Netisha Burnett
, , , ,

Netisha Burnett’s S.O. What! Success Story

When I randomly met Netisha Burnett at a mutual friend’s house, I never would have imagined a few years later that she would play such a major role in my life. After bringing me in to speak when she worked for Girls, Inc., she became my…
Ciara Arrington
, , , , ,

Ciara Arrington S.O. What! Success Story

As an undergraduate soror of mine, Ciara Arrington approached me when I was speaking on campus about my new book. After the program, she asked me about marketing jobs and if I had any advice. I told her to get experience, and I offered to let…
Olliette Murry-Drobot
, , , ,

From Abuse to Advocate. Olliette Murry-Drobot S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever met someone and immediately felt like you’ve known them for years? When I started on this journey of sharing my story over a decade ago, a friend suggested that I meet Olliette Murry-Drobot. We met for lunch, and we both probably…
Dr. Barbara Prescott
, , , , ,

Dr. Barbara Prescott S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever been introduced to someone who you’ve admired from afar, and it was not what you expected? I watched Dr. Barbara Prescott and admired her work. She looked like a nice person, but I had no idea just how kind, considerate,…
Vanessa Peterson
, , ,

Big things come in small packages: Vanessa Peterson S.O. What! Success Story

It seems like it was yesterday when Vanessa Peterson (Gray at the time) walked onto the University of Memphis campus with the new class of Emerging Leaders. I was a sophomore, but this girl of small stature had a huge presence. 20 plus…
LáDeia McNeal
, , , , ,

Turning a Positive HIV Diagnosis into a Positive Force for Change: LáDeia McNeal S.O. What! Success Story

When was the last time you had a challenging situation but you were able to look at the bright side or make something good out of it? Well, that’s usually easier said than done, but my friend, LáDeia McNeal does it beautifully.  After…
Almetria Turner
, , , , ,

When Transforming Your Body Transforms Your Life, Almetria Turner S.O. What! Success Story

Can you imagine someone weighing nearly 300 pounds becoming one of your health and fitness role models? As a high school junior, a few of my friends and I skipped a couple of days of school (Shush, don’t tell anyone). We spent those days…
Ashley Daniel
, , , ,

Being a Mom is a Full-Time Job, Ashley Daniel S.O. What! Success Story

One thing I know for sure is that you never know what the future holds. When I met Ashley Daniel, Bradshaw at the time. We were college freshmen excited about serving on the Student Activities Council. By our sophomore year, we were both…
Destini Johnson
, , , , ,

One of My Awesome Former Student – Destini Johnson S.O. What! Success Story

One of the greatest honors of my life was when I was asked to create a course for the University of Memphis. After I received the Fogelman College of Business and Economics Outstanding Young Alumna Award. The Dean, Rajiv Grover, learned about…