Posts

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Resilient and Unstoppable: Alana Hill Story of Overcoming

In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I had the honor of talking with my friend and fellow speaker, Alana Hill. We first met through the National Speakers Association, but our connection grew deeper over a memorable lunch in Houston.…
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Resilience, Leadership, and Friendship: An Inspiring Interview with Dr. Reginald Porter Jr

In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I sit down with my friend and mastermind partner, Dr. Reginald Porter, Jr, whose journey is a masterclass in resilience and leadership. From leadership roles at FedEx to serving as chief of staff…
Dorcas Young Griffin
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From 22-Year-Old Single Mom to County Leader: Dorcas Young Griffin’s Story of Resilience

In this inspiring episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I sat down with my longtime friend, Dorcas Young Griffin, whose journey exemplifies resilience and grace. From our first connection at the Healing Center to her current role as Deputy…
motivational interview on overcoming obstacles - real life inspirational stories of success - Jara Best
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From Medical School to Medical Director: Dr. Jara Best Resilient Rise

In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I’m reconnecting with my friend, Dr. Jara Best, whose journey is a powerful example of resilience and success. From being one of only 20 Black students in her medical school class to becoming…
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Rooted in Memphis, Built on Resilience: The Cortney Richardson Story

In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I had the honor of speaking with Cortney Richardson, CEO of Peer Power Foundation and a proud University of Memphis alum. Cortney’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and…
Linda Hall
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Teen Mom to University Dean: Linda Hall Journey of Resilience and Leadership

8/22/25 Update: Due to the Dismantling DEI Departments Act, the University of Memphis closed the Multicultural Affairs Office, impacting and upsetting thousands of students and alumni who benefit from that office, Dean Hall, and staff. ___________________________________________________________________________________ In…
Grandmas - Agnes Owens and Ocie Williams at Summer Owens bridal shower
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Celebrating Grandparents Day: How I Turned Grief Into Something Grief On My Grandparents Day First Without My Grandmas

This Grandparents Day is bittersweet for me. It's the first one without my grandmothers, Agnes Idella “Dorothy” Jones Owens and Ocie Lee Woods Williams, who both transitioned this year. They were two of the strongest, wisest women…
Mahal Burr
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100 Lessons My Centenarians Grandmas Taught Me

How do you deal with grief? Well, when I lost my girls (both of my grandmothers) five days apart last month, I had to demonstrate what I teach and practice what I preach. I had to say, "S.O. What!" and, "so NOW what?" to focus on ways…
Mahal Burr
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Overcoming Odds: Mahal Burr’s S.O. What! Success Story

You never know what the next person has gone through, overcome, or still dealing with.  Last year I had the incredible opportunity to host the Women of Achievement awards. As a 2012 Heroism honoree, I had been introduced to a beautiful sisterhood…