different forms from different people. It’s hurtful when it doesn’t come from where you expect it, but it’s beautiful and encouraging when it comes from unexpected places. When…